Dandeli, nestled in Karnataka's Western Ghats along the Kali River, stands as South India's premier adventure and ecotourism destination. This comprehensive guide covers 25 unique attractions combining natural beauty, wildlife experiences, water sports, and cultural heritage—perfect for travelers planning trips in late 2025 and early 2026.
Water Activities on Kali River
1. White Water Rafting
Category: Water Activity
Description: Thrilling rafting experience with Grade II–III rapids offering three options — Short (1–2 km, 30–45 min), Mid (4–6 km, 1.5 hours), Long (9–12 km, 3–4 hours).
Cost: Short ₹500 | Mid ₹1,000 | Long ₹1,500–₹1,800
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Distance from Town: 20–22 km (Ganeshgudi area)
Key Tip: Best season October–June; non-swimmers allowed with safety jackets; government-approved activity with trained guides.
2. Kayaking
Category: Water Activity
Description: Paddle through calm stretches or rapids of Kali River and Supa Reservoir with professional instruction.
Cost: ₹150–₹200 per person
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 15–20 minutes
Distance: 20–22 km (Ganeshgudi area)
Key Tip: Dandeli is South India’s only location for advanced kayaking courses; both flatwater and rapid options available.
3. Coracle Ride
Category: Water Activity
Description: Traditional round bamboo boat ride on Kali River, silent navigation perfect for wildlife and crocodile spotting.
Cost: ₹300 per person
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Distance: 1.5 km from town center
Key Tip: Accommodates 4 people including guide; excellent for birdwatching due to quiet operation.
4. Boating
Category: Water Activity
Description: Raft boating on kali rivers calm water. Best for beginner who haven't done rafting yet.
Cost: ₹150–₹200 per person
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 15–20minutes
Distance: 20–22 km (Ganeshgudi area)
Key Tip: Best October–February; capacity 6–8 persons; ideal for peaceful ride and nature observation.
Natural Attractions & Geological Wonders
5. Syntheri Rocks
Category: Natural Attraction
Description: Massive 300-foot volcanic rock formation carved by Kaneri River, featuring natural caves and pigeon colonies.
Cost: ₹50 per person + ₹30 Bike parking or ₹50 Car parking
Timings: 09:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: 31–35 km
Key Tip: Requires entry ticket; 200 steep steps descent; 15–20 min walk from parking; avoid during heavy monsoons.
6. Kavala Caves
Category: Natural Attraction / Adventure
Description: Ancient limestone caves formed by volcanic activity with 4-foot natural Shivalinga, requires crawling through narrow passages.
Cost: Free entry, ₹500 trekking fee, ₹1000 guide per group
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Trek departs 6:00 AM sharp)
Duration: 4 hours (half day)
Distance: 24 km inside sanctuary
Key Tip: Only one daily trek at 6 AM; 3–4 km walk plus 375 steps descent; carry torch/candle; best October–February; lit during Shivaratri festival.
7. Sathodi Falls
Category: Waterfall
Description: Rectangular 50-foot waterfall nicknamed "Mini Niagara," cascading into a natural swimming pool.
Cost: ₹20 entry + ₹70 Car parking fee
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours (including travel)
Distance: 65–70 km from Dandeli
Key Tip: Best November–April; requires high-clearance vehicle; avoid monsoon (leeches); 500m walk from parking; swimming allowed in natural pool.
8. Magod Falls
Category: Waterfall
Description: Two-tiered waterfall dropping 650 feet from Bedti River, surrounded by Western Ghats forests.
Cost: Free
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 3–4 hours
Distance: 69–72 km from Dandeli
Key Tip: Best July–December; dry during summer; walking trail with handrails to viewpoint; combine with Kavade Kere lake (10 km before falls).
9. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Category: Wildlife & Nature
Description: Tiger reserve spanning 834 sq km, home to tigers, leopards, elephants, black panthers, bison, and 300+ bird species.
