Dandeli: The nasty insect bite

Don’t get demotivated to visit Dandeli by seeing the title of my story. I promise by the end of the blog, you will turn into a wildlife lover if you are not one already.

We drove down from Pune, which takes about 8 hrs. We stayed at the Kali Adventure Camp and Old Magazine House resorts, a day each. Both these resorts are managed by Jungle Lodges, Karnataka. Service and food were very good at these places but ‘Old Magazine House’ could have been maintained better. We mostly did bird watching and safaris while in Dandeli in addition to one river rafting ride. While at Old Magazine House resort, I did not have to step out as innumerable species of birds visit the premises. They have water baths behind a hideout to watch the birds. You will be confused about where to look and which picture to take. If you are looking for a relaxing good resort stay, go for Hornbill resort.

Most birders were waiting to get a glance of the beauty that was spotted the past few days — the Malabar Trogan bird. Finally, they found it inside the forest and struggled inside the shrubs to get a click before it flies away. I was so excited and followed them forgetting that I was in my slippers and half-sleeved T-shirt. I realized my mistake only a couple of days later when I had allergic rashes all over with a long-lasting itchy sensation. So take this advice seriously: Don’t step into the forests without shoes, fully covered clothes, and some herbal insect spray.

Well, when I see the photos of the ‘Malabar Trogan’(See below), I don’t regret it though. It’s so gorgeous and sweet sounding.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher(Male), Malabar Trogan(Male)

A quick snapshot of the wonderful & colorful wildlife in Dandeli:

Black-naped Monarch, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher

Blue-capped Rock-thrush, Malabar Hornbill(eating a caterpillar, it first smacks it on the branch to remove all the thorns)

Golden-fronted Leafbird, Lesser-Flameback Woodpecker, Orange-headed Thrush

Dark-fronted Babblers, Serpent eagle(Found in Kali tiger reserve)

Malabar Pied Hornbills(Found in plenty in hornbill reserve), Woolly-necked Stork

Spotted Dove, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Flame-throated Bulbul

Indian yellow Tit, Asian Paradise Flycatcher(Look at the hairdo!)

White-bellied blue flycatcher, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher

Hair-crested Drongo, Racket-tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo

Puff-throated babbler, Forest Wagtail(only wagtail which moves its tail sideways instead of up & down), Common Woodshrike

White-rumped Shama(Loved to watch it taking a morning dip in the water bath)

A Visit to Kali Tiger Reserve:

If you stay in ‘Kali Adventure Camp’ by jungle lodges, they take you on a 2-hr jeep safari(included in the package) in the evening 4–6.30. We did 2 safaris in the Kali Tiger Reserve but there was no sight of the tiger. In the dense forests of South India, you should go with fewer expectations. Nevertheless, the jungle has lots to offer: lush green forests, other animals as listed below, beautiful birds, cool breeze, and of course the sounds are meditative.

Gaurs & Chitals

Giant Squirrels, Jackals, etc.

Legge’s Hawk-Eagle

Excuse the blurry photos, I am an amateur photographer and I was enjoying viewing the wildlife than taking the pictures.

Visiting Dandeli for birding or just to enjoy the green environment is highly recommended. You will be awestruck by the exotic range of flora and fauna!

Travel Dates: Nov 21–23, Best time to visit Dandeli: Oct-Feb