River Rafting in Dandeli

Ever wondered what it feels like to race through foaming white waters with your heart pounding and the adrenaline rush at its peak? Come and feel the thrill of river rafting in Dandeli.

Kali River in Dandeli offers exhilarating river rafting experiences that are perfect for all kinds of adventure seekers. It does not matter if you’re dipping your paddle in for the first time or looking for a new adventure, there’s a route tailored for you on the Kali River. You can choose a short 1–2 km beginner-friendly stretch or go all in with the 12 km route from Supa Dam which is packed with exciting rapids. Each route on the Kali River promises great action, stunning views of forested banks and amazing wildlife.

River rafting tours in Dandeli can be done from October to May when the waters released from Supa Dam provide the perfect conditions for this exciting activity. To make the most of your trip, you can choose to book Dandeli packages from Thrillophilia which often include stays, meals and a bunch of exciting activities.

Why Choose Dandeli for River Rafting?

1. Rafting Through a Wildlife Sanctuary - Dandeli is one of the few rafting destinations that is set inside a wildlife sanctuary. As you manage the twists and turns of the Kali River, you may catch a glimpse of otters, hornbills or even crocodiles basking on the bank

2. Less Crowded - Dandeli is comparatively less crowded than most adventure spots and it offers an uncrowded rafting experience. You can enjoy the river without the hectic rush which results in better safety, personalised guide attention and more space to truly experience this activity.

3. Eco-Stay Experiences - Dandeli offers quite a few eco-friendly accommodations like treehouses, riverside camps, and jungle lodges. These types of stay further enhance your outdoor adventures making it more than just a rafting trip

Type of Rafting Routes in Dandeli

1. Short Rafting: The short river rafting route, which is about 1-2 km long, is a great stretch for travellers with no experience in river rafting. This route has gentle grade 1 rapids, which will give you a mild taste of river rafting without any danger.

The ride starts near Ganeshgudi and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. It is a safe and scenic route, ideal for those looking for a fun yet low-risk introduction to river rafting.

Distance: 1 to 2 km

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

Grade: Grade I

Ideal for: Beginners and family

Best time: October to May

Starting point: Ganeshgudi

Conclusion point: Nearby Campsite

2. Medium Rafting: This moderate rafting route on the Kali River gives you a balance between thrill and ease. With grade 2 rapids such as the Sniffing Snake and Washing Machine, this stretch starts from Ganeshgudi Bridge and ends near the Kali Adventure Camp. The entire rafting experience lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours and is great for first-timers who are ready for a little more action and a slightly longer ride.

Distance: 4 to 5 km

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Grade: Grade II

Ideal for: Novices who have a taste for adventure 

Best time: October to early June

Starting point: Ganeshgudi Bridge 

Conclusion point: Nearby Kali Adventure Camp

3. Long Rafting: This route is meant for adventure enthusiasts with good experience in river rafting. It starts from Supadam and stretches for up to 12 km with grade II to III rapids along its path. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete this stretch and this route offers a full-fledged whitewater rafting experience.

Distance: 9 to 12 km 

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Grade: Grade II & Grade II

Ideal for: Experienced rafters

Best time: October to May 

Starting point: Supa Dam

Conclusion point: Ganeshgudi

Guide to River Rafting in Dandeli 

Dandeli Rafting Season:

• October to April- Prime rafting season in Dandeli is from October to April. This is post monsoon time when the water levels in the Kali River are optimum for River rafting. 
• June to September- These months fall under the monsoon season and the rains make going through the rapids more challenging. The water in the River is higher, making it unpredictable and most of the river may be closed off for rafting during this time.
• May to early June- This is the off season for river rafting in Dandeli and the Kali River is a lot calmer during this time. These conditions are ideal for beginners to try out river rafting. 

Rafting Costs in Dandeli 

Dandeli river rafting price depends greatly on length of route, season and the operator you have signed up with. Depending on your skill level you can pick from three different routes - short, medium and long. 

Short Rafting route - This route covers about 1 to 2 km and costs approx ₹ 600 per person.

Medium Rafting route- This route covers about 4 to 5 km and costs about ₹1200 to ₹1400.

