AMEY JOSHI
As I was going through some old photographs of our family vacation, I came across a few photos which we had clicked at Dandeli. It has been a decade, since we visited this place back in the winter of 2008. The reason why this trip was very special is because it was just supposed to be a drive to the place and back to Goa on the same day. But, we underestimated the distance and the destination. The village of Dandeli is approximately 140 Kms from Panaji, and it takes nearly four hours to reach the place. After reaching there we realised that, you cannot get the best of this place unless you spend an entire day or two.
The forest area of Dandeli was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary on 10th May 1956, but at that time covered only 204.33 sq.km. This was enlarged to 5725.07 sq.km on 10th May 1975. Realising that this was too big to manage with the industrial and mining pressures, it was reduced to 834.16 sq.km on 1st September 1988, and further to its present size of 475.02 sq.km. on 29th April 1994.
The Government of Karnataka has taken a good initiative called Jungle Lodges & Resorts which operates in other forest areas like Dandeli in the state. These resorts provide packages which includes, boat ride, white water rafting and an evening safari into the wildlife sanctuary. People are able to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area without disturbing it.
We checked in to one such resort by name Kali Adventure Camp. The resort is located on the Kali River, and is at a distance of 10 Kms from the boundary of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. The resort provides accommodation in airy tented cottages facing the river, and in deluxe rooms with modern amenities. Having keen interest in wildlife it gave me a sense of excitement of what you can experience. Well, after having lunch, the first activity on the list was the evening safari through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Having visited the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, I knew how difficult or a matter of luck it was to spot even a small wild animal in the forest. Maybe it’s the challenge to spot a wild animal in its natural surrounding keeps the level of excitement high. Even though the excitement was high, the expectations were low, but I have to say that I underestimated Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. After driving deep in the forest we came across an open plain where we saw herds of spotted deer grazing. “Well, that was lucky”, was the first thought that came to my mind, but the luck was not done with us yet. As our vehicle drove deep in the jungle, our driver stopped the car while out guide pointed his hand outside the vehicle and said, “There is the bison,” and this was the first time when I actually saw a huge wild animal in its natural surroundings. We requested our driver to wait there for some time to enjoy this majestic and huge creature moving around. After spending nearly four hours driving through this thick forest it was dark, and time to turn back to our hotel and feast on some scrumptious dinner. The next day it was time for an early morning coracle (a small round boat) ride through the Kali River. The boat ride along the Kali River will help you encounter many colourful bird species such as hornbills, storks, flycatchers, falcons, bluethroatedbasrbets, bulbul etc. Even though this river is infested with crocodiles our guide assured us that they don’t have a taste for humans.
Apart from its natural beauty, flora and fauna, Dandeli also has to offer something for the people having keen interest in local history, legends and folklore. A 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.TheDandelappa Temple is one of the important places to visit in Dandeli which attracts pilgrims and devotees all over the year. This is one of the oldest temples in the Dandeli town. 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 when he named the area.
Another important site is the Kavala Caves. Visited by pilgrims from all over the country especially on occasions like Shiv Ratri, Kavala Caves also welcome nature lovers and photography freaks to witness a phenomenal creation of the nature. River Kali slowly enters the caves from 40 feet down. Kavala caves is a surreal yet an important place on the list of Dandeli attractions.
Another most desired tourist destination for heritage lovers and trek enthusiasts, among the places to visit in Dandeli is the historic Shivaji Fort. It is believed to be once built by the great ChhatrapatiShivaji. The fort proudly boasts of the clever warring techniques and strategies implemented by the warriors to win an ongoing war and protect the fort from the enemies.
Pre-dating the Shivaji fort, Sri Mallikarjuna Temple stands as yet another oldest and most important Dandeli places. The temple witnesses pilgrims throughout the year. Majorly famous for the incomparable architecture of the temple.
The temple of Ulvi Channabasaveshwara is another important destination which is at a distance of 48 Kms from Dandeli.
Even though we had spent only two days in Dandeli, the unique feeling that this place has to offer will help you remember the time you spent at this place for years to come.
