About Dandeli

About Dandeli
Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka (834.16 square kilometers) situated on the banks of river Kali in Western Ghats. Recently it has been declared as a “Project Tiger” reserve area and it is one of the 18 “Biodiversity hotspots” of the world. Dandeli is a home for wild animals like elephants, rare black panthers, leopard, tiger, wild dogs, sloth bears, deer, gaur and many more. It is a bird watchers paradise. More than 200 species of birds are recorded here. Some of the birds recorded here are Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Blue-Throated Barbet, Peacocks, Peregrine falcon and many more. Dandeli forest has some of the best view points, landscapes, river valleys and wetlands. The thick rain forest is heaven for nature lovers. The river Kali and its back waters are good spots for photography and camping.
Dandeli forest is also a home for ethnic tribes like Gowli, Khunbis, siddi and halakki tribal communities.

Reaching Dandeli
Dandeli is strategically located in the Uttar Kannada District of Karnataka state (India) and well connected by Roads. The nearest airport is in Goa (125 kms) or Hubli (75 kms), the nearest railway station is in Dharwad (60 kms) or Londa. From Karwar it is 93 kms and from Bangalore 485 kms.

About "Woodslife"

"WOODS LIFE" is an ecotourism hub in Dandeli forest (Karnataka state, India). It's a nature lovers paradise where one can feel the thrill of trekking through dense jungle, birdwatching, ­­camping on river banks, play and bath in cristal clear stream water, experience the ethnic tribes way of life and enjoy campfire with trbal folkdance.

"WOODS LIFE" is founded by Jagadish and Kanchana, who are Social Entrepreneurs from Deshpande foundation Hubli. The objective of "WOODS LIFE" is to provide additional livelihood for Local tribes through income generated by ecotourism and involve them in nature conservation."WOODS LIFE" promotes nature and culture sensitive ecotourism.

Do’s and don’ts

We at “WOODS LIFE” believe in ecological and cultural sensitive eco-tourism. To maintain the natural eco system of the forest and cultural values of the tribes there are few guidelines that you need to be aware during your vacation in Dandeli. Please read the following guidelines and abide by them so as to make your visit enjoyable and memorable with minimum impact on nature and culture.
· Your stay will be arranged in a tribal village and it is important to respect their culture and tradition. To maintain the cultural values of the tribes smoking, alcohol consumption or any other intoxicants are not allowed during your visit.
· Clothing should be decent with dull colored like brown, olive green or khaki and avoid strong perfumes.
· Avoid loud music’s, iPods and electronic gadgets.
· Do not litter the forest with garbage. Avoid bringing plastic bags and bottles. It is important to maintain the natural beauty of the forest.
· Do not disturb anything in the forest. Avoid collecting any plants, flowers, fruits or animals. A good eco-tourist is a person who cares for nature, ‘leaves nothing but footprints, and takes nothing but photographs’.
· Do not feed any wild animals. This will cause risk for both, tourist and wild animals.
· Be in the group, never stray alone away from the group especially near water body’s and in dense jungle.

Please follow the above mention guidelines to make your visit enjoyable, informative and memorable.

Things to carry:
1. Mosquito repellent
2. Cap or hat
3. First aid kit and personal medication
4. Back pack with water bottles
5. Glucose rich snacks like chocolates
6. Comfortable, sturdy shoes, boots and shocks
7. Warm clothing, rain coats or umbrella
8. Binoculars and cameras
9. Sleeping bags
10. Pocket note book and pen
11. Torch light and candles

Come enjoy and feel close to nature

"WOODS LIFE" is an ecotourism hub in Dandeli forest (Karnataka state, India). It's a nature lovers paradise where one can feel the thrill of trekking through dense jungle, bird watching,­ camping on river banks and playing in crystal clear stream water. Experience the ethnic Gowli tribes way of life and enjoy campfire with tribal folkdance.

Sunrise over back waters of river Kali

Rejuvenate your day by watching the rising sun over the back waters of the river Kali. Watching the sun rise over the horizon and sun light reflecting over water is a memorable experience and best opportunity for photography.

Bird watching

On a misty morning, feel the joy of watching birds flying around backwaters of Kali River. Listen to the music of birds singing in the bushes and up in the tree canopies. Some of the common varieties of birds you see here are Egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, peacocks, bulbuls, woodpeckers and many more. Our guides will help you to identify birds and make your visit more informative.

Trekking

Trekking through dense jungle is a thrilling experience. Dandeli forest is known for beautiful view points and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy watching colorful butterflies, birds and many verities of wild flowers. Malabar giant squirrels and langurs playing in the tree canopies is a common sight and if you are lucky, you can have a direct sighting of big mammals like deer, bear, elephant, leopard or even a tiger. Expert guides from forest department will take care of your safety.