Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 13 km from Dandeli Bus Stand, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Kali at Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This is the second-largest sanctuary for wildlife in Karnataka, and also one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.
 
Spread over an area of 866.41 sq. km, the sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging between 100 m to 970 m with the highest point being Hegada Temba. It is one of the must include places in Dandeli Tour Packages. The dense forests of the Sanctuary are crisscrossed by the meandering streams of River Kaneri and River Nagzari, tributaries of River Kali.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve in the year 2007. The sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer Sanctuary in Goa and Anshi National Park in Karnataka. Karnataka state government has officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4th June 2015.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for several wildlife animals like tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, and various kinds of snakes. This sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, housing nearly 200 species of Birds. The birds in the sanctuary include the golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle, white-breasted kingfisher, grey hornbill, great pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill.

The wildlife lovers can enjoy the jungle safaris and boat safaris in the area of Dandeli. Safaris in open jeeps into the sanctuary accompanied by trained naturalists are the best way to view wildlife at Dandeli. One can use their own vehicle for a jungle safari. Apart from jeep safari, tourists can also enjoy nature walks, bird watching, crocodile sighting trips, fishing, and trekking in the jungle. White water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and mountain biking are the other activities in Dandeli.

Sanctuary entry tickets can be bought at Nature Interpretation Center, Kulgi. Entry to the sanctuary is 3 km from the Kulgi Nature Camp, which offers accommodation and other adventure activities in and around the sanctuary.

The best time to visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to May.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Safari Timings: 6 AM - 9 AM and 3 PM to 6 PM (Safari duration is 1 Hr)

Entry: Rs. 40 for Indians, Rs. 80 for Foreigners, Rs. 100 for Camera, Rs. 150 for Guide, Rs. 50 for Bus Safari, Rs. 100 per Person for Jeep Safari, Rs. 150 for Car, & Rs. 300