Dandeli

Dandeli ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ
—  city  —
Kali River rapids
Dandeli ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ Location of Dandeli ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ in Karnataka and India
Coordinates	15°16′01″N 74°37′01″E
Country	India
State	Karnataka
District(s)	Uttara Kannada
Population • Density	53,287 [1] (2001) • 6,269.06 /km2 (16,237 /sq mi)
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	8.5 square kilometres (3.3 sq mi) • 472 metres (1,549 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 581 325,581 362 • Telephone • ++91 8284 • Vehicle • KA-31,KA-30
Website	www.dandelicity.gov.in

Dandeli [ Kannada:ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ ] is a town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka in North Karnataka, India in the Western Ghats, near Goa. It is best known for its wildlife sanctuary, tourism, industry and as an educational hub.

A significant part of Dandeli's population consists of economic migrants from all over India. The migrants are from North Indian states like Rajasthan, UP, Bihar and many other districts of the Karnataka state.^{[citation needed]} Although the official and predominant language of communication is Kannada, there are significant minorities speaking Hindi, Konkani and Marathi. The diversity of its population is reflected in its culture, and the Dussera, Ramleela, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali festivals are all celebrated.

Dandeli is like a backbone for Karnataka (see the map), and is a tourist spot for nature-lovers. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a heady mix of nature, adventure and wildlife. This city in the Uttar Kannada district of South India is growing in stature as a leading tourist destination. The KPCL has two major hydro-electric power stations in and around Dandeli: one is at Ambikanagar, called Nagjhari Power Station, and the other is Supa Power station at Ganeshgudi. This is the Kali Hydel project; both the power stations have a combined capacity of generating 1225 MW power.

The Kali River is the lifeline for the people of Dandeli and nearby villages. It is believed that the river's name comes from the dark black rocks present beneath the flowing water.

Dandeli offers more than sundry outings and picnics. The region offers the best of adventure sports, eco-tourism and pilgrimage. Nature-lovers come here for unforgettable moments.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes above picturesque deep river valleys and rich hilly forest terrain. The breathtaking valleys, regal-looking, meandering rivers and the splendid scenic beauty of the Syntheri rocks make it an inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is a typical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen type, with pockets of evergreen.

The main wildlife species include elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, mouse deer, Slender loris etc., and the main bird species include magpie robin, golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent-eagle and a large variety of other birds.

Name

The origin of the name of the city is unknown.^{[citation needed]} However, local legend states that the city is named after Dandelappa, a local deity, a servant of the Mirashi landlords who lost his life because of his loyalty.^{[citation needed]} An alternative legend states that a king named Dandakanayaka passed through the forests and named them after himself, and the city is believed to stand on the place where Dandakaranya stood.^{[citation needed]}

Geography

Dandeli is located at co-ordinates: [15.247719, 74.629678]. It has an average elevation of 473 metres (1551 ft) and receives good rainfall.

Wildlife sanctuary

Main article: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and has been designated as a tiger reserve in 2007. The jungle is also home to many kinds of reptiles and almost 300 varieties of birds.^{[citation needed]} The rapid expansion of industry has raised fears of ecological damage and local voluntary groups have formed to address the issue.^{[citation needed]}

The undulating streams, swaying bamboo, abundance of wildlife, sylvan surroundings and trekking tracts make Dandeli Sanctuary a unique holiday destination. The River Kali and its tributaries, the Kaneri and Nagajhari, meander through the forest.

Sighting animals is difficult and always involves an element of luck. The sanctuary is home to the barking, spotted and mouse deer, sloth bear, panther, tiger, gaur, elephant, wild dog, civet cat, bison, jackal, langur and giant flying squirrel, besides a variety of colourful birds and reptiles. The reptilian and amphibian fauna of the region include a variety of ruffles and frogs.

