Top 10 Best Places To Visit Around Dandeli, Karnataka

Dandeli is a sleepy town nestled on the banks of Kali, a major river in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is a haven for nature lovers with its lush forests, diverse wildlife, tranquil trails and captivating caves. Located on the Western Ghats, Dandeli has everything an adventure junkie and a nature lover wants, ranging from indulging in river rafting, kayaking, canoeing and trekking to exploring the breathtaking viewpoints and stunning flora. Want to know more? Here at Top 10s Only, we have a curated list of the Top 10 Best Places To Visit Around Dandeli, Karnataka that will come in handy while preparing your travel itinerary. 

Top 10 Best Places To Visit Around Dandeli, Karnataka

Whether you are an adventure seeker who wants to experience the rush of river rafting, rock climbing, and kayaking or a nature lover who likes to have nature walks and witness vibrant flora and fauna, Dandeli has everything you want. Here is a list of the top ten best places to visit in Dandeli.

1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Visiting Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do on the list of things to do in Dandeli, especially if you are a wildlife enthusiast. It is one of the top four biodiversity hotspots in India and houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna that is not found easily elsewhere in India. You can also go on a thrilling safari and glimpse the elephants, Black Panther, colourful birds and other wild animals. If you want to skip the mundane activities, you can also indulge in mountain biking, water rafting and more. 

2. Phansoli Elephant Camp – Kali Tiger Reserve

The Phansoli Elephant Camp is located in the Kali Tiger Reserve and was started in 2014. Located in the Western Ghats, the camp offers an exciting and unique opportunity to see how conservation, adventure and education can be combined. This is a 1-day trip that you should not miss as part of Dandeli sightseeing as you can get to meet the gentle giants, aka the elephants. You can watch them play, interact with their herd and create some fond memories with the elephants by taking photographs with them. Appreciate Western Ghat’s natural beauty while foraging a deep connection with the magnificent elephants and contributing to their conservation and ethical treatment. 

3. Syntheri Rocks

Synthetic Rock is an idyllic spot surrounded by the Kaneri River on either side. This is a million-year-old rock that was formed due to volcanic eruptions and you can see the erosion in the rock hollows. Located in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, this 300-foot tall monolithic rock is a spectacular sight and is a must-see when you are in Dandeli. The route to this place is also very scenic and it is best to keep your camera ready for some beautiful birds and trees. You can reach this place using a jeep operated by the Dandeli Forest Department or walk through the forest. The best time to visit this Dandeli adventure hotspot is during the winter, as the rock gets slippery in monsoon and hot in summer. 

4. Kavala Caves

Explore the enigmatic Kavala Caves, which is a natural cave located inside the Dabdeli Wildlife Sanctuary. The cave is said to have been formed due to volcanic activity and is believed to have been present from prehistoric times. It is also called the Siddan Cave or Limestone Caves and one has to climb down 375 steps to get to the cave entrance. At a short distance inside the cave, there is a Shiva Linga where water falls as a small stream, giving the feeling of Abhishekha being performed. Venture into the deep forest and witness the marvel of nature that is hidden in the Dandeli tropical forest. 

5. Moulangi Eco Park

Experience the splendour of nature at its best at Moulangi Eco Park. Surrounded by thick evergreen forests, it is a great spot for travellers who love camping. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, wander through the greenery and marvel at the serenity of nature in this park. This place is one of the top 10 Dandeli attractions and is also a paradise for adventure junkies, as you can enjoy boating, rock climbing and exhilarating treks through cliffs. Replete with bamboo trees, this place is also a great spot for family and friends to have a calm picnic. It is also popular, as you can see many plants and animal species so it is a must-add to your list. 

6. Ulavi Caves

Ulavi Caves, also called Akal Caves, are located 50 km from Dandeli in a village called Ulavi. These natural limestone caves are within dense forests, are famous as pilgrimage sites, and attract many devotees. Starting from the route to the caves to the actual caves, the place is filled with natural springs, wildflowers and lush forests, making the place endearing and beautiful, making it a top choice in the list of the top ten best places to visit in Dandeli. The main cave is called Akala Gavi Cave and is at the highest position, while the Vibhooti Kanaja is also famous as the sacred ash is found in this place. There are many caves that visitors can explore, each of which has a unique beauty. 

7. Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is one of the top 10 tourist spots Dandeli is famous for. It is an evergreen tropical rainforest that is declared a protected reserve forest. It was renamed Kali Tiger Reserve and is the only place in Asia where you can see the Black Panther. Along with that, you can see tigers, elephants, crocodiles and other wildlife. This pristine place has abundant wildlife and a diverse ecosystem where you can engage in not just wildlife but also other adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, kayaking, bird watching, etc. This national park also offers an unforgettable safari experience that you should not miss.

8. Sathoddi Falls

Sathoddi Falls is a picturesque waterfall near Kallaramane Ghat of Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district. It is formed by many streams. The waterfalls are about 49 feet tall, and the stream flows into Kodasalli Dam and the Kali River. You can walk through the rocky terrain and bushes to reach the waterfalls, which are active throughout the year. The milky white water offers the perfect contrast to the lush forests of the Western Ghats, and the rock formations make the landscape dreamy. Don’t forget to pack your swimwear, as the water is not too deep and you can take a dip in it. The beautiful surroundings are also an ideal picnic place for families and friends. 

9. Magod Waterfalls

Located at a distance of approximately 80 km from Dandeli, Magod Waterfalls is among the best places to visit near Dandeli. Situated at Magod Village in Uttara Kannada district, it is nestled in the Western Ghats and is a must-visit place as you can witness gushing waters and scenic views. The thickly wooded place can be reached after climbing boulders and rock-filled pathways and is a trekker’s paradise. The best part of this place is that there are walkways with handrails so everyone can visit the Magod Falls viewpoint. The best time to visit the waterfall at full flow is between October and January. 

10. Dandeli Crocodile Park

The Crocodile Park is one of Dandeli’s famous places to visit with family. It is a perfect setting for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to spot crocodiles in their habitat. The park has retained the natural habitat of crocodiles and other wildlife and provides a safe vantage point for visitors to view them, making it a highly enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike.  

Best Time To Visit Dandeli Hill Station

Dandeli, a town in Uttara Kannada district, has a lot to offer visitors and is a popular tourist destination, especially during the cooler months of October to March, which is the best time to visit Dandeli hill station in Karnataka. There are a number of places to visit, from lush landscapes to rivers, mountains, caves, waterfalls and more. Moreover, it is an ideal weekend getaway from Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. Visit the places mentioned above in our top 10 list and get mesmerised by their beauty and tranquillity. 

Be sure to check out our article that lists the top ten must-visit hill stations in Karnataka to discover the hidden gems that this South Indian state has to offer!