Dandakaranya Park

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Dandeli National Park, is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over an area of approximately 866 square kilometers and is part of the larger Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.

The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, deer, langurs, macaques, and numerous species of birds. The park is also famous for its crocodile breeding program and its white water rafting activities on the Kali River.

Tourists can go on safaris, treks, and bird-watching expeditions in the park, and also indulge in activities like canoeing, kayaking, and river rafting. The best time to visit the park is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is most active.

The park is spread across 82 acres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here are some interesting facts about Dandakaranya Park:

1. The park was established in 2000 with the aim of preserving and showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

2. The park is home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the black panther, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, and Indian spotted chevrotain.

3. Dandakaranya Park is also a bird watcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds spotted in the area.

4. The park offers several adventure activities, including river rafting, kayaking, trekking, and camping.

5. The park is surrounded by the Kali River on one side and the dense forests of the Western Ghats on the other, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

6. The park also has a butterfly park, where visitors can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and observe them in their natural habitat.

7. The park has a nature interpretation center, where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats through interactive exhibits and displays.

8. Dandakaranya Park is located about 485 km from Bangalore and 125 km from Goa, making it easily accessible by road and rail.

The best time to visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the park is open to visitors.

During the monsoon season (June-September), the park remains closed, and it is not recommended to visit the park during this time as the heavy rainfall can make it difficult to explore the sanctuary. The winter months (December to February) can be quite cool, and the park can get foggy, which may reduce visibility for wildlife sightings.