The camp is located on the banks of River Kali,
which is the most famous perennial river flowing through the Uttara Kannada
district in Karnataka, India. It is close to two wildlife sanctuaries; the
Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. The whole district is
a dense forest with around 70% area under forest cover.
There is plenty of bird-life and animals here at the Kali Wilderness Camp,
but the sighting of animals is a matter of chance. A coracle ride down the
river Kali is a memorable experience. You will encounter large crocodiles
and turtles, apart from dozens of different species of birds. Accompanied
by experienced naturalists, you can go on elephant back or in a jeep ride
into the forest.
The Camp and the River Kali live in harmony and this camp brings you closer
to the greens and browns of nature. The wildlife sanctuary here spans an area
of approximately 400 sq km of bamboo and moist deciduous trees. A liberal
growth of thyme and basil permeate the air as you trek through it.
Getting There:
Set on the banks of the River Kali, amidst the thickly forested and hilly
areas of Uttara Kannada District, the Camp is close to Goa.
The nearest railhead for those travelling from Goa to Dandeli is Londa, 45
kms away. It is functional, but not many trains ply from Mumbai to this point.
Hubli, 85 kms from Dandeli, is one of the bigger junctions for those travelling
from Bangalore / Mumbai.
By Road: Most people prefer to take a bus from Bangalore
or Goa to Dandeli. At 481 km from Bangalore, it's an overnight journey to
Dandeli. The camp is located just 1 km from bus stand or alternatively one
could take a bus from the Bangalore stand to Hubli. From Hubli, you could
take another bus or hire a car.
By Rail: The nearest railhead for those travelling from
Goa to Dandeli is Londa, 45 km away. It is functional, but few trains come
here. Hubli, 85 km from Dandeli, is one of the bigger junctions for those
travelling from Bangalore / Mumbai. Overnight train journey from Bangalore
takes you to Dharwad / Hubli. Dandeli is just an hour and 20 minutes by road
away from there. For people in Goa, driving to Dandeli might be a better option.
From Mumbai and Pune: By train to Londa or Dharwad or Karwar (through konkan
railways) and then by road to Dandeli. From Hyderabad: By train to Hubli-Dharwad
and then by road to Dandeli.
Accommodation
The camp has 9 tents that can accommodate 18 tourists. They are very comfortable
with attached baths and overlook the river, providing a perfect setting for
your stay.
The main building has 11 rooms that can accommodate 22 guests. This building
has a huge reception area and a dining hall, suitable for conferences and
meetings of up to 100 persons.
Must Do: Hop abroad a coracle with a life jacket and a helmet
on for the ideal bird watching experience. Birds of every shape, size and
color dot the landscape. Dazzling hornbills and cormorants, snake fish and
woodpeckers. You could also spot some crocodiles as they laze around in the
sun on the rocks.
River rafting is another important activity at the Kali Wilderness camp. For
that you are taken in the resort jeep to Ganeshgudi which is around 29 kms
from the camp. Once you get started and as you battle the foam, oars in hand,
you can feel the spray on your face and excitement and fear coursing through
your veins. Some rapids are tame while the others test one's tenacity The
experience is a total communion of man and the elemental forces of nature.
One could also go on one of the most scenic wildernes safaris in jeeps and
also for nature walks. Elephant rides in our campus is another major attraction.
Must See: Once at the Kali Wilderness camp, a visit to the
nearby kavala Caves is a must. Situated at a distance of 25 kms from the base
camp at Dandeli, the ancient Kavala Caves is a "must see" destination
for all visitors who come to Dandeli. A person must trek up a thousand steps
through dense virgin evergreen forests to reach the caves. Said to be inhabited
by humans since prehistoric times, these limestone caves are today revered
as the abode of Lord Shiva - the Hindu God of Destruction. As you trek back
from the caves, enjoy a breathtaking view of the river Kali winding through
the valley below.
Another important attraction is the Syntheri Rock. It is a 300 feet tall monolithic
granite located deep inside the thick Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. With the
Kaneri river gushing ferociously by its side, the Syntheri Rock is a spectacular
sight. It is at a distance of 32 kms from the Kali Wilderness Camp.
If the outdoors excite you, then Molangi is the place to be. A spot of incredible
beauty, it is situated at a point amidst dense bamboo thickets where River
Kali passes between steep slopes and rock formations.
You can also visit Sykes Point,one of the most beautiful spots in Karnataka.
From here you can get an unhindered view of the Kali River flowing through
the valley below. For miles together, one can see nothing but undulating lush
green forests all around.
You can also visit Siroli Peak, the highest point in the entire Uttara Kanara
District. From atop this peak, you can feast your eyes on he magnificence
of the unbroken green canopy of the mighty rainforests. An ideal adventure
spot, this place can be reached by either camp jeep or on foot.
Another interesting visit would be to the Siddi African Tribal Hamlets and
the Gowli's Camp. These tribals raise buffaloes, practically living in the
jungles.