Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park is one of India’s most picturesque spots, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Nestled within the magnificent Western Ghats, it contains well-known flora and wildlife. It is located on the Kanwar-Londa route and is part of the Dandeli wildlife reserve. The park, situated on the Kali River, has an area of 340 square kilometres. It lies between 200 and 925 metres above sea level. The park receives 2500 m of heavy rainfall on average. The temperature in the area ranges from 40 to 10 degrees Celsius.

Anshi National Park, Dandeli

Anshi National Park, a lush tropical rainforest spread over 500 square kilometres, is situated in the sustainable and environment Western Ghats region of Uttara Kannada district. It is part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

It is a well-known tiger reserve, now called the Kali Tiger Reserve. The attraction is popular among environment and animal enthusiasts because of its great biodiversity, which is unique to India’s Western Ghats. It is home to many types of animals, unique birds, plants, bushes, and reptiles. The park’s outstanding landscape includes stunning deep valleys, lush woods, and thin hillsides that overlook the Kali river that passes through it.

History

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was formed on May 10, 1956, in the middle region of Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district. The state recommended scooping away a piece of the sanctuary to form the Anshi national park on September 2, 1987, and the proposal was adopted. When the final notice was made in 2002, the park area was widened by 90 square kilometres.

In January 2007, Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary were brought under the government’s ‘Project Tiger’ scheme and called the ‘Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve.’ The 340-square-kilometre Anshi park borders the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, making a practically uninterrupted enclosed forest area of more than 2,200 square kilometres.

In December 2015, the Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve was rebranded as Kali Tiger Reserve. The river Kali, which connects the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) and Anshi National Park (ANP), encompassing 400 square kilometres and 500 square kilometres, is the lifeline of the inhabitants of Uttara Kannada district. The name change has granted the park a strong identity and drawn greater attention to the Kali River.

Entry Fees and Timings

• There is no entry fee to the park. But, you must pay INR 400 per person to engage in the safari.
• Jungle safaris are held twice a day in Kali Tiger Reserve, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The reporting point is Phansoli, and visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time.

Flora and Fauna

The park’s plant cover consists of mostly deciduous woods. It is classified as endangered by the WWF. As a result, anything one sees in the forest is uncommon or endangered. The park is unquestionably diverse. Calophyllum Wightianum, Knema Attlenuata, Malabar tamarind, silver oak, bamboo, eucalyptus, Bauhinia, Artocarpus Lacucha, Hope Wightiana, blackboard tree, teak, Flacourtia Montana, Jamba, Garcinia Morella, Bintangur, Ainimaram, Carallia Brachiata, and others are some of the trees and plants in the national park.

The flora and fauna inside Anshi National Park are both visually appealing and excellent photographic subjects. The national park is home to several tiny species like jungle cat, leopard cat, Indian giant squirrel, flying squirrel, Indian grey mongoose, pangolin, porcupine, jackal, little Indian civet and Malabar civet. You can also spot big animals such as elephants, tigers and black panthers, Indian wild boar, sloth bear, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, and Indian bison.

Surroundings

In the park’s immediate surroundings, there are several tiny natural springs and waterfalls. The park’s rugged paths can lead visitors to the settlements of Nethurga, Shivapura, and Sulageri, which are all nestled in the thick woods. Notable tourist destinations worth visiting include the Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, which is located in the park’s southern section, the Kadra Valley viewpoint.

Conclusion

Anshi national park is a part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and has a unique terrain for exploring the magnificent outdoors of the Western Ghats. The park has been renamed Kali Tiger Reserve by the Indian government, which has proclaimed it a protected reserve forest. The rare Black Panther is one of the park’s biggest attractions. Dense deciduous woods and perennial rain forests may be found in the park. Wildlife enthusiasts will have plenty of possibilities to see a variety of wild animals and birds moving freely in their natural habitat. Scenic rivers, lush valleys, and magnificent mountains surround the park. Trekking and camping are available near the area for adventure seekers. Inside the park, you may also enjoy the tranquillity of rural life.