Complete Dandeli Trip Itinerary
Your comprehensive roadmap from arrival to departure - with timings, distances, permits & insider tips
Plan Your Dandeli Adventure
Welcome to the most comprehensive Dandeli trip planning guide. Whether you're coming for a quick weekend getaway or an extended nature retreat, this guide covers everything - from exact distances and timings to permit requirements and what's included in resort packages.
Dandeli, located in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, sits on the banks of the Kali River surrounded by the Western Ghats. At 470 meters elevation, it offers a blend of adventure sports, wildlife encounters, and serene nature experiences.
Choose Your Trip Duration
Select based on your available time and adventure appetite
1 Night / 2 Days
Weekend warriors, couples, first-timers
- River rafting experience
- Resort water activities
- Campfire night
- 1 sightseeing spot
2 Nights / 3 Days
Families, adventure seekers, photographers
- All Day 1 activities
- Jungle Safari
- Syntheri Rocks visit
- Multiple adventure activities
3+ Nights
Nature lovers, photographers, relaxation seekers
- Complete Dandeli experience
- Multiple safari trips
- Kavala Caves exploration
- Leisure & relaxation time
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Detailed hour-by-hour breakdown of your Dandeli adventure
Arrival & Adventure
Check-in, Water Activities & Evening Fun
Travel to Resort
Depart early from your city. Scenic drive through Western Ghats.
Check-in & Welcome
Resort check-in, room allocation, welcome drink. Safety briefing for activities.
Lunch
Buffet lunch with local Karnataka cuisine options (veg/non-veg).
Water & Rope Activities
Kayaking, Coracle ride, Water zorbing, Zip-line, Burma bridge, Commando net. Rotate through activities with your group.
Evening Tea & Relaxation
Tea/coffee with snacks. Rest time before dinner.
Dinner
Buffet dinner with multiple cuisine options.
Campfire & Entertainment
Bonfire with music, DJ, group games. Stargazing in clear weather.
Adventure & Departure
River Rafting, Sightseeing & Check-out
Breakfast
Early energizing breakfast. Pack light for rafting.
White Water Rafting
9km rafting on Kali River. Grade II-III rapids. Professional guides, life jackets, helmets provided. Swimming allowed at calm stretches.
Freshen Up & Lunch
Return to resort, quick shower, buffet lunch.
Sightseeing (1 spot)
Visit Supa Dam backwaters OR Nature viewpoint. Photo opportunities.
Check-out & Departure
Complete check-out formalities. Depart for home with memories!
Nearby Places to Explore
Complete guide to attractions around Dandeli with distances, timings & entry details
Syntheri Rocks
Massive 300-foot monolithic granite formation carved by Kaneri River over millions of years. Features natural pools at the base during monsoon.
Kavala Caves (Kavala Gudda)
Ancient limestone caves with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Houses a Shiva lingam inside. Adventure enthusiasts enjoy cave exploration.
Supa Dam
Major dam on Kali River creating serene backwaters. Offers stunning sunset views, boating, and photography opportunities.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Home to black panthers, Asian elephants, sloth bears, great hornbills, and 200+ bird species.
Sathodi Falls
Scenic horseshoe-shaped waterfall nestled in lush forest. Best visited during monsoon when water flow is at peak.
Anshi National Park
Part of Kali Tiger Reserve, this national park is home to tigers, leopards, and diverse flora. Less crowded than main sanctuary.
Ulavi Caves
Natural rock shelters with ancient temple inside. Reached by a trek through pristine forest. Less tourist traffic.
Shivapura Hanging Bridge
Thrilling suspension bridge over Kali River offering panoramic views. Great for photography and quick adventure.
Moulangi Eco Park
Well-maintained eco park with nature trails, viewpoints, and family-friendly facilities. Good for evening walks.
Kali River Backwaters
Calm river stretches suitable for kayaking, coracle rides, and peaceful boating through forest-lined waters.
