Dandeli

Dandeli sits on the Kali in the Uttara Kannada forests, part of the Dandeli-Anshi tiger reserve, and it is known for two things. The first is water: the Kali is rafted through grade two and three rapids on released dam flows, with kayaking and coracle rides alongside. The second is birds, particularly hornbills: the great hornbill, Malabar pied, Malabar grey and Indian grey all occur here, and the forest is a well-known site for them along with a long list of Western Ghats endemics. Black panthers have been recorded, and the forest holds elephant, gaur, sloth bear and the flying squirrel.

What you actually see

• The Kali rafting - grade two and three water on released dam flows.
• The hornbills - four species including the great hornbill.
• The Western Ghats birds - endemics through the evergreen forest.
• The coracle rides - round basket boats on the calmer stretches.

When to go

October to May; rafting depends on dam releases and is suspended in low water and in flood. Bird activity is best from November to March. The monsoon closes most activities.

Honest expectations

Rafting operates only when water is released and can be cancelled at short notice. Operators vary in safety standards. Hornbill sightings need patience and an early start.

Nearby

Yana rocks lie southwest; Goa is northwest.