
Welcome to Dandeli
Where Adventure Meets Nature in the Heart of Western Ghats
Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats of Karnataka, Dandeli is a captivating riverside town that has earned its reputation as the βAdventure Capital of South Indiaβ. Located in the Uttara Kannada district, this enchanting destination sits gracefully on the banks of the mighty Kali River, surrounded by dense evergreen forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
At approximately 470 metres above sea level, Dandeli offers a perfect blend of thrilling adventure activities, incredible wildlife encounters, and serene natural beauty. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking white-water rafting thrills, a nature enthusiast eager to spot rare wildlife, or someone simply looking to escape the chaos of city life, Dandeli welcomes you with open arms and endless possibilities.
Explore Dandeli β Resorts, River Rafting & Jungle Adventures
Discover the wild beauty of Dandeli with curated jungle resorts, thrilling river rafting, and wildlife safaris. Located on the banks of the Kali River in North Karnataka, Dandeli offers unparalleled scenic beauty with exotic wildlife and adventure activities.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting, exploring the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, or relaxing in nature-friendly Dandeli resorts, your perfect getaway starts here.
Popular Dandeli Activities
π Best Time to Visit Dandeli
October to May is ideal for Dandeli tourism. For rafting enthusiasts, monsoon (June-September) offers high water levels. Learn more β
πAbout Dandeli
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Dandeli is Karnataka's adventure capital. Explore dense forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy water sports. Discover more β
Location
Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka β’ 15Β°15'N, 74Β°37'E
Elevation
Approximately 470 metres above sea level
The Kali River
Flowing through the heart of Dandeli, perfect for rafting & kayaking
Wildlife
Black panthers, elephants, great hornbills & 300+ bird species
Forest Cover
Dense Western Ghats forests β’ Part of biodiversity hotspot
Best Season
October to March β’ Pleasant weather, ideal for all activities
Why Dandeli is Famous
π Adventure Tourism Hub
Dandeli is renowned across India for its world-class white-water rafting experiences on the Kali River. The river offers rapids of varying grades, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Beyond rafting, adventure enthusiasts flock here for kayaking, canoeing, river crossing, zorbing, and jungle trekking through untamed wilderness.
π¦ Wildlife & Biodiversity
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve form one of the most biodiverse regions in South India. Home to the elusive black panther, Asian elephants, sloth bears, and the majestic great hornbill, Dandeli is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The forests here are part of the Western Ghats, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots.
ποΈ Off-Beat Nature Retreat
Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Dandeli retains its pristine, off-beat charm. The combination of riverside resorts, forest camps, eco-lodges, and the opportunity to disconnect from urban chaos makes it an ideal retreat. Wake up to the calls of hornbills, drift along misty river channels, camp under star-lit skies, and experience nature in its purest form.
Must-Visit Attractions
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore 834 sq km of protected forest, home to rare species
Syntheri Rock
Massive monolith carved by river erosion in deep jungle
Kavala Caves
Ancient limestone caves with stalactite formations
Sathodi Falls
Scenic waterfall nestled in lush forest surroundings
Kali River Backwaters
Calm stretches perfect for kayaking and nature watching
Anshi National Park
Part of the larger tiger reserve, rich in biodiversity
How to Reach Dandeli
By Air
Hubli Airport: ~70 km
Belgaum Airport: ~100 km
Both connected to major Indian cities
By Road
Well-connected from:
Goa, Bengaluru, Mangalore
State buses & private cabs available
By Train
Alnavar Junction: ~24 km
Londa Junction: ~30 km
Taxi/bus to Dandeli from stations
Ready to Explore Dandeli?
From misty mornings to starlit camping nights, Dandeli offers year-round experiences for families, friends, and corporate groups. Let us help you plan the perfect adventure!
