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Anshi Wildlife Sanctuary (Dandeli side)

Overview

•Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve is a 2007 merger of Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, covering over 800 square kilometers in the Western Ghats.
•The Dandeli side, closest to Dandeli town, is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, offering jeep safaris through dense forests that are home to a significant population of leopards, black panthers, and gaur.
•The terrain is undulating with riverine valleys, and the forest is a mix of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen types.
•This side is the most accessible for visitors staying in Dandeli, with several entry points and a network of forest roads.

Highlights

Jeep safari through dense bamboo and moist deciduous forests
Sighting black panthers, leopards, gaur, and sambar at salt licks
Birdwatching for great hornbills, Malabar pied hornbills, and crested serpent eagles
Scenic riverine views along the Kali River's quiet stretches
Interpretive nature trails led by forest guides near the safari entry gates

Religious Significance

The Dandeli side of Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve is ecologically significant as a corridor linking the Western Ghats to the coastal forests, supporting the movement of large mammals. It is one of the few places in India where black panthers are regularly sighted, making it a key site for conservation research. The reserve also protects the catchment area of the Kali River, which is vital for the region's water supply and biodiversity.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

Facilities

Basic facilities include a forest department guesthouse at Kulgi, restrooms at entry gates, and a small canteen near the Dandeli safari booking office. Private resorts in Dandeli offer guided safaris, and some have their own interpretation centers. Parking is available at the entry gates. There is no mobile network coverage in the core forest areas, but Wi-Fi is available at the forest office.

Festivals

•While no specific festivals are celebrated inside the sanctuary, the surrounding Dandeli town hosts the annual Dandeli Utsav (usually in December), which includes cultural programs, adventure sports, and nature awareness activities.
•The local tribal communities, such as the Kunbi, celebrate their own harvest festivals with traditional dances, which can be witnessed in nearby villages.

History

•Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1956, while Anshi National Park was created in 1987.
•In 2007, the two were merged to form the Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve, under Project Tiger.
•The Dandeli side has historically been a hunting ground for the kings of the Kadamba dynasty, but was later declared a sanctuary to protect the region's rich biodiversity.
•The area has been a haven for wildlife researchers and photographers, with the black panther population gaining particular attention in recent years.

Architecture

•The sanctuary itself has no architectural structures, but the Dandeli side features a few eco-friendly watchtowers and hides built from local materials, designed to blend with the environment.
•The entry gates, such as Kulgi and Mavlangi, have basic interpretation centers and restrooms.
•The forest department's guest house at Kulgi is a colonial-era building with stone walls and a tiled roof, now used for research stays.

Travel Tips

Book safaris at least 2–3 days in advance, especially during peak season (November–February).
Wear earthy-colored clothing to blend with the forest and avoid bright colors.
Carry binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife viewing.
Start safaris at dawn for the best chances of spotting black panthers and leopards.
Respect the buffer zone boundaries; the core area is accessible only with special permits.

Things to Do

Guided Jeep Safari

2–3 hours

Join a forest department or private jeep safari from Dandeli town, traversing core and buffer zones with an expert naturalist. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best wildlife sightings.

Wildlife SafariEasy

Birdwatching Walk

1–2 hours

Take a slow, guided walk along designated trails near the sanctuary edge, spotting hornbills, drongos, and sunbirds in the canopy.

Nature WalkModerate

Kali River Backwater Boat Ride

1–2 hours

While the sanctuary itself is inland, a boat ride on the Kali River's calm backwaters (outside the core zone) offers crocodile and otter sightings with forested banks.

Water ActivityEasy

Photography Expedition

3–4 hours

Set up at known waterholes or clearings with a telephoto lens, capturing wildlife and forest landscapes under the guidance of a local naturalist.

PhotographyModerate

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is more active. The reserve remains open year-round, but the monsoon (June–September) may limit safaris.

Safaris can be booked online through the Karnataka Forest Department's portal or through authorized resorts in Dandeli town. Carry a valid photo ID and arrive at the entry gate at least 30 minutes early.

Tigers are present but rarely seen. The Dandeli side is more known for leopards and black panthers. For tiger sightings, the Anshi side (accessed from Karwar) offers better odds, but it is a separate route.

Yes. Stay inside the safari vehicle, avoid loud noises, do not carry plastic or litter, and follow the guide's instructions. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited.

No. The Kali estuary near Karwar is over 100 kilometers away and is a distinct destination. Plan separate trips for each area to fully enjoy the wilderness.

Quick Information

Best Time

October to March

Timings

Safari timings vary by season: typically 6:00 AM–9:00 AM and 3:30 PM–6:00 PM (October–March); 6:30 AM–9:30 AM and 4:00 PM–6:30 PM (April–June). Closed during heavy monsoon (some days in July–August).

Entry Fee

Entry fee for Indian nationals: ₹50 per person; jeep safari charges: ₹200–₹500 per vehicle (depending on route and operator). Foreign nationals: ₹400 per person. Additional guide fees may apply.