My Jungle Junction

Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve

Kali Tiger Reserve, formerly Dandeli-Anshi, is a Western Ghats forest on the Kali river, known for black panthers, hornbills and a scenic, adventure-friendly setting.

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Plan Your Safari

Talk to a wildlife specialist.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by My Jungle Junction.

By submitting, you agree to our Cancellation & Refund Policy and Privacy Policy.

My Jungle Junction's Guide to Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve

The Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Safari Experience

The forest began as the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in 1956; Anshi National Park was carved out of it in 1987; and in 2007 the two came under Project Tiger as the Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve. The reserve was renamed Kali Tiger Reserve in 2015. Sources give differing areas, with a total of around 1,300 sq km and about 815 sq km notified as core.

Tourism is based around Dandeli, Ganeshgudi and Kulgi, with forest department safaris, nature camps and bird walks. Most visitors stay two or three nights; Kali pairs well with Goa, Gokarna or Hubballi on a wider Karnataka itinerary.

The reserve is also known for its bird list, including the great and Malabar pied hornbills.

1,345

sq. km reserve

1 + 1

Core + Buffer zones

2007

Declared National Park

Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Safari Packages

My Jungle Junction's Bestselling Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Safari Packages

We plan Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) itineraries around permit availability, travel time from the nearest airport or station, and the zones that suit your priorities, whether that is tigers, birds or a quieter forest. Amit and the My Jungle Junction team handle safari bookings, lodge selection and transfers, and can combine Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) with neighbouring reserves in Karnataka or a wider central India circuit.

How Many Safaris Should You Do in Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)?

Two or three drives and a bird walk

Kali is a dense forest, so sightings come from patience and good guiding. We recommend two to three safaris plus a bird walk or nature trail, with time for river activities at Dandeli if you want a lighter day. The black panther is the headline hope, not a guarantee.

Two safaris give a good look at the forest and a chance at hornbills, deer, gaur and monkeys. Three drives add variety and raise the odds of a leopard or panther, and are our usual recommendation.

Four or more safaris suit photographers and birders who accept slower sightings. Kali suits travellers who like adventure, rivers and birdlife alongside the forest, and who treat any big cat as a bonus.

Best Safari Zones

Safari Zones in Kali Tiger Reserve

Kali Tiger Reserve combines the former Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park. Visitor activity is concentrated around Dandeli, with nature camps and safari routes managed by the Karnataka forest department, as well as areas near Ganeshgudi, Kulgi and Anshi. Routes, vehicles and bookings are controlled by the department and change by season, so we confirm what is open before you travel.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

The northern part of the reserve, around Dandeli town, with safaris and nature camps.

Anshi National Park

The southern part of the reserve, a protected forest block of the Western Ghats.

Kulgi Nature Camp

Forest department nature camp used as a base for walks and wildlife viewing.

Ganeshgudi

Area on the Kali river known for birdlife and nature stays.

How to Reach & When to Visit

How to Reach & Best Time to Visit Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

✈️

By Air

Hubballi airport is the nearest, with Goa's Dabolim and Mopa airports and Belagavi as alternatives. Dandeli is a few hours' drive from each.

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By Train

Alnavar Junction is the nearest railhead, around 30 km from Dandeli; Hubballi and Londa are other options for longer journeys.

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By Road

Dandeli is reached by road from Hubballi, Belagavi, Goa or Karwar. Allow a few hours; we arrange transfers and confirm road conditions.

Best Time to Visit Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Winter is best; the monsoon is lush and wet.

🍂
Winter
Nov - Feb

Cool, clear weather and the best season for birding, drives and river activities. Mornings are misty in the hills.

☀️
Summer
Mar - Jun

Hot and dry; animals visit waterholes and thinner foliage helps sightings. Keep to early morning and evening drives.

🌧️
Monsoon
Jul - Oct

Heavy Western Ghats rain; the forest is lush but tracks are wet and access may be limited. River rafting is also usually suspended.

MJJ Insight : Book safaris and nature camps through us ahead of time; availability depends on the forest department and varies by season.

The Wildlife of Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Beyond the Tiger: Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)'s Wildlife

Kali is known for black panthers, tiger, leopard, Asian elephant, gaur, sloth bear, wild dog (dhole), sambar, chital, barking deer, wild boar, mouse deer and the Indian giant squirrel. Primates include the lion-tailed macaque in the Western Ghats region, bonnet macaque and langur. Birdlife is exceptional, with great and Malabar pied hornbills, Malabar trogon, crested serpent eagle and many forest birds. The Kali river holds mugger crocodiles, and the evergreen patches are rich in reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting
Kali (Dandeli-Anshi) Tiger Reserve - wildlife sighting

Wildlife Highlights of Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

The black panther of the Western Ghats

Kali's claim to fame is the black panther, a melanistic leopard reported more often here than in most Indian reserves. Hornbills and a rich bird list are further attractions, with tigers present but rarely seen.

Black Panther Dandeli Anshi Kali River Hornbills

Kali does not have a named celebrity tiger. Its fame comes from the black panther, as one of the few tiger reserves in India where melanistic leopards are reported frequently.

The forest has a layered history: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in 1956, Anshi National Park in 1987, and tiger reserve status from 2007, renamed Kali Tiger Reserve in 2015. Dense cover means sightings are rare, but the reserve is valued for connecting Western Ghats forest.

Your Stay in Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Your Stay in Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Where to Stay in Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Most visitors stay around Dandeli, Ganeshgudi and Kulgi, where there are forest department camps, riverside resorts and homestays. Dandeli town has more choice and easier transport; Ganeshgudi and Kulgi are closer to the forest and suit birders and photographers. Many resorts also offer rafting, kayaking and nature walks. We choose based on comfort, activities and travel time, and book safaris to match.

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Safari Etiquette

Dos and Don'ts on a Kali safari

✓ Dos

  • ✓ Keep your voice low inside the forest.
  • ✓ Listen to your guide and naturalist.
  • ✓ Respect safari routes and forest regulations.
  • ✓ Carry water, sun protection and suitable clothing.
  • ✓ Keep your camera ready without disturbing wildlife.

✕ Don'ts

  • ✕ Ask the driver to break rules.
  • ✕ Request a driver to block an animal's movement.
  • ✕ Feed wildlife.
  • ✕ Throw anything from the vehicle.

Why Should You Visit Kali (Dandeli-Anshi)

Western Ghats forest, black panthers and hornbills

Kali matters because it protects a large stretch of Western Ghats forest, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, and holds an unusually high number of melanistic leopards. It is one of the few tiger reserves where black panthers are frequently reported, and its bird list, including hornbills, is long. For visitors it offers a quieter, more adventurous experience than the main safari parks: river rafting, nature walks, bird walks and stays among the trees. It is a good choice if you want to combine wildlife with outdoor activity and explore a less visited part of Karnataka.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Kali

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