The Black Panther, one of the rarest animals in the wild, is the most common form of melanistic leopards, which are selectively bred for captivity in zoos; the number of black panthers found in the world is limited. Official records say that there are few of them existing in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Sighting the animal is very rare and mostly depends on a tourist’s luck, but there are people indeed who have actually seen the mysterious black big cat glide through the forest. The dark coloration of the panthers gives them a huge hunting advantage.

Other Attractions

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide range of activities that tourists can undertake for their entertainment and knowledge. The sanctuary offers the chance to enjoy the thrilling experience of white-water rafting. The sanctuary provides rafting opportunities at the Virnoli Rapids connected to the Kali River. Tourists can also undertake nature walks, boating, bird watching, crocodile spotting and angling trips offered by the sanctuary. Moulangi is one of the places where one can think of having a bonfire and enjoy partying on the banks of the Kali.

Nearby tourist spots-

• Ulavi
• Syntheri Rocks
• Anashi National Park
• Moulangi

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Dandeli had a population of 53,287. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Dandeli has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 65%: male literacy is 81% and, female literacy is 68%. In Dandeli, 11% of the population is under six years of age. Kannada is the major language spoken followed by Marathi, Hindi and Konkani.

Dandeli as a place is highly neglected as it falls on the corner and has no flowing population.It was once a city with higher population and lack of employment has forced people to migrate to different places. Few government officials, business men, teachers and employees of the paper mills are the earning population.Lack of employment has forced many younger generation to take up traditional business without new customers.

Dandeli is known for Paper production or Paper Mills (The West Coast Paper Mills): many residents of Dandeli are employed at the mill. Most of the land area in Dandeli is West Coast Paper Mill territory and the mill has its own quarters, shopping complex, theatre, restaurant, playground and a clubhouse which are meant for the employees. The Company is promoted by Shree Digvijay Cement Company Limited, Sikka, Gujarat State in 1955. The Company has an impressive track record of productivity for which various awards have been conferred on it by the National Productivity Council [Government of India] and other organizations. An amazing record growth has helped them expand the mill which is fully computerized.The workers are mostly on daily wages and through some contracts which helps the management to save a lot of money.

Few organizations have tried to uplift the industries but political powers does not favour the development as it can be divided in two constituency.

If you want to shop in Dandeli here are a few establishments

Hotels

You may not find your kind of hotel in Dandeli as its limited due to no flowing population. Some of them you need to adjust are

• Shetty Lunch Home - Veg/Non Veg
• Hotel Santosh - Veg
• Hotel Akshay - Veg/ Nonveg
• Irappa Khanavali - Traditional North Karnataka food

Gifts/ Cards

• Impressions
• Rajlaxmi

Mobile Stores

• Impressions
• Sunil Time center
• Airtel Store
• SV Mobiles
• mukashi mobile store
• adi mobiles

Dandeli is known for education: some of the educational centers in Dandeli are as follows:

Schools in Dandeli

• DFA School
• St Michaels Convent School
• Janata Vidyalaya
• Government School
• Kanya Vidyalaya
• Tauheed Education Society
• Dandeli Education Society Hindi School
• BLDE Education Society

Pre-University Colleges

• DES Bangaur Nagar Junior College
• Janata Vidyalaya
• Tauheed Education Society
• Government College Old Dandeli

Degree Colleges

• DES Bangaur Nagar Degree College
• Janata Vidyalaya

Other Institutions

• DES Bangaur Nagar College - Applied science in Pulp and Paper Technology (M tech)
• GT&TC. Govt Tool room and Training Centre
• Govt Industrial Training Institute college for women
• KLE Nursing College
• UCB Polytechnic College
• BLDE Rudset

Computer Education Centers

• Syscon Computer Education
• PSMC Computer Education
• KEONICS Computer Education
• Softech Computer Education

News and Media

Deccan Herald,Prajavani and Kali News along with The Times of India and Vijay Karnataka are the major local newspapers in the region. Samyukta karnataka paper is also available....