Cost: ₹40 Indians, ₹80 Foreigners
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours (safari)
Distance: 13 km (Kulgi entry)
Key Tip: Best October–May; closed July–September in core areas; jeep safari essential; early morning/evening best for wildlife spotting.
10. Jungle Safari (Jeep Safari)
Category: Wildlife Activity
Description: Guided 2-hour open jeep safari covering 14 km through sanctuary, spot bison, deer, peacocks, hornbills.
Cost: ₹600 per person
Timings: Morning: 6:00–8:00 AM | Evening: 4:00–6:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 13 km (Kulgi reporting point)
Key Tip: Report 15 minutes early; book in advance; two daily sessions; safari operated by Forest Department with trained naturalists.
11. Anshi National Park
Category: National Park
Description: Part of Kali Tiger Reserve, merged with Dandeli sanctuary; rich biodiversity; designated hornbill and crocodile reserve.
Cost: ₹40 entry, Safari ₹450–₹600
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: 52 km
Key Tip: Best January–May and October–December; safari timings same as Dandeli sanctuary; trekking trails available.
12. Crocodile Park
Category: Wildlife Spot
Description: Karnataka's first crocodile park featuring 150+ crocodiles in natural Kali River habitat with safe viewing ramp.
Cost: ₹50 adults, ₹25 children
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 1–2 hours
Distance: 4 km from dandeli
Key Tip: Inaugurated June 2021; no feeding allowed; photography permitted from safe distance; best October–May for crocodile basking.
Viewpoints
13. Sykes Point
Category: Viewpoint
Description: Need Permission. Panoramic viewpoint offering stunning Dandeli valley vistas and confluence of Kali and Nagzari rivers.
Cost: Free
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 1–2 hours
Distance: 23–24 km (6 km from Ambikanagar)
Key Tip: Named after British engineer who discovered it; spectacular sunset views; giant hornbills frequently spotted; permission from KPCL for trekking access.
14. Shiroli Peak
Category: Viewpoint / Trekking
Description: Highest point in Uttara Kannada region inside sanctuary with spectacular Sahyadri Range views.
Cost: Free (Forest Department permission required)
Timings: All day (with permission)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: 22–25 km
Key Tip: Accessible by jeep or trek; popular safari stop; sunset photography spot; gazebo at top; panoramic forest canopy views.
Eco Parks & Gardens
15. Moulangi Eco Park
Category: Eco Park
Description: Riverside park with bamboo forests, rock formations, and meandering river views; family-friendly picnic spot.
Cost: ₹20–₹30 entry + parking extra
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 2–4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Key Tip: Activities include zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing; children's play area; perfect for family outings; built to protect River Kali from encroachment.
16. Disney Park (Dandakaranya Eco Park)
Category: Theme Park
Description: Theme park featuring 20+ statues of Disney characters, Marvel superheroes (Avengers, Batman), and Indian cartoons (Chhota Bheem).
Cost: ₹20–₹30 entry
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 1–3 hours
Distance: 0.1 km (90 meters from town center)
Key Tip: Family-friendly; teak forest setting; dedicated kids' play area with swings and slides; perfect photo opportunities.
Water Bodies & Dams
17. Supa Dam Backwaters
Category: Dam / Water Body
Description: Serene 124 sq km reservoir behind Supa/Nagoda Dam nestled in Western Ghats with scenic sunset views.
Cost: Free (activities extra)
Timings: Dawn to dusk
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: 21–24 km (near Bapeli Cross)
Key Tip: Popular camping destination; boating, kayaking, fishing available; crystal-clear calm waters; best evening visit for sunset; spot elephants and bison on approach.
18. Kadra Dam
Category: Dam / Viewpoint
Description: Dam across Kali River with landscaped garden area and peaceful surroundings.
Cost: Nominal entry
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 1–2 hours
Distance: 70 km from dandeli
Key Tip: Cannot access dam wall directly; main attraction is garden; 45-minute walk recommended; bring food for picnic; vehicle parking available.
