Dandeli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dandeli
City
Kali River
Nickname(s):  Green City
Dandeli Location in Karnataka
Country	India
State	Karnataka
Region	Malenadu
District	Uttara Kannada
Government
• Type	Democratic
• Body	City Municipal Council
Area
• Total	8.5 km2 (3.3 sq mi)
Elevation	472 m (1,549 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	52,108 [1]
• Density	6,269.06/km2 (16,236.8/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Kannada
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	581325
Telephone code	+91 8284
Vehicle registration	KA 65

Dandeli is a city in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It's located in the beautiful Malenadu region. Dandeli is known for its green surroundings and adventure activities. It's a popular spot for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

History of Dandeli

How Dandeli Grew

In 1930, Dandeli was a small town with only 515 people. Most residents worked in the forest department or at the government sawmill. People from different communities lived there, including Konkanis, Marathas, and Muslims.

The town is located by the Kali River. It grew into an industrial hub as many companies set up factories. These included the Indian Plywood Manufacturing Company and the West Coast Paper Mill. The Karnataka Power Corporation also built several dams along the Kali River to generate electricity. This growth led to the creation of what is now called New Dandeli.

Early Schools in Dandeli

For a long time, there was no school in Dandeli. In 1936, a group of people worked together to build a one-room school. It was a hut on a nearby hill. The school started with just 18 students. In 1939, the British government officially recognized this school.

Where Did the Name Dandeli Come From?

There are two interesting stories about how Dandeli got its name. One story says it's named after Dandelappa, a local hero. He was a loyal servant who died protecting his landlords.

Another story suggests that a king named Dandakanayaka traveled through these forests. He named the area after himself, calling it Dandakaranya. The city of Dandeli is believed to be built where Dandakaranya once stood.

Geography and Weather

Dandeli is located at 15°14′51.7884″N 74°37′46.8408″W. It sits at an average height of 473 meters (1,552 feet) above sea level. The area gets a lot of rain, especially from August to November.

Because of its many forests and moderate height, Dandeli has a tropical highland climate. Summers are warm, averaging about 27°C (81°F). Winters are cooler, around 18°C (64°F).

Wildlife and Nature

A deer spotted in the wildlife sanctuary

Dandeli is a natural home for many wild animals. You can find tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and bears here. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. In 2007, it was made a tiger reserve to protect these amazing big cats.

The jungle also has many types of reptiles and almost 270 kinds of birds. Local groups are working to protect this area from harm caused by growing industries. They want to keep Dandeli's nature safe.

People of Dandeli

In 2001, Dandeli had a population of 53,287 people. About 51% were male and 49% were female. The city has a good literacy rate of 74%, which is higher than the national average in India. Most people in Dandeli speak Kannada.

In the past, Dandeli had more people. However, some people have moved away because there are not enough jobs. The West Coast Paper Mills is one of the biggest employers in the town. This company even has its own housing, shops, and clubs for its employees.

Education in Dandeli

Dandeli has many schools and colleges for students of all ages.

Schools in Dandeli

• St Michaels Convent School, Dandeli
• Rotary School, Dandeli
• Janata Vidyalaya, Dandeli
• DFA School
• Anglo Urdu High School
• Government School, Dandeli
• Kanya Vidyalaya, Dandeli
• Tauheed Education Society
• Bangur Nagar Hindi Higher Secondary School
• BLDE Education Society
• Govt. School Bilpar Dandeli
• Bangur Nagar Kannada Higher Primary School
• Adarsh Vidyalaya School (Ambewadi)
• Government Primary School, Ambewadi
• Paridyan School

Pre-University Colleges

• Bangur Nagar Pre-University Composite Junior College
• Janata Vidyalaya
• Tauheed Education Society
• Government College Old Dandeli
• Kanya Vidyalaya Pre-university College Dandeli
• K.L.E. Society's Institute of Nursing Sciences, Dandeli

Degree Colleges

• DES Bangaur Nagar Degree College
• Govt Degree College, Dandeli
• Govt Degree College, Old Dandeli

Other Learning Centers

• Govt. Tool Room & Training Centre: Ambewadi Industrial Estate
• Asha Kiran Rural Private Industrial Training Institute, Ambewadi
• S.U.C. Polytechnic, Dandeli
• VTU- National Academy for Skill Development, Dandeli

Tourism and Fun Activities

White water rafting near Dandeli

Sintheri Rocks formation

Dandeli is a great place for tourists, especially those who love adventure. The beautiful forests and wildlife attract visitors from all over the world. The government also supports eco-tourism, which helps protect the animals and nature.

Adventure Sports in Dandeli

Dandeli is famous for adventure sports. It's a top spot for white-water rafting in South India. You can even go rafting during the summer months from March to June. Other exciting activities include kayaking, zorbing, jungle safaris, canoeing, and river crossing.

Temples and Holy Places

Dandeli has many temples and spiritual centers:

• Dandelappa Temple (Haliyal Road)
• Shree Ishwar Temple (Old Dandeli)
• Shree Veerabhadreshwar Temple (JN Road)
• Shiva Mandir (Kogilban Road)
• Mrutyunjay Math (Bank of River Kali)
• Datta Mandir (Kogilban Road)
• Shree Nagadevata Mandir (Ambewadi)
• Shree Ram Mandir (WCPM Area)
• Shree Balamuri Ganesh Mandir (Ganesh Gudi Road)
• Shree Raghavendra Swami Math (Town ship)
• Shankaracharya Math (Town ship)
• Venkataramana Temple (Kogilban Road)
• Jagadamba Temple – Savji's (Maruti Nagar)
• Hanuman temple (JN Road)
• Sai Baba Temple (Basveshwar Nagar, Ambewadi)
• Shree Durga Devi Temple (Near Government Hospital, JN Road)

Famous Landmarks

Dandeli is surrounded by many natural and historic places:

• The Kali River itself
• The mysterious caves of Kavala
• The amazing Syntheri Rocks
• The historic Ulavi temple
• Sykes Point, offering great views

The Karnataka Power Corporation has residential areas and powerhouses nearby. These include the Nagajhari powerhouse, which generates electricity from water. Other hydroelectric projects like Supa dam and Tattihalla dam are also close to Dandeli.

More Fun Things to Do

Besides rafting, you can enjoy nature walks, boating, and bird watching. You might even spot crocodiles! Fishing is another popular activity. Nearby places to visit include Ulavi, Syntheri Rocks, Anashi National Park, and Moulangi Eco Park.