River Resorts

Dandeli Resorts have become a focal point, particularly among the urban middle class with changing lifestyles and higher disposable incomes .The rich biodiversity the wild thick forest, with flora and fauna is the reason for mushrooming a number of resorts in the vicinity of Dandeli .The government pumping in large amount of money to promote the eco-tourism with proper planning of the healthy breeding of wild animals is the jewel in the crown to this region.

To cater to the craze of the tourism a number of resorts have come up with classy and lavish interiors, velvet covered furnitures, glittering marble floors with a touch of exotica, make the ambience unbeatable. Though the Dandeli resorts stand tall and proud of this beauty the changes and packages are quite unable and sustainable.

Dandeli resorts boasts of keeping the tourist totally satisfied and rewarded the exciting sites, the lofty mountains, cascading river kali .The spotting of animals ,birds watching, white water river rafting, rappelling, trekking etc are some of the activities which mesmerizes the tourists. The tasty desert cuisine with varieties of amazing dishes in the menu at quite affordable prices is another attraction of the Dandeli resorts.

• Jungle Lodge and Resort ( Kali Adventure Camp )
• Bison River Resort
• Hornbill River Resort
• Old Magazine House

Tourism

The natural beauty of the area attracts tourists from other parts of India and abroad.^{[citation needed]} It is also an adventure sports destination, and one of the best white-water rafting destinations in South India.^{[citation needed]} It is one of the few locations where rafting is possible even in peak summer months of March to June.

Tourism websites

www.dandelitour.com
www.dandeliwildlifesanctuary.com
www.dandeli-resorts-karnataka.com
www.dandelijungleresorts.net
www.bisonhornbillresortsdandeli.com
www.dandelihotel.com

Activities In Dandeli And In Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli offers many activities in wildlife sanctuary and sights for the visitors. They are like White Water Rafting, Dandeli Repelling, Dandeli Trekking, Dandeli Jacuzzi, Dandeli bird watch, Dandeli Safari, Dandeli Fishing, Dandeli Night Out Camp, Dandeli Island Visits, and Dandeli Tribal Visits. Apart from this Dandeli resorts provides visit to scenic spots like Syntheri Rocks, Cavala Caves, Molangi, Sykes Point, Supa Dam, Nagjari Power house and Ulvi Temple.

• WHITE WATER RAFTING
  

Dandeli's Kali River is the best for White Water Rafting in Dandeli. you are thrilled in this river because the river is roaring at many place. There are trained rafters guides always at your service. Through this event needs courage. You are safe in the hands of trained rafters guides.

• REPPELLING
  

There are many cliffs in and around Dandeli to give you a thriling experience of this event. This need strong will power because you risk yourself while climbing or coming down the cliff with only a rope to help you. Its mind-blowing!

• JUNGLE TREKKING
  

The Dandeli resorts take permission from the department to get in to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctury Forest to have great adventure. You will be blessed by nature, if you are lucky enough to spot some wild beast & rare birds

• JACUZZI BATH
  

It's a natural therapy of massage, where river kali flows very rapidly and hits your body to give you a healing touch. In big cities one has to pay fees for this massage, here it is included in the package. It's very rare spot to see, if you need it you have to confirm well in advance.Bison River Resort gve best accommodation in Dadneli with Jacuzzi Bath.

• BIRD WATCH
  

Hornbill are easily spotted in Dandeli more than this you can find hundreds of Indians and foreign birds to sight. Dandeli is the best place for bird watchers. Dandeli has got the record of many Indian and Foreign bird watchers. Early morning is the best time to start bird watch. Dandeli jungle is the home for many birds. Hornbill Resort give best accommmodation in Dandeli with bird watching

• JUNGLE SAFARI
  

More than 300 species of Birds, Bison, deer and malabar giant squirrels are common in Dandeli jungle. Early morning will be very suitable for bird watching. Late evening will be very good time to spot wild animals. Experienced guides will accompany with every batch of visitors.

