Dandeli Elephant Reserve

Dandeli Elephant Reserve is an important elephant conservation landscape in the central Western Ghats of Karnataka. Notified under Project Elephant, the reserve protects extensive evergreen forests surrounding the Kali Tiger Reserve (formerly Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve). These forests support a healthy population of Asian elephants and numerous threatened wildlife species while preserving one of the largest remaining tracts of evergreen forest in peninsular India.

Location

The reserve is situated primarily in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka along the Goa–Karnataka section of the Western Ghats.

Brief History

Dandeli Elephant Reserve was notified by the Government of Karnataka under Project Elephant on 25 August 2002 to conserve elephant habitats in the Kali River basin and maintain ecological connectivity across the central Western Ghats.

Description

• State: Karnataka
• Notification Date: 25 August 2002
• Total Area: Approximately 2,321 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
• Elevation: Approximately 100–960 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Kali Tiger Reserve
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Anshi National Park
• Joida Forest Division
• Dandeli Forest Division

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve contains extensive tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, bamboo brakes and riverine forests. The Kali River and its tributaries provide perennial water sources that sustain elephants and other large mammals throughout the year.

Flora

Dominant vegetation includes Dipterocarpus, Hopea, Mesua, Terminalia, Rosewood, Teak, Bamboo, Cane and numerous endemic plant species of the Western Ghats.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Black Panther (occasionally recorded)
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Sloth Bear
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Barking Deer
• Mouse Deer
• Malabar Giant Squirrel
• Great Hornbill
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• King Cobra
• More than 300 bird species

Elephant Conservation

Dandeli Elephant Reserve secures elephant habitat in the Kali River landscape and maintains connectivity with adjoining Western Ghats forests. Habitat protection, anti-poaching measures and corridor conservation remain the primary management priorities.

Weather

• Summer: 22–35°C
• Winter: 14–26°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 2,500–4,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March is considered the best season for wildlife safaris, birdwatching and nature tourism.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airports: Hubballi and Goa (Manohar International Airport/Dabolim)
• Nearest Railway Stations: Alnavar, Londa and Dharwad
• By Road: Easily accessible via Dandeli, Joida, Karwar and Hubballi.

Where to Stay

• Karnataka Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to advance booking)
• Government-operated Jungle Lodges & Resorts accommodation near Kali Tiger Reserve

Nearby Attractions

• Kali Tiger Reserve
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Anshi National Park
• Kavala Caves
• Syntheri Rocks
• Kali River

Did You Know?

Dandeli Elephant Reserve lies within one of the largest surviving stretches of tropical evergreen forest in the Western Ghats and is also one of India’s finest destinations for hornbill watching and white-water rafting.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Dandeli Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026