Dandeli: A nature lover’s destination you can reach by car from Pune
Those of us who frequently feel the urge to escape to the lap of nature, there cannot be a better place than Dandeli. Pune to Dandeli is a perfect drive of about 8 hours and it is a paradise for nature lovers. Seclusion, adventure, rejuvenation, and proximity to pristine nature, is what Dandeli has to offer, to those who seek refuge in the wilderness. Your lungs will also thank you for the trip.
Things To Do In Dandeli
Dandeli offers many adventure activities, including river rafting, jungle safari and wild life encounters. Here is what you can do in Dandeli.
- River Rafting – River rafting is the star attraction. Kali river has exciting rapids and can give a lifetime experience to those who seek adventure. Besides river rafting, you can enjoy kayaking and canoeing, quietly exploring the banks of Kali.
- Night Safari – Night safari in the wildlife sanctuary is another adrenaline pumping activity and if you are lucky, you can spot animals like bison, black panther, sloth bear, giant squirrel, crocodiles, many species of birds and reptiles. If you are super lucky though, an occasional tiger spotting is not ruled out.
- Jungle Walks – Those who want a close connect with nature, could go for guided jungle walks, both during the day or night, and listen to the jungle sounds. However, be careful of the giant leaches!! The only music that you will listen to in Dandeli is that of Cicadas. They all start making noise at once and keep changing their pitch rhythmically. It is definitely a refreshing break from the loudspeakers in our cities. We travel frequently to Dandeli with friends and family and often book ourselves in one of the few resorts located on the banks of Kali, so close to the river that you could hear the gurgling of water all night from your Swiss tent!!
- Wild Life Spotting – We spotted a herd of deer grazing just outside the fence of our resort while we were having breakfast at the resort’s thatch-roofed, circular dinning hut. The resorts in Dandeli take adequate safety precautions so while it is perfectly fine to have goose bumps, no wild animal can come inside the resort. Nevertheless, it would be better to not venture out of the resort without a guide or in groups. Such places deserve respect!
- Hornbill Sighting – The banks of the river are covered in dense foliage and there large trees where hornbills nest. Hornbill is a magnificent bird, mostly found in the rainforest along the Malabar Coast.
- Night Camping – There is a small island in the middle of the river which can be accessed only by a boat and many species of birds nest there. You could also spot rabbits and squirrels if you remain quiet. You could ask your resort staff to even set up night camping for you on the island.
Packing for Dandeli
Make sure you pack all your adventure gear, including proper clothing, windcheaters, lots of mosquito repellent, first aid and other medical supplies that you may need. The nearest town is around 13 kms away and even in the town, there is no guarantee you will get what you need. Pack your walking shoes, caps, and hats etc. A good digital camera would be missed if you didn’t pack it. The cellular networks are patchy and often unreliable (as expected), so inform friends and family of your plans so that they don’t panic trying to reach you in vain.
What not to expect
Shopping centers, star rated hotel service and of course, network connectivity!! Basic network is there, but no blazing speeds that many of us are used to in cities.
Places to Visit in Dandeli
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Syntheri Rocks, Anshi National Park, Shiroli Peak, Kali River.
Best time to Visit
October to April.
