Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary protects evergreen and moist forest in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada district, around the town of Dandeli. Rivers, dense woods and hills give it a range of habitats, and the Kali River, which flows through the middle, supports both wildlife and nearby villages.

The forests around Dandeli hold more than 60 elephants under Project Elephant, along with leopards, Malabar giant squirrels, smooth-coated otters and crocodiles in the river. Over 300 bird species have been recorded; the riverbanks, wetlands and timber forest are good for spotting Malabar pied, Indian grey and great hornbills. Visitors can go on jeep and night safaris with rangers, guided treks and camping trips, or take to the Kali on gentle river trips and whitewater rafting. Jungle lodges and community tourism projects operate around the reserve.