Did you ever dream of doing the following things? Swim in crystal-clear rivers, see wild animals in thick forests, or maybe go crazy and yell on a thrilling adventure? Well, then you must know about Dandeli - the best-kept secret of Karnataka and nature's own theme park for adventures! There are various wonderful places to visit in Dandeli that will thrill you and make you click non-stop pictures. These tourist places in Dandeli have something really nice for a person who is an adventure lover and wants to do a zipline, or even a person who just wants to sit quietly by the river and watch the water.
There are mysterious caves, friendly crocodiles, tall waterfalls and exciting wildlife safaris, every inch of this forest heaven is a different tale. If you also want to see the coolest Dandeli places to visit? Get ready, pack your bags, put on your explorer's hat and let's uncover the best places that make Dandeli one of the most thrilling destinations in India for families, friends, and adventure seekers. Your next unforgettable vacation is just here – we bet!
22 Places to Visit in Dandeli
Worrying about the best places to visit in Dandeli? Don’t worry we got you covered Dandeli holds a plethora of breathtaking surprises that attract nature enthusiasts from all over the country, making it one of the most exciting places to visit in Karnataka. It is also an ideal weekend getaway destination for people living in the nearby towns. Let’s explore the list of top places to visit in Dandeli for a wonderful trip-
1. Kali River
Dandeli is right by the Kali River, lying in the green of the Western Ghats, and it’s practically made for white water rafting fans. The river’s got a 12-kilometer stretch full of 2 or 3 rapids, so it doesn’t matter if you’re just beginner or advanced in the rafting.
Kali river is pretty high about 1,800 feet above sea level and totally surrounded by lush forests. You’ll see hornbills, giant squirrels, sambar deer, wild boars, and who knows what else.
Location: North Karnataka
Entry Fees: Entry fees depends upon the crowd
Things to do in Kali River: Enjoy White Water rafting, Swimming, Coracle Ride, Photography and Camping by the river.
2. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is yet another cannot-miss this one of the best tourist places in Dandeli Karnataka. It is the ultimate destination of various species of flora and fauna. A safari through Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is among the most thrilling things to do in Karnataka, especially for those who love spotting wild animals up close.
With the opening of various camps and resorts in Dandeli inside the sanctuary, the place has started attracting a huge number of nature lovers and vacationers throughout the year. A trip to Dandeli is totally incomplete without visiting the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Location: J.N Rd, opp. Shri Hari Theater, Dandeli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Indian - Rs.200 (Adults), Children under 5 years - Free, 5-12 years - 50% discount on different activities
Things to do in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: You can enjoy various activities inside the sanctuary such as, trekking, safari tours, coracle boat rides, mountain biking, eco-tourism and cycling.
3. Shiroli Peak
You know that feeling when you stumble across a secret spot and can’t believe more people don’t know about it? That’s Shiroli Peak for you and this makes it one of the best Dandeli tourist places. Towering over Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary like it owns the place – and honestly, it kinda does – this peak is the go-to hangout for anyone who wants more than just another walk in the woods.
This is one of the best trekking in Karnataka as the trails have just enough twists to keep your heart pumping, but it won’t leave you gasping for air. And the sunsets? They’ll make you want to write poetry, even if your last poem was a haiku about pizza. The Western Ghats just stretch out forever, rolling and wild, daring you to take it all in.
Location: Unnamed Road, Virnoli, Sannamaga, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Shiroli peak: Trek through scenic trails, enjoy stunning sunset views over the Western Ghats, and click breathtaking photos from the highest point in Dandeli.
4. Dandelappa Temple
Dandelappa Temple isn’t just a spot on the map; it’s basically the heartbeat of Dandeli. Picture yourself at a place where wishes float around like confetti, and everyone’s got their fingers crossed for a little miracle. Rain or shine, there’s always someone hoping Dandelappa’s in a good mood.
It’s not just a temple, it’s kinda like the town’s own secret genie—just with a bit more incense and a lot more history. You wanna feel the soul of Dandeli? This is where the magic happens.
Location: Old Dandeli, Dandeli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Dandelappa Temple: Offer prayers, learn about the temple’s fascinating legend, enjoy the calm surroundings, and take peaceful walks around the area.
5. Molangi Falls
Molangi Falls isn’t your run-of-the-mill picnic patch, it’s basically the ultimate escape hatch for anyone desperate to lose the city chaos for a while. Now picture yourself in a wild, jungly green place, where a waterfall roars like it’s got something to prove, and yep, it all crashes into the gutsy Kali River. That’s where the rafting adventure finally calls it quits, by the way. Bring your crew, ditch your notifications, and soak up the kind of peace that actually sticks. It’s not just another “sight to see.” It’s a full-on recharge zone, no filter needed and this makes it the best place to see in Dandeli.
