Anshi National Park — Attraction in Karnataka

Anshi National Park or Anshi Tiger Reserve is wild life protected reserve forest area declared by government of India. It was recently renamed as Kali Tiger Reserve. The Anshi national park lies in the Uttara Kannada ( North Kanara ) district of Karnataka state. The forest area mostly surrounding river Kali in Uttara Kannada district comes under this reserve. Dandeli wild life sanctuary adjoins this park along with Netravali and Bhagwan Mahaveer wild life sanctuaries of Goa state.Karnataka state highway 34 cuts through Anshi tiger reserve. SH-34 starts from Sadashivagad near Karwar and ends in Aurad going through Anshi, Joida, Ganeshgudi, Dharwad and many other places.

Get inEdit

By AirEdit

The nearby airports are Hubli( Hubbali) airport, Dabolim airport Goa, Mangalore Airport.

By trainEdit

There are no direct train or railway lines to Anshi. The nearest railway stations are Londa junction on Goa -Dharwad railway line, Karwar railway station on Konkan railway route from Mumbai to Mangaluru. Karwar is district headquarters of Uttara Kannada district.

By RoadEdit

Dandeli and Karwar are two major towns near to Anshi national park which are well connected to different parts of Karnataka state by bus services. NWKRTC buses from Karwar going to Joida, Ganeshgudi and Dandeli pass through Anshi.One can hire private vehicles like cars or vans from either Dandeli which is at 60 km or Karwar which is at 51 kilometre to visit this national park. Cruise through two wheelers like motorcycles or scooters is suggested only on Karnataka state highway 34 as interior roads are not so good.

Some of the roads within Anshi wildlife sanctuary have been banned for travel at night by the forest department of Karnataka recently from January 2016. They are Ulavi ( Ulvi ) to Potoli, Anmod to Hemmadaga, Bhagwathi to Kulgi via Ambikanagara. The ban will be from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M ie; from six in the evening to six in the morning.

Get aroundEdit

There are many buses plied by state government owned North West Karnataka Road Corporation ( NWKRTC ) to nearby villages of Anshi wild life sanctuary from Dandeli,Karwar, Joida, Ambikanagar and Ganeshgudi.However the services of these buses must be confirmed before travel as many times they get cancelled. Also autorickshaws ( three wheeler ) and car taxis are available at few places within sanctuary. Many villages, spots or places are isolated from any road connection within Anshi national park. Kannada is the local language which is spoken by most of the people. Signboards are generally in Kannada, some times they may be in English also.

SeeEdit

Anshi National Park or Anshi Tiger Reserve is in the western ghat geographical region of India. These western ghats form a part of Nilgiri biosphere. As part of western ghats, It has some rich flora and fauna fed by river Kali and its tributaries. The river basin of Kali has some of the lush evergreen forests of India even though large parts have been submerged by back waters of many dams built across river Kali and its tributaries. Wild animals ranging from Tiger to wild buffalo are seen in these forests. However it takes luck to spot for an ordinary tourist.

Anshi nature camp is located on Anshi - Ulavi road.

Syntheri Rocks: Syntheiri Rocks is located at around 25 km from Dandeli on the road to Gund village. Kaneri river rushes through canyon of huge granite formation. There is a 300 feet tall monolithic granite on one side. This location is a favorite picnic spot.

Ulvi Temple: Ulvi Shri Channabasaveshara temple is located deep inside park. This is one of the famous pilgrimage location for Hindus in the northern part of Karnataka

Dams across Kali River:The river Kali criss crosses the Anshi tiger reserve. There are many dams built across river Kali for generation of electricity. Main among them are Supa near Ganeshgudi, Kodsalli, Kadra,Bommanahalla and Thatihalla. The back waters of these dams are worth seeing in monsoon( rainy ) season ie; months of June,July and August even though they have submerged vast lush green forests. The entry to...

Anshi National Park, located in Karnataka, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. My solo visit to the park was an adventurous experience, with both highlights and challenges.

