Overview
Dandeli, a picturesque town on the shores of the Kali River in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada region, is part of the Western Ghats. It’s the ideal weekend vacation, and if you have more time on your hands, the better! The place is overflowing with fascinating activities and places to recharge. It’s self-evident that you must conduct study before travelling someplace, right? With the Internet awash with data, it’s easy to become engrossed in it and lose track of your travel plans. No worries, I’m here to provide you with an easy-to-follow travel guide that will help you complete the majority of your preparations. Everything you need to know about how to get there, what you can do, and basic information is right here.
History of Dandeli
Dandeli is likewise steeped in a long and fascinating history. There is a common legend that explains how this location came to be known as: Dandelappa, a lowly servant of the Mirashi landowners, once fell in love with the family’s lady of the house. The lady also answered, proposing to marry Dandelappa. Afterwards lied to her brothers about Dandelappa, claiming that his behaviour was unacceptable. Hearing this, her brothers killed Dandelappa and chopped him in half in a fit of rage. His head and body fell in different sections of the town, where there are now two temples in his memory, and this is how the town earned its name of ‘Dandeli.’
Places to Visit
Dandeli is a preferred spot for adventurers, photographers, trekkers, and nature lovers. There is a lot to see and discover, as well as various adventurous activities and things to do. The following are some of the most popular locations to visit in the Dandeli area.
DANDELI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, a wildlife safari is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of Dandeli’s lush woodlands. Jeep trips in wildlife refuges are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see wild animals, unique birds, and uncommon reptiles in their natural habitat. Dandeli is an ideal holiday resort for adventure seekers. Dandeli offers it all, from white-water rafting on the Kali River to mountain biking, with the prospect of witnessing tigers as well as endangered bird species.
DANDELAPPA TEMPLE
Devotees flock to the temple at Ganesh Gudi to worship Lord Dandelappa. The temple’s surroundings is a magnificent delight for the eyes, with enchanting natural beauty. According to legend, everyone who prays here would have their wishes granted.
MOULANGI ECO PARK
The Moulangi Eco Park is a renowned tourist site in Dandeli, and it is nestled within lush forests, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and towering bamboo trees. This location is ideal for campers and adventure seekers. Eco Park, around 11 kilometres from Kali’s Wilderness Camp, is a great area for a picnic. Its sheer cliffs are a trekker’s delight. The location is also suitable for picnics or camping for groups or families. Summer (26°C to 28°C) and winter (9°C to 23°C) are the best times to visit.
SRI MALLIKARJUNA TEMPLE
The Sri Mallikarjuna Temple in Dandeli, which is situated in Ganesh Gudi, is one of the area’s oldest temples. It is said to predate the Shivaji Fort. The land on which this temple is built was provided by Kadamba King Jayakeshi in 1144, according to a stone within the temple. This temple’s most notable feature is its mind-blowing architecture, which draws a significant number of pilgrims throughout the year. The “Navarang mantap” inside the sanctum sanctorum is the temple’s main feature.
Things to do
WHITEWATER RAFTING
An adrenaline surge that helps you forget about the rest of the world, your troubles, and concentrate on the present moment! Imagine rafting down the raging Kali River, your heart racing. That is exactly what you will be doing, as well as a lot more. The Dandeli rafting path, which stretches for 9 kilometres and takes you through flourishing forests and over furious, class 3 rapids, is one of the most popular activities in Dandeli. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You may alternatively take a shorter path that will just take you about a kilometre or two (but will still take you through some high rapids). There’s no need to be concerned because you’ll be given training and helmets and life jackets.
KAYAKING
A kayak is a one- and two kayaks shaped like a banana. Kayaking necessitates the use of a double-bladed oar. Near the Supa pond, Ganeshgudi is a great site for first-timers and seasoned kayakers alike to enjoy the excitement of kayaking. Kayaking may be done in broad areas of quiet water or through more difficult roaring rapids. Other water activities include ZORBING, ZIPLINING, NATURAL JACUZZI BATH, RIVER CROSSING, SWIMMING, and CORACLE RIDING, to name a few. All swimming activities take place in Ganeshgudi, which is 22 kilometres from Dandeli town and near the Supa Pond.
JUNGLE SAFARI
Who doesn’t like a journey in the bush in an open jeep? Seeing wild creatures in their native environment, such as tigers, panthers, elephants, antelope, and a variety of birds and insects. It’s a wonder unlike any other, a really unforgettable encounter. The safari will last an hour and will take you into the wildlife sanctuary, where you will be met by views of rivers, Dandeli’s beautiful woods, and the opportunity to see the wild as it is!
BIRD WATCHING TOURS
Dandeli is an excellent spot to see and hear several incredible bird species, the most famous of which being the Great Indian Hornbill. From October through March is the greatest period to see both migratory and native birds.
