Dandeli

 

 Significant part of Dandeli's population consists of economic migrants from all over India, especially the north/south Indian states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and many districts of the Karnataka state. The official and predominant language of communication is Kannada.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007. The jungle is also home to several varieties of reptiles and almost 300 varieties of birds. The rapid expansion of industry has raised fears of ecological damage to the area, and local volunteer groups have formed to address the issue.

Backwaters sunset

Dandeli has a huge dam built across river Kali originating from western ghats. Water stored in this dam is released for adventure sports and power generation. It forms backwaters. After an action-packed day, you can head to Dandeli backwaters which is a picturesque location for bird watchers. The calm and serene location is ideal to take a lovely stroll, breathing fresh air. This area is also famous for its peaceful sunsets. Make sure you get your profile picture clicked in the backdrop of blue waters, thick green jungle, and the golden yellow evening light of setting sun.

White water rafting

Let us start with the best – River Rafting. The thrill you get when you tumble down the foamy white waters of the fast-flowing Kali river is simply extraordinary. You will be seated, along with your co-adventurers, on an inflated boat called a raft boat. An experienced and certified captain will sail your raft. He will initially brief you on basic rafting etiquette, assign your seats on the raft according to your weight, and give you instructions to follow. The big dips your raft jumps across the boulder-strewn riverbed are called “rapids”. Rapids give you the real kick.

People typically go for short rafting which involves a single big rapid. This rapid is repeated 2 or 3 times. Few folks who don’t have time or money constraints would go for long river rafting which typically involves around 15 rapids and takes half a day. This has to be pre-booked. A short river rafting does not need any advance booking. Don’t know swimming? Worry not, you don’t need to know swimming to indulge in river rafting. The raft is designed such that it doesn’t usually capsize. Life jackets are 100% mandatory.

 

Cave exploration

Ulavi is a small remote village perched in the middle of the Dandeli reserve forest cut off from any civilization. It’s just about a 30 min journey from Dandeli town. It offers a great trekking opportunity in the forest to a cave system that has interesting stories behind them. 5 minutes into the trek, you will spot a bird-watching tower set up by the forest department. From here, one can experience cool breeze and birds singing in their natural setting. A 30 minute downhill trek will take you to a cold water spring which has a legend behind it. Your guide will explain this story. Another 20-minute trek will take you to the base of the rock formation that is home to Ulavi caves. It used to be a challenging rock climbing from here. But recently, the villagers and forest department have come together to construct steps and steel ladders to reach the entrance of the caves. You will have to crawl through a tunnel to enter the cave system that has many interconnected chambers. One of these chambers opens up to a vast expanse of dense forest and open sky overlooking a deep valley. This very sight is magnificent and worth all the effort. 

Camping in jungle

An eventful day might have been over, but the night has just begun. This is your third visit to the camp after your morning breakfast and late afternoon Lunch. By now you know your tent and whom you are sharing it with. It’s a properly fenced private property – a homestay cum campsite and well lit up. Enjoy a hot cup of tea and relax for a while. The camp folks will set up a bonfire for your group, and assign you a music system. There are usually no restrictions over there. You can even have your limited drinks or smoke without causing inconvenience to others. The homestay folks will take care of the safety and security of everybody. There is no danger of wild animals inside the campsite premises. Just don’t dare to go for a night walk in the jungle.

Make sure you don’t miss early morning hues in the forest. The morning mist accompanied by the rising sun gives another beautiful experience. This time is also ripe for some good selfies. You can compensate for your lack of sleep in the vehicle later.