White water rafting – This is where you get intimate with Nature at her wildest. A jeep carries you upstream where experts train you in the basics of rafting. Be warned that it is not a theory course but a hardcore practical one in which you are required to jump into the water several times till you get the hang of things. Here’s the real challenge: a gruelling four-hour ride on vulnerable looking inflatable boats (accompanied by the experts, of course) across the meandering length of Kali conquering rumbling rapids on the way. The taste of victory when you complete the journey is exhilarating and makes you forget the overwhelming fatigue in a blink.
Coracle trip – The ride up the river in unique UFO shaped bamboo boats called coracles is worth a try. Keep a watch on the waters to spot a moving crocodile and the majestic animals soaking in the sun like idle beachcombers on the islets along the Kali.
Natural Jacuzzi – A swim in the wild with healing potential is a rare combination and one that needs to be grabbed with both hands. And speaking of grabbing, make sure you grab on to something or someone before you step into the waters as the force of the current can be tremendous. The creek formed by the rapids of the River Kali is believed to have medicinal properties and a bath in the river rids you of all nagging aches and pains. Moreover, the splash and dash in the creek will refresh you like no spa session can.
Moonlight boating – Nothing mixes better than the moon and lovers. Arm yourself with special accessories like night vision binoculars, a flask of hot coffee and the warm company of each other as you paddle into the peaceful silence of the river. If possible, time your visit to coincide with a full moon night. The shimmering moon drops reflected in the ripples of the Kali are a mighty pull which you will feel powerless to resist. Beware of the odd crocodile peeping up to disturb the calm and quiet.
Hike and Trek
Rappelling – After your refreshing tryst with water, it is time to embrace the land in all its elemental ferocity. And there is no better way, to get acquainted with the feral Sahayadri ranges, than a daring session of rappelling. Not for the faint hearted, this activity involves climbing and plunging down steep rock faces with just a suspiciously flimsy looking rope as a harness. A real cliff hanger, if ever there was one.
Jungle Safari – Hop on to the open jeeps or hike (only the daring ones) and navigate your way through the thick forests bordered by the Kali. You could spot one of the many species of animals that live in the jungle. If you are lucky you can run into bison, wild squirrels and even big cats like tigers and panthers. Even if you do not to see any animals, the ride through the woods will leave you mesmerised.
Syntheri Rocks – The massive monolith in the midst of the Dandeli Sanctuary warrants a visit The cooing of doves and the humming of bees create a fusion with the musical gurgling of the small waterfall embedded in the rocks lending to the magical quality of the place.
Cavla Caves – Relive the eerie thrill of the quest of the Horcruxes undertaken by boy wizard Harry Potter as you travel to these caves. These limestone caves are claustrophobic, pitch dark and filled with bats and the occasional snakes. If you are not deterred and want to travel inside the tunnel remember you have to crawl on your fours and at a snail’s pace.The mound formed by the melting and subsequent crystallisation of limestone lends a touch of divinity to the caves.
Serenity Seekers
Though the emphasis is on adventure, Dandeli is not all about thrills and chills. It is also a haven for peace lovers who can find ample activities to fill their time fruitfully while connecting with nature in their own way.
- Bird Watching – Bring out the innate ornithologist in you as you team up with like-minded people and set out on an avian trail. Led by an expert and equipped with a pair of binoculars, keep your eyes trained and you are bound to see a woodpecker or a robin or a thrush perching on tree limbs or soaring regally into the clouds.
- Bonfire night – Remember those college outings to obscure places where in the midst of wilderness you found bliss strumming a guitar and belting out youth anthems? Outdoor camping and bonfire nights are perfect for recalling those pleasant memories. As you sing and dance around the fire be prepared for an accompanying orchestra by the River Kali punctuated by the odd animal shrieks and howls from the interiors of the forest.
- Tribal Life – Walk or ride into the forests and get to know the friendly tribal people, Gowlis and Siddis, as they take you through their life saga in a mixture of dialects. Whether you understand their language or not, you will definitely feel a connection with these simple and hard working yet fun loving people whose main occupation is cattle rearing. Join in for an impromptu tribal dance as they beat drums and sing their enthralling folk songs. You may even get to wear their traditional skirts made of leaves as you sway to the rhythm.
Where: Dandeli is nestled in the Western Ghats on the banks of the ephemeral River Kali, Is 480 km from Bangalore, 110 km from Belgaum, 75 km from Hubli and 150 km from Goa.
How to get there: By Air: The nearest airports are Belgaum, Hubli and Goa.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the sleepy town is Alnavar, 32 km away.
By Road: Dandeli is well linked to all the major neighbouring cities by road. Besides buses which ply to and fro daily, you can arrange for pick up and drop facilities with the resort you plan to stay at.
Accommodation: Since Dandeli is primarily a tourist spot, there are many options to suit all pocket sizes. Some of the popular resorts are the Bison Resort, Devbagh Beach Resort, DJ Camp, OM House etc.
Best time to visit: Whenever you are in the mood for love and dare, pack your bags and head for Dandeli. For practical reasons, it is best to avoid the monsoon months from June to September.
Weather: Pleasant throughout, with light to heavy showers during the rainy season.