Location: Moulangi Rd, Dandeli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: ₹20/person
Things to do in Molangi Falls: Relax near the gushing waterfall, go for a picnic with friends, enjoy rafting endpoint views, and click amazing nature photos.
6. Magod Falls
Magod Falls or Magodu Falls is a set of waterfalls that fall from a height of 200 meters. The waterfalls are the resulting River Bedti which falls from the rocky cliffs. A place known as a picnic spot, the area is also visited by photographers and nature lovers. The group of waterfalls is located near Sathodi falls in the Uttar Kannada district.
The Magod fall is going to dry up in the summer and looks misty during the monsoon. It is covered with dense forest. There is no entry fee for this place, and it is open every day of the week, and this makes it one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.
Location: Magod falls Road, Magod, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Magod Falls: Enjoy the stunning twin waterfalls, enjoy photography, have a quiet picnic, and visit nearby nature spots like Sathodi Falls.
7. Kodasalli Dam
One of the remarkable places to visit in Dandeli is the Kodasalli Dam which can be considered a peaceful and quiet escape from your daily routines. The pool of water is beautifully backed up by the falling Sathodi Waterfalls. There are great trekking trails available along the backwaters and also you can try the camping option. The forest around and the lake will give you a stunning view. Get some great pictures in the foggy and magical atmosphere.
Location: Yellapur Taluk in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Kodasalli Dam: Go for peaceful walks, enjoy scenic photography, try camping near the backwaters, and explore short treks along the forest trails.
8. Shri Mallikarjun Temple
The Sri Mallikarjuna Temple is considered to be the first temple in the entire state. One of the earliest things is a stone carving that mentions the date 1144 when this temple was constructed on a piece of land given by the King Jayakesha. Besides its great religious importance, the temple also draws a huge number of tourists due to its magnificent Kadamba style architecture.
Location: Ganeshgudi, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Shri Mallikarjun Temple: Explore its historic Kadamba architecture, offer prayers, and admire the intricate carvings around the temple.
9. Shivaji Fort
A top spot for history buffs and hikers, the historic Shivaji Fort is one of the best places to visit in Dandeli. It’s believed to have been built by the Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji. He was a revolutionary, and arrested this fort in the 19th century. Due to the fort being the landmark of the area, it is also called Haliyal Fort and is one of the best Dandeli places to visit for history lovers.The fort showcases the clever battle tactics and strategies used by warriors to win fights and defend it from enemies.
Location: Haliyal Talluk, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Shivvaji Fort: Take a walk through the old ruins, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the fort’s rich Maratha history.
10. Sykes Point
Sykes Point is the next amazing nature place of the Dandeli sightseeing places that you may add to your list of explorations. Sykes Point situated on one of the most lovely hill stations in Karnataka is a place well known for the wonderful and fairylike views of the quiet River Kali stretching endlessly. This beautiful scenery makes it one of the best tourist places in Dandeli, Karnataka.
Besides, the spot is perfect for those who love birds. Experience the peace here which is rare and yet stunning. See the sun going down in the sky from the top of the mountain and the dense green valleys surrounding it.
Location: Ambikanagar – Bommanalli Rd, Lalguli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Sykes Point: Watch the magical sunset, enjoy birdwatching, capture scenic photos of the Kali River valley, and soak in the peaceful vibes.
Note: Kindly bear in mind that visiting Sykes Point needs a prior permission which you can get from the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) office at Ambikanagar. The viewing point is available from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and there is no charge for entry.
11. Kavala Caves
Prepare yourself for a hard walk down 375 steps to see an ancient water Shivlinga really deep the exotic Kavala Caves which were formed by some volcanic activities. Pilgrims from all over the country, and especially during festivals like Shiv Ratri, come to Kavala Caves.
Apart from the pilgrims, it also opens their arms to nature lovers and photography freaks to watch stunning works of nature. River Kali is going into the caves very slowly from 40 feet down. The Kavala caves are a dreamlike but still very significant place on the list of places to visit in Dandeli for one day.
Location: Kavala caves, Lalguli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: ₹10/person
Things to do in Kavala Caves: Climb down the steps to see the natural Shivlinga, explore the mysterious volcanic caves, and enjoy a thrilling photography session.
12. Sathodi Falls
Another one on our list of the best places near Dandeli is Sathodi Falls. The purity of the mountain air and the breathtaking view of the water falling from a great height make Sathodi Falls the most attractive place for those who want to experience a peaceful and soulful getaway from the messy city life.
