Kali River

About Kali River

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.

Interesting things to do

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.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.

Interesting things to Visit

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.

Location info

**Address:**The river has its origin in the Western Ghats and flows westwards to join the Arabian Sea near the town of Karwar. The river flows mostly through the district of North Canara.

• **District:**North Canara

• **Nearest City:**Dandeli

• Best time to visit: Its open throughout the year, but the best time to visit would be between the months starting from October to June.

How to reach Kali River

**Nearest Railway Station:**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.

• Nearest Airport:

Road Transport: 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.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

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.

Nearest visiting places

• Basavaraja Durga Island

The Island of Basavaraja Durga is about a km from main land off Honnavar. You can reach the island through boats and small coasters. The landing place is at the south end where there is a ruined fort with eight mounted guns

• Darya Bahadurgadh Island

Darya Bahadurgadh Island : Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory

• Devbagh Island

Karnataka’s undiscovered gem, Devbagh is a destination with a difference. Pristine beaches, casuarina plantations and an eco- friendly environment beckon the adventurous tourist. SUSHEELA NAIR writes about this romantic getaway which offers complete privacy and solitude

• Karwar Island

Karwar is a port town situated 100 Km from Goa and 260 Km north of Mangalore. Tucked between the sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, Karwar is an unexplored destination

• Kurumgad Island

Kurumgad Island is a remote haven, located 4 km into the Arabian Sea from Karwar. This tortoise-shaped island, 6 km from Baithakola in Karwar harbor, offers a beautiful view of the sea. Tourists can enjoy exotic beach walks, nature walks, swimming, fishing, bonfires and barbecues, dolphin spotting, boat rides and snorkeling

• Sadashivgad Island

Sadashivgad is a small village across the Kali river from the town of Karwar in Uttara Kannada. There is an abandoned fort built circa 17th century, and a temple to goddess Durga. The hill on the island offers spectacular views of the Kali river and Arabian sea

• Sanyasi Island

Sanyasi Island:Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name

• Gokarna Temples

Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar)

• Honnavar Temple

Honavar or Honnavar is a port Town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The town is the headquarters of Honnavar taluk.History: The first ever historical reference about the Honavar town appears in the works of the Greek author Periplus (AD 247) and it was called Naour.[citation needed] It was mentioned as the first port of Limurike in Tamil country

• Banavasi Historical

Located on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, the ancient temple town of Banavasi has been a great religious hub for ages. The fact that it is regarded the most ancient city of India after Varanasi, speaks volumes about rich heritage of Banavasi

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of River Kali, amidst thick forests and hills of Uttara Kannada District. The sanctuary is at a distance of 125 kms from Goa, 117 kms from Karwar, 95 kms from Belgaum and at 400 kms from Banglore.Dandeli offers you much more than the sundry outings and picnics

• Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is Karnataka In the district of Uttar Kannada Anshi National Park is located. The scenic beauty of this park is non-parallel. An animal lover will definitely fall in love with Anshi National Park. The flora of this place has been blessed with plants like eucalyptus, bamboo, teak, xylia xylocarpa, silver oak, bauhinia and others

• Bhatkal Archeology

The west coast style of south India starts from here. The roofs of the buildings are steep since it rains heavily in the western Ghats. They are mostly wooden constructions as in Kerala. In Karnataka , stone structures are prominent

• Benne Hole Falls

This glorious water falls is formed from the tributary of river “Aghanashini”, which flows in the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats. The height of the falls is about 200ft. Benne Hole means big stream in Kannada. About 21kms from Sirsi to Kumta is place called Kasage, which is 6kms from the waterfalls

• Burude Falls or Dodmane Falls

This wonderful waterfall is around 20+kms from Siddapur and 55+kms from Sirsi, on Siddapur-Kumta road. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer. And which will be full in rainy and winter seasons which makes the entry to the waterfall and the valley impossible

Things to carry

#Travel light if you are using local transport to get to Dandeli.
#Carry some dry snacks if you feel sudden junk food cravings.
#If you are not physically fit, opt out of visiting Kavala caves as there are over a thousand steps to climb
#Carry a pair of powerful binoculars to view the birds and crocodiles on the river
#A jacket and a cap are must-takes all through the year. It is also advisable to carry a torch

Tips & suggestions

Distances : -
*Belgaum - 70 kms
*Karwar - 110 kms
*Panjim - 120 kms (Via NH 4A)

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Dandeli

• **Nearest Hospital:**Dandeli

• Society/Community Phone Number

Links:
http://www.indiatravelite.com/jungleriverlodges/kaliriver.htm#top
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali\_River\_(Karnataka)
http://www.nivalink.com/kali/index.html
http://www.ourkarnataka.com/foto/foto\_kali.htm

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Kali River

October to March is the best time for river visits — pleasant weather and moderate water levels. Post-monsoon (October-November) offers full river flow without the danger of floods. Monsoon (June-September) brings high water levels — rafting and boating may be restricted. Summer sees reduced flow in some rivers.

Timings & opening hours

River access is open 24 hours. However, water activities are recommended during daylight hours only (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the river bank is generally free. Some specific picnic spots or river resorts may charge entry fees. Coracle/boat rides: ₹200-₹500 per person depending on duration.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a visit to the river bank. A half-day or full-day trip can be planned including picnicking, boating, and exploring the riverside.

Safety tips

Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. Many rivers have unpredictable currents. Avoid swimming alone. During monsoon, stay well away from river banks as water levels can rise suddenly. Do not attempt to cross the river when water levels are high. Watch for slippery rocks.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the river’s course — typically stations in the districts the river flows through. Nearest airport varies by location. The river is accessible by road from multiple points.

History of Kali River

Kali River is one of the important rivers of Karnataka, flowing through the state and supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and communities along its course. The river originates in the Western Ghats and flows through diverse landscapes before joining a larger river system or the Arabian Sea/Bay of Bengal. The river has cultural and religious significance in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is river rafting available? White-water rafting is available on certain rivers during the post-monsoon season (October-February). The Kali River and Sharavathi River are popular rafting destinations.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing regulations vary — check with local authorities. Some rivers have designated fishing areas with permits.

What safety precautions should I take? Do not venture into deep or fast-flowing water. During monsoon, water levels can rise suddenly. Never swim alone.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Rivers

Photo gallery of Kali River

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Kali River on popular travel photography sites and social media.