9 Useful Tips for Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: Animals Safari, Timings, Booking Price

Dandeli Wildlife Santuary landscape image

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: Today I am sharing with you 7 useful tips for Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary animal safari timings, entree fees, booking price and the ideal time to visit this Sanctuary. Let's discuss why this Wildlife safari is becoming popular in recent days.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the lush green western belt of Karnataka is a boon for all the nature lovers out there. Western Ghats offers the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the sanctuary has everything from the gigantic tuskers and the ferocious tigers to various other species of birds. However, to make the best of this safari trip as one can, there will be a few good tips to ensure that your safari is a pleasure without any hitches.

2. Reasons for visiting Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

2.1 Flora and Fauna of Dandeli

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary boasts many animals starting from leopards all the way down to the Malabar giant squirrel. The extraordinary variation in the fauna of this place is such that it cannot be ignored by any wildlife lover.

2.2 Watching Animals and Birds

For every enthusiastic bird-watcher, Dandeli is a treat to the eyes. Over 200 bird species including the endangered Great Hornbill, make it one of the most preferred places to watch some birdie wonders.

Also read, Why is the Sundarban famous for?

3. Ideal Time To Explore Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

3.1 Pick Season

The ideal season to travel is between October and March. This is the period when the climate is favorable, and animals are active increasing the chances of seeing them.

3.2 Off-Season Experience

June to September is considered the wet monsoon season dotted with heavy downpours. However, the sanctuary depicted here becomes a greenery paradise. Nevertheless, safaris during this period may be sparse.

4. Animals Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

4.1 How to Book Your Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

It is very easy to book a safari. An individual may either book it online from the official website for Karnataka Wildlife or may do it at the entrance of the park. During peak season, it is recommended that you book for a specific date well in advance to avoid disappointment.

4.2 Safari Timings of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Morning or Evening, there are two slots available for Narrated Safaris one in the morning and another in the evening. During morning Safaris, the visitors depart for the expedition at approximately six o'clock in the morning while in the evening, the guests are ready for the safari trek at about four o'clock. From these options, select the one that best fits you in terms of travel plans and your schedule. However, please be informed that morning safari is mostly chosen by people because probably, they have a higher chance of spotting animals.

4.3 Popular Animals to Spot

Dandeli has a wide variety of wild animals. Some of the animals that one must look out for are elephants, black leopards, leopards, and Indian bison. Sighting each and every animal is a joy in itself!

5. Suggestions for Enjoying a Safari to Its Fullest

5.1 The Best Time of The Day to Spend with the Animals Sightings.

Early mornings could be the ideal time to get the most out of an animal view as most of the animals will be quite active and are less likely to be hiding around waiting. Make sure to carry out all activities on schedule.

5.2 Wear Appropriate Clothing

Dress Code for the Tour Wear a Dress in colors that can easily camouflage with one of the surroundings such as green, brown or beige colors. Do not wear loud colours that can scare away the animals. Also, ensure the outfit is comfy and appropriate for the weather.

5.3 Prohibition of Harassment of the Animals

Keep the volume of your voice low and refrain from bounding all over the place when on safari. This encourages a serene environment which helps sight more animals.

6. What is the cost of the Safari?

6.1 Entree Fees

The station charges for entry into the sanctuary are typical among most of the visitors and very low averaging approximately Rs50-100 per person. n however this may, change insignificantly depending on the season.

6.2 Safari Cost

Apart from the entry fee, there is also a fee charged for the safari, For jeep safaris the fee is approximately INR 400-600 per head. Costs for a private safari venture if you choose this option are likely to be higher.

7. How To Reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: 3 Ways

7.1 Overland Travel

There are fair road connections to Dandeli and the sanctuary can be accessed from cities such as Bangalore and Goa. The easier option would be to board a bus or taxi, or those who want to enjoy some views, they may drive themselves to the sanctuary.

7.2 Using Train Services

The most accessible railway station is Alnavar which is approximately 32 km from Dandeli. A taxi cab and a local bus are also available to the public for transport to the sanctuary.

7.3 Air Transport

In case you are coming by air, the nearest airport is 75 km in Hubli. After that, you can get a cab or a bus from the airport to Dandeli.

8. Where to Stay in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

8.1 Accommodation Options

There is a variety of accommodation options to meet every price range, ranging from environment-friendly resorts to basic dormitories. Some of the famous resorts even have river rafting and trekking organised.

8.2 Recommendations for Budget Tourists

There are some cheap homestays as well as lodges situated within Dandeli town, in case you are on a short trip. These are basic in terms of facilities but are decent and cosy, making them ideal for a budget-conscious traveller.

9. Conclusion

Visiting Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is an experience to cherish for a long time. The scenic beauty of the forests, the excitement of spotting animals, and the calmness of the place draw visitors in all year round. These tips are meant to prevent any challenges and ensure the trip remains interesting and enjoyable. So, pack your binoculars and let’s head for the mountains where the adventures await you!

10. Q&A on Dandeli WildLife Sanctuary

There could still be a few questions in your head after you read through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Do not panic, I have got your back!

10.1 How much time should I set aside to visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?

This is entirely up to you and how much you want to see. If it’s only the animals that are attracting the visitors, one or two days is enough. Day safaris last about 23 hours and two such safaris can be undertaken, one in the morning and the other in the evening. However, if you wish to enjoy the sights a little more, go for a few activities such as trekking, river rafting, or bird watching, three to four days would give you all the time to relax and appreciate everything without rushing.

10.2 What is the suitable time for animal sighting during the safari?

The best time to see animals is during the morning safaris at around 6:00 Am and it is usually during this time that the animals are very active. Most of the wildlife is frequently found close to water bodies during the cool times in the morning. The chances of seeing the `big five’ cats, for example, leopards and black panthers are high at this hour. There are evening safaris approximately at 4:00 PM which are also favourable but there may be less viewing since the animals are most likely to go under shade due to high temperatures at this period.

10.3 Are there any safety measures on camera usage during the safari?

Camera usage is permitted and that is why everyone is encouraged to take photographs; in this case, the photographs ought to capture the wildlife and the environment. Nevertheless, some regulations have to be adhered to. The use of flash cameras is discouraged as it might scare the animals. It is also important not to jerk around or make noise when taking photographs to enhance the natural and enjoyable experience. Wildlife photography is best left for the safaris when you ask the guide, as there are usually restrictions in most cases.

10.4 Are there age restrictions for informing children about safari?

Yes, children can go on safaris in Dandeli but children need to be seen and instructed as well. Younger children may find the safari long because of the duration it takes, so it is advisable to get preparatory measures to cushion them from boredom. If the child is very young or does not like the sounds of wild animals, you may want to consider if they actually want a safari. For a more family-friendly safari, you could try the evening safari as it is more toned down and the timings are not as early as the morning, which I think caters for most parents.