Wildlife
Anshi National Park
A dense Western Ghats rainforest park inland from Karwar, merged with Dandeli into the Kali Tiger Reserve and known among wildlife watchers for its melanistic leopards. Anshi National Park covers evergreen and semi-evergreen forest in the Western Ghats behind Karwar, and together with the adjoining Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary forms the Kali Tiger Reserve, named for the Kali river that runs through the region. The park is particularly noted among naturalists for sightings of the melanistic form of leopard, popularly called the black panther, alongside hornbills, giant squirrels and a range of Ghats bird and butterfly species, with access typically arranged through forest department gates on the Karwar side of the reserve.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Anshi National Park covers evergreen and semi-evergreen forest in the Western Ghats behind Karwar, and together with the adjoining Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary forms the Kali Tiger Reserve, named for the Kali river that runs through the region. The park is particularly noted among naturalists for sightings of the melanistic form of leopard, popularly called the black panther, alongside hornbills, giant squirrels and a range of Ghats bird and butterfly species, with access typically arranged through forest department gates on the Karwar side of the reserve. Anshi National Park sits at an elevation of 14 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are January, March, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Dandeli Wildlife Corridor, Sonda Fort Ruins, and Anshi Lake. Other notable highlights include black panther sightings along the Kali River road, hornbill calls echoing from the canopy trails, and boat safari on the backwaters of Supa Dam. It falls within Uttara Kannada district and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Black panther sightings along the Kali River road
- Hornbill calls echoing from the canopy trails
- Boat safari on the backwaters of Supa Dam
- Treetop watchtower view over the rainforest
- Morning walk for lion-tailed macaques
- Sunset viewpoint over the Western Ghats ridge
Getting There
Things To Do
Guided Jungle Safari on the Kali River
Take a motorized boat ride along the Kali River, which forms the park’s northern boundary, spotting crocodiles, otters, and a variety of birds while listening to your naturalist explain the rainforest ecosystem. This is the most reliable way to see wildlife in Anshi, as many animals come to the water’s edge at dawn or dusk.
2 hours
Visit the Kali Tiger Reserve Interpretation Centre (at Anshi Gate)
Explore a small, well-curated museum with taxidermy specimens, skulls, and interactive panels on the park’s flora, fauna, and the history of the Kali River project. The centre also has a short audio-visual show about black panther conservation, ideal for seniors who want a low-effort learning experience.
1 hour
Trek to the Sonda Falls (Inside Park Boundary)
Hike a 4-km undulating trail through moist deciduous forest, crossing two small streams, to reach the base of Sonda Falls, a seasonal waterfall that cascades into a shallow pool. The trail is shaded but slippery after rain, and you may encounter gaur (Indian bison) grazing near the water.
3 hours
Black Panther Tracking Walk at Dandeli Range (with Forest Department Permit)
Join a licensed local naturalist on a pre-dawn jeep drive through the park’s core forest roads, focusing on rocky outcrops and dense bamboo patches where black panthers (melanistic leopards) are frequently sighted. You’ll also learn about camera traps and pugmark identification used by the park staff.
3 hours
Birdwatching at the Anshi Lake Viewpoint
Walk a short, flat trail from the park’s interpretation centre to a small seasonal lake, where you can spot Malabar pied hornbills, great hornbills, and the elusive white-bellied woodpecker. Bring binoculars and a field guide, as the canopy is dense and birds are often heard before seen.
1.5 hours
Night Safari (with Prior Forest Department Booking)
Take a slow, open-jeep drive on the park’s internal fire lines after sunset, using a red torchlight to spot nocturnal animals like civets, mouse deer, and occasionally a leopard on the prowl. This is a unique chance to hear the jungle’s night sounds, but strict rules apply—no loud voices or flash photography.
2 hours
Travel Tips
Plan safaris and treks for early mornings only, with a max of 2-3 hours
Wildlife sightings are best at dawn, but the terrain is steep and trails can be slippery after rain. For senior and group travellers, choose a short guided nature walk or a jeep safari on main roads, avoid afternoon heat, and always stay inside the vehicle during drives.
Wear layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and carry rain protection even in dry months
Anshi’s forest is humid and can have sudden drizzles, while mornings can be cool and afternoons warm. Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes, a light rain jacket, and a wide-brim hat; also keep a pair of dry socks in a ziplock bag.
