Dandeli

So we narrowed it down to Dandeli. After an extensive search for where to go this newyear, we decided it should be Dandeli. So we guys booked online for the resort there, packed our bags with extra towels and extra clothes anticipating water sports and went via KSRTC-Airavat bus to Dharwad from Mangalore. It’s an overnight journey, roads were decent so we could catch a good sleep. Then we caught the first bus from Dharwad to Dandeli at 6am and reached there at 8am. My cousins who joined us from Bangalore were already there via a direct bus. The resort had sent a driver to pick us up at the bus stand. So we were all set for the fun.

Day 1

We reached resort and had our breakfast and just went for a walk as some of my cousins rested and freshened up. Post lunch we went white water rafting. The resort owner booked us the slots for white water rafting. We were advised not to carry anything because everything will get wet. They had a photographer who would shoot us in action during rafting. After signing for consent that we understand the risk associated with rafting, we were assigned a raft, an instructor and 9 members in a raft. We went rafting for 9km in river Kali. Just five words about it- absolute thrill, a must do!

We got back wet and shivering. There was our vehicle waiting to pick us at the end point of rafting. As we reached back at resort, we had hot tea and campfire waiting for us, delightful!

Day 2

Had our bed tea and from the resort they took us to nature walk, basically went walking about 4km in the forest department area. Was refreshing to hear birds chirp instead of the cars honk, but I got tired!

Had our breakfast and then out again water-sports. We did zorbing, stretched our muscles and toppled and somersaulted. Then went on calm and serene Boat ride called coracle ride.

Then post lunch we went to Synteli rocks. We had to walk down about 150 steps and there is a huge rock and a beautiful stream flowing nearby, though we cannot get into the waters but we took a lot of profile pictures :P

Then we were back to campfire and enjoying the cool breezy night at our rooms.

Day 3

We guys decide to go Kavala caves. For this you have to go through the thick forest of Dandeli, ie the Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary in a jeep with the guide. We got to spot Bison, spotted deer, wild boar, a lot of birds but kept hoping for a tiger, black panther and bear as we heard that it was home to them. Then we walked down about 400 steps to reach the caves. As we entered the caves the guide explained to us about how there is an ancient rock of stalagmite that people believe to be Shivalinga. He asked to use torch and be careful about snakes, well it was really dark inside but thankfully no snakes but caves were inhabited by bats. It did feel adventurous. And then we had to walk back up the stairs and that took a lot of effort!

That evening we packed our bags, said goodbyes to the amazing weather, people and the river Kali around which everything is situated. We took bus at 7 45pm and reached Dharwad at 9 45pm and back from there to Mangalore by Airavat bus.

For those who want to visit

Cost of resort ranges from 1500-2500 per head per night inclusive of food and transport free visit to synteli rocks and nature walking. There are tents and tree house in some of the resorts.

White water rafting Rs 1600

Zorbing Rs 350

Kayaking and coracle ride Rs 150 each

Kavala caves visit –Rs 850