Dandeli is a town located on the banks of the river Kali in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka & is an ideal vacation destination in North Karnataka. This small town is full of promises of adventure, scenic beauty & soothing solitude for all. It has been gaining a lot of popularity among travelers & is becoming a favorite spot for those who love nature. It is also known as ‘Mini-India’ as it is home to people from all parts of the country. The main festivals of this town include Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi & Diwali along with the Ramleela performed annually during Dussehra. The language predominantly spoken in this town is Kannada.

HISTORY

Dandeli has a rich & fascinating history that makes for some great folklore. A local legend states that the city is named after Dandelappa, a local deity & a humble servant of the Mirashi landlords who lost his life because of his loyalty. An alternative legend states that a king named Dandakanayaka passed through the forest & named it after himself & the city is believed to stand on the place where Dandakaranya stood when he named the area.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road
From Goa (Panjim): Kms: 136 via road (NH748)
Duration: Approximately 3 hrs 33 mins

From Goa (Madgaon): Kms: 117 via road (NH748)
Duration: Approximately 3 hrs 5 mins

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Dandeli is from October to May when its beauty blooms in full glory.

The ideal time to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to November to view different species in their natural habitat.

March to May is the suitable time for water sports & adventure activities when the weather is pleasant & doubles the fun.

WHAT TO SEE

Places to visit in Dandeli:

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – It is a wildlife sanctuary located on the banks of the river Kali in Dandeli & is the second largest in Karnataka. This sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, black panthers, crocodiles, birds, reptiles etc. It has become an important tourist destination & attracts many local & foreign tourists.

• Dandakaranya Eco Park – It is a theme park located in Dandeli & is one of the best tourist spots. This park is renowned for its famous statues of well-known Hollywood animated movies & Indian cartoon characters, attracting a number of children to bond with nature.

• Moulangi Eco Park – It is an eco park located 7 kms from Dandeli & is a popular picnic spot for tourists. It is filled with beautiful bamboo trees & is home to various species of plants & animals. This park is ideal for adventure lovers & campers.

WHAT TO EAT

There are a few restaurants in Dandeli which offer South Indian food. It is best to to go with the food offered by the resort you are staying.

There are meal houses also known as Khanavals, which offer vegetarian food on per plate basis.

ACCOMODATION

Resorts in Dandeli:

• Bison River Resort
• Starling River Resort
• Whistling Woodzs Resort
• Hornbill River Resort
• Magenta Resort
• Dew Drops Jungle Resort
• Century Resort

#Bookings on request

THINGS TO DO

Shop:

• Bamboo craft items.
• Souvenirs such as bags, hand woven baskets, flutes, body gears made out of bamboo.

Activities:

• White Water Rafting & Coracle Boat Ride in Kali River
• Wildlife Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mountain Biking, Bird Watching & Nature Walk in the Forest of Dandeli
• Experiencing the Natural Jacuzzi Bath or River Crossing
• Trekking