Book eco-friendly stay inside or near the park well in advance
Anshi has limited forest lodges and private homestays, and they fill up fast during peak season (November to February). Senior travellers should reserve at least a month ahead, and confirm if the property offers ground-floor rooms and wheelchair-friendly paths.
Arrange a local guide and a larger vehicle for your group
The park has dense, unmarked paths and limited signage, so a certified guide is essential for safety and to point out wildlife. For groups of seniors, hire a 10-seater or bigger vehicle with a driver familiar with the park’s entry points, and agree on a fixed itinerary and rest stops before starting.
Carry your own medical kit and doctor’s contact
The nearest reliable hospital is in Karwar town, about 25-30 km away, and mobile networks are patchy inside the forest. Pack your regular medicines, a small first-aid kit, and a written list of allergies and emergency numbers to share with the group leader.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Anshi National Park — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Brahma Nursing Home2.5 km
Pharmacies
- Priyanka4.6 km
ATMs
- Axis Bank ATM1 km
- Axis Bank ATM1.2 km
Restaurants
- Shagun Hotel0.7 km
- Hotel Happinezz0.8 km
- Karwar Chicken0.8 km
- Bangarappa Hotel2.6 km
- Vihar Hotel2.7 km
Frequently Asked Questions
There are no strict age limits, but the park requires a basic level of mobility as you will need to walk short distances and board a safari vehicle. Senior travellers with heart conditions or knee problems should consult their doctor, as the terrain is uneven in places. It is advisable to carry your regular medicines and inform the forest guide of any health issues before starting.
The dry season, from November to May, is ideal because animals gather near water sources and the forest is less dense, making sightings easier. Avoid the heavy monsoon months of June to September when trails become slippery and many internal roads are closed. For senior travellers, the cooler months of December to February offer the most comfortable weather.
Yes, safaris are safe as long as you follow the guide’s instructions and stay inside the vehicle at all times. Carry a light cotton jacket for early morning chill, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle, as the park has no shops inside. Also bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom, because animals are often seen from a distance, and wear non-slip shoes with good grip.
Yes, you must obtain an entry permit and book a safari in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. You can book online through the Karnataka Forest Department’s eco-tourism website or through authorised local tour operators in Dandeli or Karwar. Carry a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or Aadhaar card) for every member, and arrive at the park gate at least 30 minutes before your scheduled safari time.
Most visitors stay in Karwar town (about 30 km away) or at the Karnataka Forest Department’s own jungle lodges and eco-tourism cottages at Dandeli, which is the nearest well-equipped base. These cottages offer basic but clean rooms with attached bathrooms and simple meals, but do not expect luxury amenities. For a more comfortable stay, book a private resort in Dandeli or Karwar with senior-friendly rooms and easy access to the park.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Anshi National Park
Day 1
Begin your journey with a relaxed morning drive from Karwar town into the core zone of Anshi National Park. The afternoon is dedicated to a guided jeep safari through the dense Western Ghats rainforest, where you can spot black panthers, leopards, and hornbills. End the day with a quiet evening at a forest interpretation centre to learn about the Kali Tiger Reserve's ecology.
- Morning arrival at the park entrance and check-in at a forest guesthouse or eco-lodge (no booking details, just settle in)
- Afternoon jeep safari along the Anshi-Kali riverine trails, with stops at waterholes for wildlife viewing (black panther, sambar deer, macaques)
- Evening visit to the Dandeli-Anshi Interpretation Centre for a short documentary on the reserve's predators and plant diversity
Day 2
Spend the morning on a gentle nature walk along the Kali River's edge, looking for otters, kingfishers, and crocodiles basking on rocks. After an early lunch, drive back toward the coast to visit Karwar's beaches and a historic fort, offering a striking contrast between rainforest and Arabian Sea. The day ends with a sunset viewpoint overlooking the river mouth.
- Guided 2-hour nature walk on the Supa Dam backwaters trail (easy pace, birdwatching focus)
- Short boat ride on the Kali River to spot black-capped kingfishers and monitor lizards (optional, weather permitting)
- Afternoon visit to Karwar's Sadashivgad Fort and nearby Rabindranath Tagore Beach for a coastal stroll
- Sunset at the Kali River estuary viewpoint, watching fishing boats return
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