• FISHING
  

Dandeli even provides the visitors to even spend their time in fishing. fishing as well as cooking at the same spot can be arranged to those who take interest in fishing and cooking. This is one of the best out door activities like by many.

• NIGHT OUT CAMP
  

Dandeli provides you to stay in the midst of the Dandeli jungle for a night the food will also be provided to the tent, where you are put in or interested one can cook at the place of stay Materials will be provided by the organizers. It you are interested in visiting tribal homes of Dandeli arrangements will also be made for your stay at tribal homes for a night.

• ISLAND VISIT
  

One can go visiting and halting at islands to feel the only presence. you feel as if you are in the other world. you many find a massage centre on many of these islets that is Jacuzzi, a natural Jacuzzi.

• SYKES POINT & NAGJARI POWER HOUSE
  

Ambika Nagar 20 Kms from Dandeli is a scenric spot, you have to be lucky enough to get permission to visit Sykes point. More difficult is to get permission to visit Nagjari Power house. you can have this beautiful glimps from far off place if the permission denied. One has to have a look at these places, or else your visit may be useless.

• CANYONING
  

This is going to be more thrilling than any other even in Dandeli adventure camp. Preferably youngsters enjoy this a lot and only adults can take part in this, it covers lot of risk while canyoning.You are going to climb up or you are aksed to rust down the valley.

• KAYAKING
  

This is going to be more thrilling than any other even in Dandeli adventure camp. Preferably youngsters enjoy this a lot and only adults can take part in this, it covers lot of risk while canyoning.You are going to climb up or you are aksed to rust down the valley.

• RIVER CROSSING
  

In the kali river which is always roaring & rushing towards the kingdom of water that is sea, gives a though task for those who like to cross the river. You are put into task of you are expected to cross this river working in teams. An experience of good teamwork!

• KAVALA CAVE
  

This place is a part of reserve forest of Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. This is about 25 kms from Dandeli which is in the midst of thick forest by walk, thrills you with lot of experience. Shiva temple is inside the cave, a naturally formed shivalingu. Every Shivaratri people flock to this shrine to seek the blessings of lord Shiva.

• SYNTHERI ROCKS
  

A monolithic single stone with a height of 300ft. River Kaneri flowing at its bed. It is named after an English lady called Ms. Cinthera who is believed to have discovered this place. You have to go down about 275 steps to reach to the rock. You can also do fish feeding. It is about 34kms. from Dandeli town

• CORACLE RIDE
  

Coracle is a small boat, round and saucer like shape made out of bamboo and tanned buffalo hide. This is usually used by Gillies, an experienced small fisherman for fishing. You have to be lucky enough to sail in it and have closer look of nature.

• MOON LIGHT CORACLE RIDE
  

This is a special event arranged by Jungle Resorts of Dandeli. At night, when there is a silence everywhere in the forest, the river still roaring & rushing in it’s never ending journey, decorated by moonlit night. This kind of experience is blessed to those who are lucky to have this rare opportunity. One feels proud to have such a ride.

Landmarks

Dandeli is surrounded by natural, historic, and religious landmarks: the River Kali, the caves of Kavla, the Syntheri rocks, and other landmarks including the Ulavi temple, Sykes point and the Supa hydroelectric dam. Karnataka power corporation is also situiated in ambikanagar (18 km from Dandeli) Where electricity is generated through Hydro power. Nagajhari power house is also there. Naveen S Kini is also from Ambikanagar.

Transport links

Dandeli is well connected by road to nearby cities. It lies 55 km from Dharwad, 72 km from Hubli and around 115 km from Belgaum. Buses are run by the KSRTC SRS and VRL to Dandeli daily from Bangalore. The nearest airports are at Hubli, Belgaum, and Goa. Its British-built railway was the first in North Kanara district, but it is no longer operational for the public. The nearest passenger rail stations are at Alnavar, Londa, Dharwad and Hubli.

External links

• Yahoo Road Map - Dandeli
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