It was 4 years back, when I first heard the place 'Dandeli' from my friend during the weekend trip of ANDHARBAN - THE DARK FOREST near Tamhini.
Earlier, I was wondering where the place and how it was. Was this place different thn others? After exploring the place on web, i am in deep love with it🤩. I have checked the route and the stay options in and around Dandeli.
After 4 years, finally we managed to escape🚍 from Pune and landed to the rich thick forest reserve area in Ganeshgudi, Dandeli, Karnataka.
There are multiple route to reach Dandeli. From Pune, we have two options. Either to go by train 🚊upto Londa junction and from there to Ganeshgudi by rental car/cab🚖 or go by road to Hubli Dharwad by private or government bus 🚍services and then Dandeli by Karnataka bus transport system or rental cab/car🚖.
We booked THE OLD MAGAZINE HOUSE🏕️ for our stay in Ganeshgudi. The property is under the JUNGLE AND LODGE RESORT - Karnataka tourism department. I have no words to explain the beauty of the place. You can see the photos in this blog. It is the bird 🦜watcher paradise.
We booked private AC bus from Pune to Dandeli (Indumati travels) but there was some issue during our dates with the travels. Thus, we cancelled the ticket and booked KSRTC bus from Swargate to Dharwad. The resort manager helped us for rental cab/taxi picked up from Dharwad to Ganeshgudi. Mr Govind (+91 9480561377) , a local resident of Ganeshgudi and a cab owner, was with us for 2 full days for exploring the nearby places of Dandeli with nominal rate.
The sun 🌄 came behind the trees and we saw the area was reserved forest. The road was full of scenic beauty. It was 2 hours to reach Ganeshgudi from Dharwad.
Finally, We reached Ganeshgudi. From the main road, the resort is inside the dense forest🏞️ area approx 700-800 meter.
We spent some time roaming in the compound of resort which was our home for 3 nights and all of sudden We heard deep booming sound....OMG....it was endangered species bird THE GREAT INDIAN HORNBILL, known as Dandeli's flying Tiger. Wow. On very first day, we saw this amazing bird. Thus we were excited for next 3 days.
We had checked-in the rooms as the checked in time was 11 am. After some time, we went for lunch to the dining area which was far from rooms. The food was very nice.
After lunch, We met other visitors - some were bird photographer and some came for relaxation. During the discussion, we had got one shocked that the female leopard with her 2 babies crossed the stretch which connects main road to resort main gate early in the morning. 😱
Till evening, we spent time to explore bird species without knowing the name 🤪 and clicks their photos. Hopefully, we had a book name "Birds of India", so we can easily identify the bird and their name from the captured photos.
After dinner, we went for bed early because next day there will be nature walk at 6 am. We were exited for the same.
In the morning, woke up early due to the call of the birds. Had tea and biscuits and went for nature walk. We had seen many birds in the resort campus as well as the stretch connects to main road. Also went to near by village Ganeshgudi for exploring the place.
After 1 and half hour of nature walk, we came to resort had our breakfast. Breakfast was also good and there were poha, upma, udid vada, omlet, toast jam-butter and tea/coffee.
The day gets busier with lots of birds coming in flocks and confusing you with so many options - of what to watch and what not to..
However, We planned to visit syntheri rocks which was approx 35 kms from the resort. The road was good in condition and full of scenery. On the way, we had visited Supa dam reservoir and the authentic nature product shop. Purchased Honey, hair oil and some other things.
In Evening, as usual we set up our camera and click the photos till sunset. The resort staff had arranged the common bourn 🔥 . Spent time their till dinner were ready. After dinner, we played UNO till mid night.
In morning, again woke up early for nature walk. Had same routine as 2nd day. Exploring places and click bird photos in and around resort area.
After nature walk, we had breakfast and went for coracle ride in Kali river near by the resort. The coracle ride was arranged by resort staff and it was included in package. Spent 1 hr in the river, clicked photos of crocodiles, herons and king fishers. It was thrilled because in the same river large reptiles 🐊 lives.
After heavy lunch, we went for the Anshi tiger reserve safari. It was on the same route of syntheri rocks.
Dandeli forest is also famous for Black Panther. We booked one jeep for the safari. Forest was thick and the area was commissioned under the project tiger thus we were exited. Hope we would find tiger and black Panther during the safari.
Spent 2 hours in jungle, hopefully we could only find spotted deers, hornbill, eagle and beautiful sunset from the sunset point in the middle of the jungle.
This was the last day of our trip. In morning, we spent time again by walking in nature. Click photos in and around resorts. Had breakfast and planned for return journey to Dharwad.
During the return journey, we planned to visit Timber market yard, ecology park and crocodile park.
Timber market is also popular amongst the bird watchers where we could find malbar hornbills and other birds. We moved towards the ecological park in the town. The park was like a forest. Must visited spot. In the park, popular cartoon character statues installed for the interest of children.
Most funny thing, we had found was crocodile park. The business mind people of the Dandeli had Cordon their farms along side the river Kali and charged fees to see crocodiles in the river. What an idea sirji!!!!
WARNING: after sunset, do not stand or sit at one place in open area of OLD MAGAZINE HOUSE..🦎🐍🦂🦠.
AND
Must have Torch roaming around the campus in night.
MOST IMPORTANT, DO NOT GO BEYOND THE MAIN GATE OF THE RESORT DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT TIME, NEITHER ALONE NOR IN GROUP OF 2-3.
We heard 3 times in 4 days about Leopard and Bear. These wild animals frequently crossed this stretch.
The resort staff (specially Vinayak and Chacha) are very supportive. Knowledgeable about the birds. They spent 14-15 years of life in this area.
Best time to visit from DECEMBER to MARCH.
Booking resort on : http://www.junglelodges.com/old-magazine-house
Cab owner Mr Govind - 9480561377. He charged nominal fare. Good in nature and supportive.
