Apr 15, 2008 02:21 PM
17397 Views
(Updated Apr 18, 2008 10:41 AM)
In Short:Went on a weekend getaway to Dandeli Wildlife Sancturay. We chose Hornbill River resort after some good RnD done thru net/sources, sites etc, thanks to Mouthshut for plethora of reviews. Hornbill Resort has the best & amazing accomodation options available including the "Tree House", "Rock house" and plethora of other fun filled & adventurous activities.
How to Go: Its 480+ kms from Bangalore.
Bus: Take a KSRTC Rajahamsa(ksrtc.in) Bus(thats the only Direct Bus available) from Majestic(Bangalore) to Dandeli(11-12 hour comfortable journey in a decent bus). Get down at Dandeli at around 8 in the morning. Pre-arrange your pickup/drop cab for Bison/Hornbill resorts. For JLR, you can take an auto and go.
Train: Book train tickets By Rani Chenamma express from Bangalore to Alnavar/Londa.(Choose Londa for Bison/Hornbill resort & Londa for Jungle Lodges & Resorts). Get down but do pre-arrange your pickup/drop taxi for the place of stay.
Where to stay: Acco options like Bison River resort, Hornbill Resort, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Jungle camp resort, Kulgi Nature camp etc apread across the entire area.the one which was best suited for us is Hornbill River Resort(25 kms from Dandeli).
Things you can Enjoy: "Kali River Rafting", Early morning Jungle safari, Coracle ride, Natural Jacuzzi bath, Sightseeing, Trip to Sunset-sunrise point, The resort in itself, Trekking, Swimming, River ride, Boating, Midnight nature walk etc.
How long to stay: Depends on the budget but a trip ranging from 1-2 days should be ideally fine.
Best suited for: Friends, Honeymooners, Couples, Families.
Best time to visit: Oct-April. April-June is warm but tolerable. Do book the resort/accomodation in advance. I one is looikng for the Treehouse, do boom 1-2 months prior to travel.
*Contacts:
Travel & Accomodation: Anil: +91 94484 08844.**(Thanks to Anil/Emam for superb arrangements).
Details on the trip: Choose accomodations from River View cottage(Where we stayed), Tree House(U dnt get it anywhr else in the area), Rock house(a speciality accomodation), rooms, cottages, Swiss tents etc. Thr resort has high degree of exclusivity when it comes to river proximity, accomodation types, Warmth, safety, River side, Food, Amazing hospitality. The Owner - Umesh & the Manager -Satish makes it sure to have a constant touch with everyone staying with him and to check every details possible by themselves. Ask for speaicl short tours depending on ur liking. As and when U get into the resort, book for River Rafting & Jungle safari as they are the mort sought after activities. Enjoy delicious Home-made like food cooked by the multi-purpose resort staff. Enjoy the wilderness of the Jungle and the resort, spot Flying Squirrels, Hornbills, etc at the resort itself. Have the meals in cozy environment along with bonfie at the dinner time, walk around the resort and enrich urself with the resort spread & area, go for swimming(safe) in the Kali river etc.
Morning mist is something to be enjoyed thoroughly in the resort, though we missed it due to early morning(4am) Jungle Safari.
Tips: Carry shorts, 3/4ths, Sun glasses, Trek shoes, Cap, Binoculars, Camera, Sun screens, Light summer clothes(for summer months), small bag etc.