The Good: Lush Greenery: The park is a paradise of dense forests, with towering trees and rich undergrowth. The tranquil environment provides an excellent escape from urban life. Diverse Wildlife: Anshi is home to various species, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous birds. While I didn’t see the elusive big cats, spotting exotic birds and smaller animals was a treat. Adventure Activities: The park offers trekking and nature walks that allow visitors to explore its dense wilderness up close. These activities made my visit immersive and exciting. Less Crowded: Unlike some of the more popular national parks, Anshi is relatively quiet and less commercialized, making it ideal for solo travelers seeking solitude. Scenic Views: The viewpoints within the park, overlooking rivers and valleys, are breathtaking. Watching the sunset from one of these points was a highlight of my trip. The Challenges: Accessibility: Getting to the park is not straightforward. Public transportation options are limited, and the roads leading to the park are rough in some areas. Basic Facilities: The park has minimal facilities for visitors, such as restrooms and food options. It’s essential to carry your own supplies. Wildlife Sightings: Although the park boasts diverse wildlife, sightings of larger animals like leopards and elephants are rare. Patience is key. Unmarked Trails: Some trekking paths are not well-marked, which can make navigation tricky, especially for solo travelers. Weather Conditions: Visiting during the monsoon season can be challenging due to heavy rainfall, making trails muddy and slippery. Suggestions for Future Visitors: Plan Your Visit: Research the park’s entry timings, fees, and the best time to visit. October to March is ideal for pleasant weather and better chances of wildlife sightings. Travel Prepared: Carry essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and sturdy shoes. A raincoat or poncho is also helpful if visiting during the monsoon. Hire a Guide: A local guide can enhance your experience by pointing out wildlife and sharing insights about the park’s ecology and history. Be Patient: Wildlife sightings require patience and quiet observation. Even without spotting big animals, the experience of being amidst nature is rewarding. Respect Nature: Follow the park rules, avoid littering, and maintain a safe distance from animals to preserve the park’s natural habitat. Final Thoughts: Anshi National Park is a serene and beautiful destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While it requires some preparation and resilience to navigate its challenges, the park’s unspoiled beauty and biodiversity make it a worthwhile visit.

My solo trip to Anshi was both refreshing and enlightening. I’d recommend it to those who appreciate exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and are ready to immerse themselves in the wonders...

Kali Tiger Reserve (Kannada: ಕಾಳಿ ಹುಲಿ ಸಂರಕ್ಷಿತ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ) is a protected area and tiger reserve. It is located in Uttara Kannada district, in Karnataka, India. The park is a habitat of Bengal tigers, black panthers and Indian elephants, amongst other distinctive fauna. The Kali River flows through the tiger reserve and is the lifeline of the ecosystem and hence the name. The Tiger reserve is spread over an area of 1300 square kilometers.The forest in the area was declared the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary on 10 May 1956. The state proposed carving out a section of the sanctuary to form the Anshi national park, and the proposal was implemented on 2 September 1987.1] The initial proposal covered 250 square kilometres. When the final notification of the park area was issued in 2002, it was extended by another 90 square kilometres.

It was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve in Dec 2015.

The park is home to several hydroelectric dams and a nuclear power station.

Renaming of Anshi Tiger Reserve It is notable that Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary were together granted the status of Project Tiger tiger reserve, being declared as 'Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve' in January, 2007.[2] The 340 km2 (130 sq mi) Anshi park adjoins the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, and together with six adjacent protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra, forms an almost uninterrupted protected forest area of over 2,200 km2 (850 sq mi).

In December 2015, Dandeli Anshi Tiger reserve was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve(JOIDA).[3] The river Kali is the lifeline of the people of Uttara Kannada district and integrates Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) spread across 400 km2 and Anshi National Park (ANP) spread across 500 km2. The river cuts across the whole park and the renaming has given the area a single identity. The change of name was also to bring focus and awareness to Kali River (Karnataka). The name change was prompted following a universal response from policymakers after the release of the movie Kali[4 which brought to importance the role of Kali River to...