Peaceful Dandeli on Natures Lap

Unraveling the mystery of nature unravels your soul deep within

The quote sank deep in me when I traveled across the picturesque Dandeli located in mesmerizing surroundings in North Karnataka bordering the States of Maharashtra and Goa. I visited Dandeli along with my friends during my post graduation days at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Before the break of dawn, we boarded the bus in Dharwad. It was a nearly 60 km comfortable drive from Dharwad. Dandeli is located along the banks of the Kali River with the Western Ghats as its backdrop. Everywhere, we turned, were pleasant greenery, presenting a visual treat to our eyes. Legend says that that the town Dandeli is named after Dandelappa, a loyal servant of the Mirashi landlords who lost his life because of his loyalty. Even today, he is worshipped in a temple built for him. History says that Dandeli had a rail head built by British known to be the oldest. However, it doesnt exist now.

Along the banks of the rhythmically flowing Kali River, we had a quick breakfast and then we hurried for a coracle ride in River. The coracle is a small boat made of bamboos and covered with thick buffalo hide. What was more exciting during our trip was a crocodile, which we spotted were hurrying its way away from us out of fear! No wonder, many localities were washing their clothes and taking bath in the river without any fear of crocodiles.

A jeep safari into the wild life sanctuary will show you bisons, hornbills, tigers, wild dogs, bears, deer, wild pigs, jackals, giant squirrles, mongoose, etc. But, we were not lucky enough to spot any. We were told the Indian Bison is quite famous in this sanctuary. Earlier, even the sanctuary itself was called as Bison Sanctuary as they were large in mumbers. Much to our excitement, we spotted many birds like Kingfishers, woodpeckers, serpent eagles, robins and so many attractive birds, which, I was not knowing their names. Surely, the place will be a heaven for ornithologists or for any bird watcher.

Albeit white water rafting is very popular here, we didnt attempt it. Instead, we visited the other historic spots surrounding Dandeli such as Nagajhari point, Kavala caves and the famous syntheri rock, a 300-metre monolithic granite rock which are at a distance of about 15 30 kms from Dandeli. We also had a dharshan of is a naturally formed Shiva Linga inside the Kavala caves. However, I will recommend all adventure lovers to go in for the thrilling white water rafting.

We had fun all along our treks, cycling and mountain biking around the jungle. The sanctuary is mostly covered with deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. The mighty teak, fluted bamboos and various aromatic plants of medicinal value made our trip more meaningful as we collected plant samples for our academic studies.