Long Rafting route - This route will take you through challenging rapids and covers about 12 km distance. River rafting Costs for this section is ₹1400 to ₹1800

Inclusions:

• Basic safety gears
• Experienced guides
• Raft
• Some may include transportation to the starting point

Rafting in Dandeli :

The Kali River runs a span of about 9 to 14 km and features 6 to 9 rapids graded class II and III this makes for an ideal mix of excitement and safety for all rafters. Along the route there are calm sections as well and then short and intense bursts of thrilling rapids. Some of the main rapids you will encounter are-

Adi's Beard: Okay Adi's Beard is the first Rapid you will encounter along the Kali River while river rafting. The water in this section builds up speed almost immediately and will need a sharp steering method to get by.

The Stitch: This Rapid is immediately after Adi's Beard and needs a little technical maneuvering of the wave formations that you will encounter.

Stanley's Squeeze: You will encounter this Rapid in the mid section of the Kali River. This Rapid is characterised by a narrow and rocky route and rafters will need to carefully get the raft past it without hitting the boulders.

Smugglers Trove: This Rapid comes after Stanley's Squeeze and features waves which most rafter enjoy surfing moments. This is a short wave ride which gives an exciting feel of gliding over the wave making it quite popular with rivers rafters in Dandeli 

Other Essential Information 

Safety Measures in Dandeli River Rafting:

Safety comes first and all river rafting activities in Dandeli are conducted and managed by experienced and trained guides. 

• The rafts, life jackets, helmets and paddles are well maintained to make sure you stay safe on the River.
• A well stocked first-aid kit is readily available with the staff even during the ride and the staff are trained to manage emergencies. 
• Before you set out on your rafting adventure all participants receive detailed safety instructions and guidelines. 
• The operators stay updated on weather reports and conditions of the River at all times to ensure a safe ride. 
• It is important to keep in mind that river rafting schedules are subject to weather conditions and may get postponed or canceled during adverse weather conditions to ensure safety.

Things To Carry for River Rafting :

• Always wear lightweight and quick drying clothes best for water activities. 
• Wear waterproof or sports shoes with a good grip. 
• Bring an extra set of clothes and a towel for changing after your rafting experience. 
• Carry good quality sunscreen, sunglasses with straps and a cap for sun protection. 

How to Reach Dandeli 

By Air: Hubli Airport is located about 66 km from Dandeli and it is the closest airport to the region. Hubli Airport has regular flights coming in from major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad. From the airport you can take taxis or buses to reach Dandeli which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Total travel time from Bangalore to Dandeli is roughly 1 hour 25 minutes by flight. 

By Train: Alnavar Junction is the nearest railway station located about 34 km from Dandeli. It connects Dandeli to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Goa. From the railway station you can either hire a cab or board a bus to get to Dandeli. From Bangalore to Dandeli by Train, it takes 9 hours on average.

By Road: Dandeli is well-connected by road to several major cities like Bangalore which is approximately 467 km away. Then there is Hubli about 75 km from Dandeli and Belgaum 90 km away. Buses are easily available from several cities near Dandeli. If you're driving from Bangalore it takes about 9 to 10 hours and the same goes for overnight buses

Best Rafting Camps in Dandeli 

1. Dandeli Kali Adventure Camp | Jungle Lodges & Resorts: This is a jungle lodge and resort facing the Kali River giving you the most spectacular views. The camp is a perfect mix of adventure and nature giving a range of activities to enjoy. You can go white-water rafting, kayaking, bird watching and for nature walks. For stay you can choose from tents rooms or dormitories and packages are there for both food and without food. The camp offers guided nature walks, coracle rides, bonfires and forest entry.

Location: Dandeli, Karnataka 

Address: Kali Adventure Camp, Kogilban, Haliyal Taluk, Dandeli, Karnataka 581325

Check-in: 12:00 AM 

Check-out: 11:00 AM 

Price: Starting from ₹ 2000

2. River Edge Resort: River Edge Resort offers amazing riverside camping with choices for accommodation ranging from tents, AC rooms, dormitories to commando cottages. It is located close to the Kali River and offers a fun and entertaining camping experience with activities like rafting, zip lining, river zorbing, archery, jungle safaris, bonfire and more. 