The sadness of the daily routines goes away when you plan a one day picnic at the wonderful Sathodi falls. Nevertheless, Sathodi falls turns out to be the most prominent attraction among the list of Dandeli famous places and is ranked as one of the most tranquil waterfalls near Bangalore in Karnataka.
Location: Balagar, Karnataka
Entry Fees: ₹5/person
Things to do in Sathodi falls: Spend time by the serene waterfall, enjoy picnics with loved ones, click beautiful pictures, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
13. Syntheri Rocks
Strongly contrasting with the serene natural range and formed by the erosive power of water on the rock for millions of years, the Syntheri forest rocks can be considered one of the top places to visit in Dandeli.
Located in the heart of the dense evergreen forest of the Western Ghats, the Syntheri forest rocks are home to abundant flora and fauna. Also, the Syntheri Rocks is a natural haven attracting tourists from all over India to see this simple yet splendid home of a variety of birds, especially pigeons.
The tourist spots around Dandeli certainly require a stop at Syntheri Rocks to see the giant magnificent rocks made of granite. A traveler can reach the place either by taking a walk of about 200 steps from the Ulavi Temple or by a jeep hire.
Location: Gund, Karnataka
Entry Fees: ₹20/person
Things to do in Syntheri Rocks: Explore the massive granite formations, enjoy nature photography, spot birds, and take a calm walk along the forest trail.
14. Anshi National Park
Anshi National Park is full of rich plant and animal life and hence, nature lovers and wildlife photographers get a thrill out of it. It is for this reason that it ranks as one of the top Dandeli tourist places.
Now, if you are in Dandeli, you must take your kids for a safari ride in the national park which is a home to rare and endangered species like Indian Bison and Mouse deer among animals; King cobra, rat snake and python among reptiles and Malabar hornbills, Yellow-footed pigeon among bird species.
Moreover, this place is believed to be the only area in Asia where a black panther can be seen in the wild.
Location: Kodthalli, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Indian - ₹200 (Adults), Children under 5 years - Free, 5-12 years - 50% discount on different activities
Things to do in Anshi National Park: Go on a wildlife safari, spot rare species like the black panther, enjoy birdwatching, and capture the forest beauty.
15. Mini Tibet
This beautiful hill station in Karnataka is among the places to see in Dandeli, this is one of the most attractive places, as it will surely grab anybody’s attention. This was one of the official settlements for the Tibetan refugees and was established with the support of the Indian Government in the year 1960. It is a sight to see the brightly painted stupas, colourful monasteries, and red, robed monks that fill Mini Tibet. Your soul will feel tranquility in this serene atmosphere.
Doeguling Tibetan Settlement is another name for Mini Tibet and it is also one of the best places to visit in Dandeli. At Mini Tibet, you can relax with a cup of tea from the hustle and bustle of the day, and enjoy the soothing atmosphere and explore traditional Tibetan monuments.
This place embraces people of all cultures and history lovers as a great Dandeli tour destination. You will never forget Mini Tibet as it will always be in your heart. In this area, you can experience the culture of Tibet. Every year, hundreds of foreigners come here to visit Mini Tibet in order to see the Tibetan refugee settlements and their way of living.
Location: Lama Camp 1, Mundgod, Teginkoppa, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Mini Tibet: Visit colorful monasteries, interact with monks, try Tibetan food, and experience the calm spiritual vibe of this settlement.
16. Ulavi Temple
Ulavi Temple, surrounded by forests on all sides, is a spiritual visiting place in Dandeli that attracts a large number of pilgrims every year. The forests make an ideal place for a safari, as it is teeming with cheetahs, tigers, elephants, and cobras, but the temple itself is something special.
It is the samadhi place of Channabasveshara, a Lingayat saint of the 12th century, and has been built in the Chalukya style. Besides this, the temple area is also popular for the caves and other natural features like stalactites. Overall this temple is the perfect blend of adventure, spirituality and thrill and this makes it one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.
Location: Ulavi, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Ulavi Temple: Offer prayers, explore nearby caves and forest trails, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this spiritual spot.
17. Supa Dam
Supa Dam or Nagoda Dam is a dam that is located near Bapeli Cross. Which is the point where roads from Ramnagar, Ganeshgudi, and Karwar intersect. The Nagoda Backwaters, located in the middle of Dandeli's verdant Western Ghats, are the perfect place to unwind from the noisy life of the city.
