Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the south western Indian state of Karnataka. More specifically, this wildlife sanctuary is situated in the town of Uttara Kannada District called Dandeli. Dandeli is a small town and a municipal council in the Western Ghats, on the banks of River Kali. It is considered to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.

History of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
The Dandeli area was given a new identity and status of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary on the 10th of May 1956. Under a joint venture, Dandeli National Park was established with the adjoining Anshi National Park. Both were granted the status of Project Tiger Reserve. This Project Tiger Reserve was given the name Ansheli Dandeli Tiger Reserve in January 2007, which comprised an area of about 340 square kilometers. Dandeli National Park, along with the areas of Anshi National Park and six other adjacent protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra form the most ceaseless protected forest area spreading over 2,200 square kilometers. On 4th of June, 2015, Karnataka state government had officially notified the Dandeli Elephant Reserve, under Project Elephant. This elephant reserve occupies an area of about 2,321 square kilometers. More specifically, 475 square kilometers has been delineated as the core area, whereas the remaining is defined as the buffer area. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the core area of Dandeli Elephant Reserve.

Geography of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Globally, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary can be pinpointed at coordinates 15 degrees 30 minutes 23 seconds north and 74 degrees 23 minutes 30seconds east. This sanctuary is spread over an area of about 866.41 square kilometers (334.52 square miles).

Flora of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary has a typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen type of forest. This sanctuary is also known to be rich in bamboo. Teak plantations are also a part of this sanctuary. A wide range of plant life, magical herbs and shrubs have been recorded in the sanctuary area. Some of the dominant species of the area are Mango, Jamun, Hirda, Behda, Jamba, Ficus, Climber, Grass and Fern.

Fauna of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be diverse in terms of wildlife, which it is protecting. Some of the wildlife species housed in the sanctuary are elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, flying squirrels, antelopes and mouse deers. A variety of reptiles are also preserved in the sanctuary. King cobra and the mugger crocodile or the Indian crocodile are known to be the major reptilians of the sanctuary.

Avifauna of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to about 200 species of birds and is considered to be an ideal place for bird lovers. The great Indian hornbill or the great pied hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill have been labeled as the famous avifaunal species of the sanctuary. Some of the other attractive birds in the sanctuary are the golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and the white breasted kingfisher.

Tourism of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary can be called a tourism product of Karnataka. It is considered to be one of the most attractive tourist spots in Karnataka. This sanctuary is frequented by a plethora of tourists every year from Karnataka and all over India. This is because of the attractive features of this sanctuary. This place offers a view of the existing wildlife via jungle safaris. These safaris take place in open jeeps and the tourists are accompanied by trained naturalists. Safaris are also carried out on boats. Thus, boating is another fun filled possibility, apart from the wildlife of the sanctuary. Dandeli has also developed into a destination for white water rafting in the river called Kali. So, this place is ideal for river rafters. Other adventurous activities that can be undertaken in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary are kayaking, canoying, mountain biking, coracle ride, rappelling, trekking, birding, angling, caving and a single day excursion to the mysterious little Tibet. This sanctuary is blessed with scenic beauty and is therefore capable of attracting several nature lovers from different places in India as well as abroad. The tourists can therefore come and visit the sanctuary to spend quality time on the lap of nature. This sanctuary is adorned with steep slopes with picturesque deep river valleys, regal looking meandering rivers and rich hilly forest terrain and syntheri rock. Dandeli Wildlife area is also characterized by calm and blissful serenity all across the reserve.

Other Places of Attraction around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Anshi National Park, Supa Dam, backwaters of Supa Dam, River Kali, Syntheri Rocks, Kavala Caves, Skyes Point, Kulgi Nature Camp, Ulavi Channabasaveshwara temple, Shri Mallikarjuna Temple and Vincholi Rapids are known to be some of the other places of attraction around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visiting Information
The time period between March and October is generally considered to be the best time to plan a tour to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Nearest airport to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is in Belgaum, Hubli and Goa. Nearest rail head to this sanctuary is located in Londa, Dharwad and Hubli. Dandeli is known to be well connected by road to places like Bengaluru, Goa, Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad and Hubli. The roads leading to Dandeli are motorable via buses.

Related Articles
: Indian National Parks
Indian Wildlife Sanctuaries
Bird Sanctuaries in India
Indian Biosphere Reserves
Indian Flora and Fauna