Shoestring Budget Itinerary: 3 Days in Dandeli

  1. Day 1: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
    10 minutes (5 km) from Dandeli city centre

    Start off your trip to Dandeli by exploring the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 834 square kilometres, the sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, spotted deer, bison, and over 300 species of birds. Take a morning jeep safari to spot some of these animals in their natural habitat. After that, explore the Kali River and enjoy a white-water rafting experience, which is a must-do activity in Dandeli.

  2. Day 2: Syntheri Rocks & Ulavi Caves
    1 hour 20 minutes (50 km) from Dandeli city centre

    On day two, visit the stunning Syntheri Rocks, which are over 300 feet tall and carved out of volcanic rocks. After that, drive down to the Ulavi Caves to explore ancient rock-cut temples from the 6th century. Along the way, you can also visit the Kavala Caves, where you can spot bats hanging upside down from the cave roof.

  3. Day 3: Supa Dam & Sykes Point
    40 minutes (25 km) from Dandeli city centre

    Visit the massive Supa Dam, which is the second-largest dam in Karnataka, and enjoy a bird's eye view of the dam from the watchtower. After that, head to Sykes Point, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kali River valley, and nearby hills. Finally, trek to the beautiful Shivaji Fort, which was built in the 17th century by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari (3 hours, INR 1,500 per person)
  • White Water Rafting (2 hours, INR 2,000 per person)
  • Entry fee for Syntheri Rocks (INR 20 per person)
  • Entry fee for Ulavi Caves (INR 25 per person)
  • Entry fee for Supa Dam (INR 50 per person)
  • Parking fee for Sykes Point (INR 50 per vehicle)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,645 per person

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day in Dandeli, visit the Kulgi Nature Camp, which offers jungle treks and camping facilities. Other activities to consider include kayaking, coracle rides, and crocodile spotting. If you have less than 3 days, consider dropping the Sykes Point and Ulavi Caves from your itinerary. Also, try to visit Dandeli during the summer months (March to June) when the wildlife sanctuary is open for tourism, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.

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