Influx of the fresh water is ensured by dense forests around, this unspoiled backwater is a haven for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts. Hear the water getting into the shore and a bird calling, drink the enchanting and still nature, or take a look at the aquatic life present in the clear waters. Nagoda Backwaters is indeed one of the Dandeli places to visit if you want peace and a bit of adventure together.
Location: Dandeli , Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Supa Dam: Go boating or kayaking on the calm waters, enjoy fishing, take beautiful nature photos, and relax with a short hike around the dam.
18. Kulgi Nature Camp
In case you are really into nature, a visit to this camp will definitely be on your list of the best places to see in Dandeli. The first thing you will want to do here is water sports; however, rock climbing, jungle trekking, safari, and rafting are also some of the most popular activities that you can choose.
The camp is indulged in totally pure nature and presents a great deal of accommodation to visitors.
In addition to the cottages and dormitories, there are also tents for the guests. Moreover, it provides a very close view of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Dandeli is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in March.
Location: Dandeli wildlife sanctuary
Entry Fees: ₹5000-₹9600
Things to do in Kulgi Nature Camp: Try jungle trekking, go birdwatching, enjoy bonfires under the stars, and take part in rafting or wildlife safaris nearby.
19. Moulangi Eco Park
Moulangi Eco Park is an extremely popular place to visit, a forest retreat that is the very heart of nature, and surrounded by beautiful bamboo trees, it is the perfect place for people who love adventure and camping.
It is about 11 km from the Wilderness camp in Kali. This Eco Park is not just a place for a picnic. There are many species of plants and animals living in the forest. It is a paradise of nature for wildlife and plant lovers. Trekkers can do their activities on the steep cliffs. Rock climbers can use the various big rocks to practice their skills. A group of friends or family members might have a nice quiet picnic in nature at this place.
Location: Moulangi, Dandeli Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free for children under five years old.
Things to do in Moulangi Eco Park: Go camping, enjoy rock climbing and ziplining, have a family picnic, and click photos in the bamboo forest.
20. Disney Park
Do you remember that in our childhood Disney Cartoons like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella were our favorite TV shows? and I suppose that now your kids like to watch the new generation cartoons such as Chota Bheem, Motu Patlu, Avengers, etc. So why not make your children an introduction to their Favorite Cartoons and take selfies with them?
The Disney park has different attractions for youngsters which are swings, slides, and Statues of Famous Cartoons like Chota Bheem, Motu Patlu, Charlie Chaplin, Jungle Book Characters, and Avengers that ignite imagination and happiness. Its well kept gardens, play areas, and lovely walkways that provide a quiet escape from the vibrant life of other tourist spots in Dandeli make it popular with visitors.
Location: JN Road, Behind Dandeli Bus stand, Karnataka
Entry Fees: ₹20/ person
Things to do in Eco Park: Enjoy swings and slides, click photos with cartoon statues, and spend some cheerful family time outdoors.
21. Dandakaranya Park
Dandakaranya Park used to be an eco park but has transformed into a theme park.
Many fictional characters and Hollywood actors' statues were installed in this place to save the forest area, which is now displaying figures such as Charlie Chaplin, The Transformers and almost all the Avengers characters. Children are sure to get attracted to the figure of Motu Patlu and Chhota Bheem. The park can be best explored during the months from November to March. It is among the places to visit Dandeli for 1 day.
Location: Main Road, Near Dandeli bus stand
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Dandakaranya Park: Explore statues of famous cartoon and movie characters, enjoy a fun photo session, and stroll through the park with kids.
22. Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point
One more wonderful place to experience the sunset is Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point in Dandeli which provides an ideal break for those who love the outdoors. This location allows one to catch the stunning sunset and sunrise along with the flawless beauty of the surrounding environment which is really enchanting.
Taking some food with you when you visit this beautiful place is advisable since there is no provision for food at the site. So if you are a sunset watcher, then Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point could be one of the best places to visit in Dandeli.
Location: Magod, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free
Things to do in Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point: Watch the sunset or sunrise, enjoy peaceful views of the hills, and take beautiful photos of the golden sky.
Conclusion
There are various perfect places to visit in Dandeli to enjoy nature, culture, and adventure. There are places where you can have a completely different experience every time, whether it is the Kali River adventure, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary tranquility, or the breathtaking view at Shiroli Peak and Jenukallu Gudda Sunset Point.
So, first, let your eyes roam over the ruins of the past forts, temples, parks, and offbeat places like Syntheri Rocks and Kavala Caves, and then over Anshi National Park and Mini Tibet. In case you are an adventure lover, a peaceful seeker, or simply interested in the local heritage, Dandeli will be the perfect place for you to visit, and it will surely make you fall in love with it and make memories that will last forever.