What's Included in Resort Packages
Understand exactly what you're paying for
Typically INCLUDED in 1N/2D Package
- Accommodation (1 night)(Tent/Cottage/Room as per selection)
- Welcome drink
- 3 Buffet Meals(Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast (Veg/Non-veg options))
- Evening Tea & Snacks
- Swimming Pool Access(Where available)
- Water Activities(Kayaking, Coracle, Water Zorbing (15-30 mins each))
- Rope Activities(Zipline, Burma Bridge, Commando Net)
- Indoor/Outdoor Games(Carrom, Chess, TT, Volleyball, Cricket)
- Campfire & Music
- 9km River Rafting(Most resorts - verify before booking)
- 1-4 Sightseeing Spots(Varies by resort)
- Rain Dance(Seasonal/where available)
- Archery(Basic equipment provided)
- Nature Walk
Usually NOT INCLUDED (Extra Cost)
- Jungle Safari₹650/person(Spot booking at Pansoli gate)
- Extended Rafting (16km)₹800/person(Longer stretch with more rapids)
- Transportation to/from Dandeli(Arrange own transport)
- Transportation to Sightseeing(Own vehicle or extra charge)
- Personal Expenses
- Adventure Photography Package₹1,500
- DJ Sound System₹2,000(For private parties)
- Bird Watching Tour₹200/person
- Forest Trekking (guided)₹300/person
- Mountain Biking₹400/person
- River Fishing₹500/person
Important Notes
- ⚠️ Package contents vary by resort - always confirm inclusions before booking
- 🌊 Rafting depends on water levels - may be unavailable during low water (Feb-May)
- 🐆 Safari is NOT pre-bookable - arrive at Pansoli gate early for spot slots
- 🚗 Transport within Dandeli for sightseeing is usually extra unless specified
- 🍽️ Some resorts offer unlimited meals, others have fixed menu - verify before booking
- 📞 Contact our team for exact package details of each resort
How to Reach Dandeli
Distances and travel times from major cities
Bangalore
450 km💡 Start early morning to reach by evening. Overnight buses available.
Goa
110 km💡 Scenic Western Ghats route. Great weekend trip from Goa.
Hubli
75 km💡 Nearest airport (HBX). Frequent buses available.
Mumbai
500 km💡 Recommend flight to Hubli, then 1.5hr cab to Dandeli.
Pune
400 km💡 Popular weekend trip. Good highway conditions.
Nearest Airports
- Hubli Airport (HBX)75 km (1.5 hours)
- Belgaum Airport (IXG)110 km (2.5 hours)
- Goa Airport (GOI)150 km (3.5 hours)
Nearest Railway Stations
- Alnavar Junction (LWR)32 km (45 mins)
- Londa Junction (LD)48 km (1 hour)
- Hubli Junction (UBL)75 km (1.5 hours)
Important Timings
Standard timings across most Dandeli resorts
Check-in
Early check-in subject to availability (may have extra charge)
Check-out
Late checkout may be available on request
Activity Timings
- Jungle Safari (Morning)5:30 AM - 8:00 AM
- Jungle Safari (Evening)3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
- River Rafting8:00 AM - 11:00 AM (usually)
- Water Activities2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Campfire8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
🍽️ Meal Timings
- Breakfast7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- Lunch12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
- Evening Tea5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Dinner7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Essential Trip Tips
Insider advice for a smooth Dandeli adventure
Booking Tips
- Book 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Feb)
- Weekends fill up fast - book early or visit weekdays for better rates
- Confirm package inclusions before payment
- Ask about group discounts for 10+ people
Packing Essentials
- Quick-dry clothes for water activities
- Comfortable walking/trekking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap/hat
- Insect repellent (essential for forest)
- Waterproof bag for phone/camera during rafting
- Light jacket for evenings (can get cold)
- Personal medications
- Power bank (limited charging points)
Activity Tips
- Start activities early morning when wildlife is active
- Wear neutral colors for safari (no bright colors)
- Don't skip rafting - it's the highlight of Dandeli
- Carry binoculars for bird watching and safari
- Keep camera ready but secured during water activities
Travel Tips
- Fuel up at Hubli or Alnavar - limited pumps en route
- Night driving in forest areas not recommended
- GPS may not work - download offline maps
- Roads are narrow in forest sections - drive carefully
- Keep some cash handy - limited card acceptance
Safety Tips
- Follow guide instructions during all activities
- Wear life jackets during water activities
- Don't venture into forest alone
- Maintain distance from wildlife during safari
- Stay hydrated - Dandeli can get warm
- Inform resort if you have medical conditions
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