Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve: Your Safari Guide

By Dandeli Cheetah Jungle Stay Team · Updated April 22, 2026 · Reviewed by our on-ground naturalists

The Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve was formally declared in 2006, joining the Anshi and Dandeli wildlife sanctuaries under a single protected umbrella. It covers some of the most biodiverse forest in the Western Ghats and is home to around 40 tigers, along with leopards, black panthers, sloth bears, dholes and Indian gaur. A safari here is less about tiger-tick photography and more about reading a forest.

How the Reserve Is Organised

The reserve spans roughly 800 square kilometres across the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is split into core and buffer areas, with safaris typically running in buffer zones that are accessible from Dandeli town and the Anshi side.

Timings and Bookings

Safaris run in two slots: early morning around 6 to 9 am and afternoon around 3 to 6 pm. Permits are issued by the Karnataka Forest Department and can be booked through registered operators or directly at the forest office. Most resorts bundle safaris into their packages. Weekends and long weekends fill up fast, so aim to confirm a day or two ahead.

What You Are Likely to See

• Commonly seen: Indian gaur, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, Malabar giant squirrel, troops of langurs and bonnet macaques, peafowl.
• Sometimes seen: sloth bear, dhole packs, Indian pangolin signs, porcupine tracks.
• Rare but possible: leopard, black panther, tiger.

Tiger sightings in Dandeli are far less reliable than in places like Bandhavgarh or Kanha. Come expecting forest, not a trophy shot.

The Famous Black Panther

Karnataka has had a few well-documented black panther sightings in recent years, mostly around the Kali tiger reserve belt. It remains a rare event, but it has lifted the profile of safaris in this region. Experienced drivers know the tracks where recent sightings have happened and will adjust routes accordingly.

What to Carry

• Neutral-coloured clothing, long sleeves against sun and insects.
• Binoculars, a camera with at least a 300 mm lens if you want wildlife frames.
• A refillable water bottle and a light snack for long drives.
• A cap and sunglasses.

Etiquette That Matters

Stay seated, keep voices low, do not smoke or eat loudly and never ask the driver to leave the marked track. Good drivers will switch off the engine at sightings. Reward that behaviour with patience, not pressure. You can combine safari with other forest experiences on our activities page.

Best Months

November to May is the core safari season. The dry months of March to May offer the best concentration of animals around waterholes, though afternoons are hot. Monsoon may see partial closures in core areas.

Frequently asked questions

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