Cultural & Religious Sites
19. Ulavi Temple
Category: Cultural / Religious
Description: Sacred Lingayat pilgrimage site with Channabasavanna Samadhi, Chalukyan-style architecture, surrounded by Western Ghats forests.
Cost: Free
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: 47 km
Key Tip: Famous Ulavi Jatra festival in February (Magha Purnima); multiple caves nearby (Aakalu Gavi, Mahamane Gavi); Kodathalli Falls (50 ft) nearby.
Adventure Activities
20. River Crossing
Category: Adventure Activity
Description: Adventure challenge to cross Kali River using a safety harness attached to a rope spanning both banks.
Cost: ₹200–₹250
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 10-15 minute
Distance: 22 km (Ganeshgudi area)
Key Tip: Done in groups with experienced guide; requires stamina and good balance; all safety equipment provided; thrilling water contact experience.
21. Zip Lining
Category: Adventure Activity
Description: 100-meter zipline across Kali River offering aerial forest and river views.
Cost: ₹200-₹300
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 1 Jump
Distance: 22 km (Ganeshgudi)
Key Tip: Minimum age 12 years; safety gear and certified instructors provided; best way to overcome fear of heights; spectacular river views below.
22. Trekking / Nature Walk
Category: Adventure Activity
Description: Multiple trails — Kavala Caves (3–4 km), Kulgi–Nagzari Valley (15 km, 8 hours), Potoli–Shiroli (13 km, 5–6 hours).
Cost: ₹500 per person + ₹1000 guide per group
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM (early morning starts)
Duration: 4–8 hours depending on trail
Distance: Various locations
Key Tip: Wear full boots for leeches (monsoon/winter); carry sufficient water; permits required from Kulgi Nature Camp; early morning departures essential.
23. Rope Cycling
-
Category: Adventure Activity
-
Description: Cycling on a bicycle suspended on a thick rope or wire, high above the ground/River side, secured with a harness and safety equipment.
-
Cost: ₹250 – ₹300 (Starting price per person, may vary)
-
Timings: Generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Check with the specific operator for exact slot times)
-
Duration: Approximately 15 - 30 minutes (including briefing, setup, and the actual ride)
-
Distance: Bamanagi Village (7km), Ganeshgudi area (22 km)
-
Key Tip: Focus on your balance and pedal steadily; it's a great activity for a unique perspective and an adrenaline rush
Nature Experiences
24. Bird Watching
Category: Nature Activity
Description: Spot 300+ bird species including 4 hornbill types: Great, Malabar Pied, Malabar Grey, and Indian Grey Hornbill.
Cost: Free (part of safari/trekking)
Timings: Early morning / Evening best
Duration: 2–3 hours
Distance: Throughout sanctuary
Key Tip: Best January–February; early morning ideal for active birds; Old Magazine House at Ganeshgudi is an excellent spot; hornbill festival in February; patience required.
25. Camping (Jungle Camping)
Category: Outdoor Activity
Description: Overnight jungle camping with tent/cottage stay, campfire, barbecue, and nature immersion.
Cost: ₹1,200–₹1,400 per person per night (package includes meals)
Timings: Check-in 12:00 PM, Check-out 11:00 AM
Duration: Overnight
Distance: Various locations
Key Tip: Package typically includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, BBQ, campfire with music, and complimentary games (volleyball, badminton, swimming pool); tent and cottage options available.
Attraction Distance from Dandeli Town
- Disney Park: 0.1 km (walking distance)
- Coracle Ride: 1.5 km
- Crocodile Park: 4 km
- Moulangi Eco Park: 7 km
- Wildlife Sanctuary / Safari: 13 km (Kulgi)
- Sykes Point: 23–24 km
- Kavala Caves: 24 km
- Kadra Dam: 70 km
- Supa Dam Backwaters: 21–24 km
- Ganeshgudi (Water Sports): 20–22 km
- Syntheri Rocks: 31–35 km
- Ulavi Temple: 47 km
- Sathodi Falls: 65–70 km
- Magod Falls: 69–72 km
