This Dandeli Birdwatching Guide is an operational, habitat-focused manual designed for both newcomers and experienced birders who want reliable approaches to spotting emblematic Western Ghats species—hornbills, kingfishers, barbets and a wide array of resident and migratory passerines—without compromising ethical field behaviour or local regulations. The guide explains which microhabitats (riverine edges, canopy corridors, bamboo groves and riparian shrub) produce the highest species diversity at different times of year, and it provides precise timing cues so birders can plan dawn and dusk outings to overlap with peak activity windows. We categorise observation zones by accessibility and expected species groups: Ganeshgudi backwaters and river islands for waterbirds and hornbills, Kulgi and Maulangi trails for canopy specialists and drongos, and timber-yard viewpoints for kingfisher and wader sightings. Each entry includes safe access notes (how to approach hides, where to keep boats or vehicles anchored, and points where forest permits are required) and practical tips on how to set up a riverside hide or use a bean bag for steady telephoto work. Field gear recommendations are concrete: binoculars (8x42 or 10x42), a telephoto lens when possible, a compact tripod or bean bag for river boats, lightweight field guides or offline birding apps, and small notebooks for logging sightings. We emphasise sound-recording etiquette and teach how to use call-playback sparingly and only under expert guidance to avoid disrupting breeding territories. Seasonality sections explain why November–March is the general high-season for activity and migrants, while pre-monsoon and monsoon windows reveal breeding plumages and nesting behaviours that can reward patient observers. Practical itineraries balance river safaris with dawn canopy walks and guided hide sessions to give a mix of distant and close-up observation opportunities. Ethical birding and safety are core themes: keep quiet, remain on marked trails, avoid nest disturbance, respect distance guidelines and follow forest staff instructions. Booking checklists cover how to reserve naturalists, coordinate early pickups, obtain required permits and align group sizes to minimise disturbance. The guide concludes with quick-reference checklists and contingency options—if heavy rain cancels a river session, recommended alternatives include village eco-visits, canopy observations from staff-approved viewpoints, or guided indoor talks that deepen field knowledge. The writing is factual and actionable to help birders plan productive, low-impact visits to Dandeli.