Top Places to Visit Near Dandeli

Dandeli serves as a springboard for visiting stunning ancient temples, beautiful waterfalls, and magical beaches in its surrounding area. Here’s a handy guide to make the most of your trip to Dandeli when in Karnataka.

Updated On: August 16, 2024
8 min, Read

Nestled in the lush environs of the Western Ghats, Dandeli is a small town situated in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. The town's picturesque landscape, comprising mountains, caves, and lush landscapes crisscrossed by rivers, makes it an ideal option for a weekend getaway.

To make the most of Dandeli's diverse terrain, you can go trekking, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, cycling, river rafting, boating, and angling. It is no surprise that the town is popularly known as the "Adventure Capital of Karnataka".

However, if slow travel is more of your thing, consider going on a leisurely nature walk or birdwatching in the Dandeli jungle, which is home to around 300 bird species.

Despite its popularity as an adventure destination in its own right, Dandeli also serves as a base for exploring plenty of exciting places over a short break. Marvel at the exquisite cave temples in Badami, frolic in the unspoiled beaches of Gokarna, or learn about the Indian classical dance form of Yakshagana in Banavasi.

there is a lot you can pack into your itinerary. I recommend you reserve at least two additional days to explore any of these towns and cities near Dandeli.

Badami

Formerly known as Vatapi, Badami lies in an upland area west of the Mahaprabha river. Part of the Bagalkote district in northern Karnataka, this historic town served as the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty from the 6th to the 8th century CE. It is famous for its four Hindu and Jain cave temples, dating from the 6th century.

The shrines are situated in a ravine at the base of a red sandstone cliff, making for a rather dramatic setting. Set around Agastya Lake, the temples are a superb example of Chalukya architecture. The place is nothing short of a visual treat for art and nature lovers.

What to See:

Visit cave one, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, to see a 5-ft-tall image of Nataraja with his 18 arms depicting various dance mudras (poses). There is also a fine carving of Mahishasura Mardini in this cave.
Admire the images of Varaha and Trivikrama on the left and right walls of cave two. The cave’s ceiling is covered with pictures of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ananthashayana, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ashtadikpalakas.
Don’t forget to check out cave three which was built in 578 CE and is the largest of the cave temples here. The panels on the ceiling display sculptures of Lord Indra riding an elephant, Lord Shiva atop a bull, and Lord Brahma on a swan.
Stop by cave four which has a Jain temple, dating from the 7th to 8th century. It enshrines an image of Suparshvanatha, the seventh Jain Tirthankara. The sanctum sanctorum has an image of Lord Adinath.
The Malegitti Shivalaya, Bhutanatha Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and Mallikarjuna Temple nearby are also worth a visit.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Badami in Karnataka is between November to February. Distance from Dandeli:Badami is located 181 km northeast of Dandeli. It is a 4-hour drive to the town.

Yellapur

Tucked away in the forests of the Western Ghats, this town is known for its scenic beauty. Situated at an elevation of 1,774 ft, the town boasts several majestic waterfalls amidst lush green settings. The town is surrounded by a thick forest that offers the perfect opportunity to go on jungle treks where you can discover various bird and animal species.

What to See:

Soak in picturesque views of Sathodi Falls which lies 25 km west of Yellapur. The rectangular waterfall plummets from a height of around 50 ft into a stunning blue pool at the base. Spend some time taking in the leafy environs or enjoy a picnic near the falls.
Take a trip to Magod Falls which is tucked away in a wooded area around 18 km southeast of Yellapur. Formed by the Bedti river, the waterfall gushes down 650 ft into a ravine.
Spend some quiet time at the beautiful Kavi Kere pond, which lies in the middle of the forest surrounding the town. In season, you can spot red lapwings and black and red-crested bulbuls at the lake.
Visit the ancient Durga Devi Temple, which is located near the lake. Locals believe the temple dates from the Dwapar Yuga.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Yellapur is from November to April. Note that the falls are inaccessible during monsoon owing to the high volume of water.

Distance from Dandeli: Yellapur is located 53 km southeast of Dandeli. It is about an hour's drive to Yellapur.

Gadag

Covering an area of just 4,656 sq km, Gadag is situated in the western corner of Karnataka. Art and architecture enthusiasts have plenty to explore here, with magnificent temple complexes dotting the landscape of the town.

The temples in Gadag are some of the best examples of art from the Chalukya period. Expect to see beautifully carved stone walls and intricate carvings on the walls of the temples here.