Location: Dandeli, Karnataka 

Address: River Edge Resort, Kariampalli, Karnataka 581325

Check-in: 12:00 AM 

Check-out: 12:00 AM 

Price: Starting from ₹1,600 per night

3. Whistling Woodzs Resort: Whistling Woodzs is set along the Kali River and offers river facing tents, deluxe cottages and treehouse stays. You also get direct access to rafting, ziplining, and kayaking, making it ideal for thrill-seekers and families. This luxury resort gives you serene forest surroundings and in-house restaurants add to the relaxing experience.

Location: Badgund, Dandeli, Karnataka

Address: Whistling Woodzs Resort, Badgund Village, Ganeshgudi Post, Dandeli, Karnataka 581365

Check-in: 1:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Price: Starting from ₹13,500 per night (approx.)

4. Old Magazine House: Located amidst the forests of Dandeli, Old Magazine House offers a serene retreat with activities like river rafting, bird watching, coracle ride, jungle trekking, mountain biking and more. You can pick your stay options as there are rooms, cottages, dormitories and treehouses.

Location: Ganeshgudi, Dandeli, Karnataka 

Address: Old Magazine House, Ganeshgudi, Londa-Dandeli Road, Joida, Taluk, Dandeli, Karnataka 581365

Check-in: 12:00 AM 

Check-out: 11:00 AM 

Price: Starting from ₹1,400 approx.

Other Popular Activities in Dandeli 

1. Kayaking - Kayaking in Dandeli is a peaceful experience as you paddle along the waters of the Kali River. The River itself is surrounded by dense forest and it’s a great way to learn a new water sport. The gentle currents of the River make it suitable for beginners

2. Ziplining - Feel the excitement of flying as you zipline over Dandeli. Ziplining offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the Kali River. 

3. Jungle Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - Take a jeep safari through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and seize the opportunity to spot black panthers, tigers, elephants and hornbills. The best part of the safari is it takes you deep into the jungle which means every turn offers a chance to encounter wildlife. 

4. Natural Jacuzzi at Moulangi Eco Park - Located in a forested corner of Dandeli is the peaceful Moulangi Eco Park. The best thing to do here is relax in the natural jacuzzi formed by volcanic rock formations and stream currents. 

5. Trekking to Syntheri Rocks - How about a scenic trek through thick deciduous forest trails on your trip to Dandeli? The trek will take you to the Syntheri Rock which is an incredible towering 300-foot limestone monolith shaped by years of river erosion. 

Best Places to visit in Dandeli

1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary sanctuary spans over 866 sq km and is the biodiversity hub of Karnataka. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna such as the famous Indian elephant and black panther along with over 270 bird species. You can go on bird-watching tours, jeep safaris and nature walks surrounded by the sanctuary’s dense greenery.

2. Kavala Caves - These ancient limestone formations are located within the Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary itself. Travellers trek through the dense deciduous forest and travellers need to descend more than 300 steps to reach these caves. The main attraction for visitors here is the naturally formed Shivalinga. It is best to visit Between November and May for the ideal experience.

3. Shiroli Peak - Being the highest point of Dandeli, the Shiroli Peak offers mesmerising views of the Western Ghats.The journey to the peak gives the travellers a great opportunity to spot the indigenous flora and fauna. Sunrise and sunsets are the best times to visit as the sun paints the whole view in shades of gold and orange.

4. Supa Dam - Supa Dam is the largest dam in all of Karnataka and it is built across the Kali River. This dam’s reservoir creates a large expanse of calm and clear waters where you can enjoy boating or fishing. The dense forest around makes it a great spot for picnics and photography. 

5. Ulavi Temple - Ulavi Temple is dedicated to a 12th Century Lingayat Saint, Channabasaveshwara and it offers a serene spot for spiritual reflection. An annual fair held here attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. 

6. Kali River - Also known as the Lifeline of Dandeli, this river offers a large variety of adventure activities. Most Dandeli River Rafting tours take place in this river as it has grade 2-3 level rapids. It is suitable for beginners as well as highly trained adventurers. Apart from rafting you can also try Kayaking, River crossing and coracle rides here.