Situated in the western Indian state of Karnataka, Dandeli is a small town famous for housing the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in the state. Its prime location, with world-renowned national parks in its proximity, lures several tourists from other parts of India and abroad.  There are several national parks nearby that are worth visiting.

Keep reading to find out some of the best wildlife safaris near Dandeli, along with its special attractions and all the relevant details.

Here is a list of the 5 best wildlife safaris every wildlife enthusiast or adventure-lover must check out near Dandeli.

1. Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Lying along the hilly terrains of the Western Ghats, Bhadra Tiger Reserve is situated in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. In this wildlife sanctuary, you will primarily spot tigers and leopards in their natural habitat.

Apart from that, you can also witness about 250 species of birds and 120 species of plants. A key attraction for all botanists, Bhadra Tiger Reserve also houses the largest teak tree in Karnataka.

• Area Covered: 490 km2
• Best Time to Visit: March to May
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 days
• Operational Hours: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: 185 kilometres from Mangalore International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Jeep safari: ₹400 per person for Indian adults, ₹200 per person for Indian children under 10 years and ₹1200 for foreigners
  • Bus or Canter Safari: ₹300 per person
  • Boat Safari: ranges between ₹800-₹2000 per person
• How to Reach: Get down at Kadur Railway Station and book a cab or taxi to reach the reserve. Bhadra Tiger Reserve is just a one-hour drive away from the station.

2. Anshi National Park

En route, Kanwar-Londa Highway road, lies another popular national park of Karnataka, Anshi National Park. This park is also known as Kali Tiger Reserve and serves as a part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Declared an endangered reserve forest, the park is a royal abode of Black Panthers. A unique fact about this park is that here you can experience jungle safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary due to its adjoining park premises.

• Area Covered: 340 km2, approximately
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Average Time to Spend: Half day - 1 day
• Operational Hours: Throughout the day
• Distance from the Airport: 110 kilometres from Hubballi Airport
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• How to Reach: Get on a train to reach Hubli Railway Station, situated at a distance of 112 kilometres from the park. The rest of the distance you can cover via cab or local taxi.

3. Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park consists of the second-largest tropical evergreen forest cover in Karnataka and undoubtedly offers the best jungle safari near Dandeli. Here you can explore species such as lion-tailed macaque, sloth bear, sambar and many more. Apart from animal spotting, it is also famous for trekking, mountain climbing and camping.

• Area Covered: 600.57 km2
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Average Time to Spend: 3-4 hours
• Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: 95 kilometres from Mangaluru International Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹200 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹1000 per person
• How to Reach: Book a cab or taxi from Karkala, which is about 50 kilometres away.

4. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Another addition to the list of best wildlife safaris near Dandeli is the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places in Karnataka to witness the endangered lion-tailed macaque and cane turtles. Its wildlife safari offers extraordinary viewing of species such as Slender Loris, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Rock Python etc.

• Area Covered: 370.37 km2
• Best Time to Visit: September to April
• Average Time to Spend: 1-2 days
• Operational Hours: NA
• Distance from Airport: 138 kilometres from Mangalore International Airport
• Entry Fee: NA
• How to Reach: Catch a train and get down at Molakalmuru Railway Station. From there, you can take a local taxi or book a cab.

5. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Bear Sanctuary is the first wildlife sanctuary in India as well as in Asia that has been primarily dedicated to the conservation of sloth bears. The fact that the sanctuary conducts evening safari to witness bears and their wilderness in a nocturnal spotlight is what makes it so unique from other safaris.

Visitors can also opt for a normal day safari where they can catch sights of free-ranging species like hyenas, pangolins and porcupines.

• Area Covered: 80 km2
• Best Time to Visit: August to April
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from Airport: 38 kilometres from Jindal Vijaynagar Airport
• Entry Fee:
  • Indians: ₹50 per person
  • Foreigners: ₹300 per person
  • Parking: ₹500 per car
• How to Reach: Book a cab or taxi from Dandeli via NH 67