What to See:

Set aside enough time to explore the Trikuteshwara Temple complex, which has several smaller shrines beside the main temple. Founded by the Kalyani Chalukyas, the main temple enshrines three shivlings installed on a single stone.
Head to the Veeranarayana Temple which is constructed in the Vijayanagara style. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is said to be the place where legendary Kannada poet, Mahakavi Kumaravyasa, composed his Karnataka Bharatha Katha Manjari.
Visit the elaborately carved 11th-century Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the nearby village of Lakkundi. The temple is a superb example of Western Chalukya architecture at its peak.
If wildlife-watching is your thing, then visit the Magadi Bird Sanctuary to marvel at the rich biodiversity. Located around 26 km from Gadag, this sanctuary is the place to spot purple herons, oriental ibis, greater flamingos, and painted storks, to name a few.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Gadag is from December to February when the weather is pleasant.

Distance from Dandeli: Gadag is located 133 km northeast of Dandeli. It is a 3-hour drive to Gadag.

Banavasi

Stretching along the banks of the Varda river, Banavasi is an ancient temple town that traces its origin to 4,000 BCE. Banavasi, which means "forest and spring", is said to have originated from a forest.

Believed to be among the oldest towns in Karnataka, the town also finds mention in the Mahabharata. It is also the birthplace of the Indian classical dance form of Yakshagana.

What to See:

Check out the 9th-century Madhukeshwara Temple that was commissioned by Mayura Sharma of the Kadamba Dynasty. The Sankalpa Mandapa was added by the Chalukya rulers, while the Nritya Mandapa was commissioned by the Hoysala rulers. The highlight here is the 7-ft-tall statue of the Nandi Bull. Don't miss the Triloka Mandapa.
Watch a recital of Yakshagana during Kadambothsav which the Karanataka State Government organises every year. There are dance and music performances, flower and fruit displays, as well as a dog show, and a cattle exhibition.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Banavasi is from October to February, especially in December when the Kadambothsav is celebrated.

Distance from Dandeli: Banavasi is located 125 km southeast of Dandeli. It is a 2-hour and 45-minute drive to Banavasi.

Sirsi

Quaint temples, dense forests, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and miles upon miles of coconut and areca nut plantations welcome visitors to the town of Sirsi. A popular getaway for nature and wildlife lovers, the town is a good base for exploring temples, forests, and karst limestone formations.

What to See:

Admire the splendid carvings that showcase the peak of Kaavi art at the 17th-century Marikamba Temple. It is one of the shaktipeeths in the country. Thousands of devotees attend the temple fair that is organised here every alternate year.
Seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha at the Mahaganapathi Temple before beginning a new venture. The temple enshrines a 400-year-old 6-ft-tall image of Lord Ganesha.
Marvel at the unique sight of thousands of shivlings immersed in a river in the middle of a forest at Sahasralinga.
Don't miss the gigantic black crystalline Karst limestone formations of Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Sikhara near the village of Yana, around 61 km west of Sirsi. These rock outcrops are located in the Sahyadri Range.

When to Visit: Sirsi is a year-round destination. But the best time to visit the town is from October to March when the weather is cooler.

Distance from Dandeli: Sirsi is located 101 km southeast of Dandeli. It is a 2-hour drive to Sirsi.

Best known as a temple town, Gokarna is also a favourite beach destination among travellers. The town derives its name from its location on the confluence of the Aganashini and Gangavali rivers, which looks like the ear of a cow (or "Gokarna" as it is known locally).

Situated in the North Canara district, the town is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage spot for it is home to the Mahabaleshwar Temple. Early mornings and evenings are best spent at the town's golden-sand beaches amidst swaying palms.

What to See:

Head for the 4th-century Mahabaleshwara Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. the temple holds a 1500-year-old image of the deity. The temple is famous for its Dravidian art and architecture.
You can also visit other prominent temples in the area, such as the Bhadrakali Temple, the Venkataramana Temple, and the Varadaraja Temple.
Frolick in the soft sands of Om Beach formed by two crescents that seem to take the shape of "Om". You can go dolphin-spotting, banana boat riding, or jet-skiing at the beach.
Other beaches that are worth a visit include Half Moon Beach, which is known for its blue waters and the secluded Paradise and Nirvana beaches.

When to Visit: You can visit Gokarna throughout the year. The peak season lasts from October to February.

Distance from Dandeli: Gokarna is located 133 km southwest of Dandeli. It is a 3-hour and 30-minute drive to Gokarna.

Let’s get going!

Whether you are a history lover, a wildlife enthusiast, a spirituality seeker or a beach bum, Dandeli and its nearby towns and cities offer the best of culture and the great outdoors for a memorable vacation. So, pack your bags and head to Dandeli with your friends and family for a calm, peaceful holiday this holiday season!