Goa Karnataka Border Archives

The place is primarily known for water sports especially river rafting in river Kali. It is a paradise for birdwatchers that keep themselves in thick deciduous forests. However, very few people are aware that these forests are inhabited by the tribes, who have a little world of their own in these jungles. During one of my trips to Dandeli, I got the chance to spend time with these folks and learn about their cultures. This post is about my experience with Gowli Tribe, as they celebrate Vijayadashami, one of the famous festivals in India marking the triumph of good over evil.
Apparently, Gowlis is a pastoral community found in the states of Goa & Maharastra. Gowlis of Dandeli has their strong roots from lord Krishna community of Yadavas, whose major occupation is animal herding and selling milk in the surrounding areas. They are Hindus by religion and make sure, their religious ceremonies, traditions remain undiluted.

They celebrate Vijayadashami 2 days later the usual dates. Preparations start a week before and festivity takes place at the “Mukhiya’s” house, which also performs the festivity on the D-day and guides the people of tribes. Cow Urine is considered to be sacred and all the goddesses etc are washed with the same. House is decorated with the paper cuttings created by the females and kids around.

Even though the Government is making an attempt to bring them out of the jungles and providing them basic education, so that they can be part of the crowd, but it seems they are happy being the Gowlis and have no regrets in life. They live each moment with passion and are absolutely non-complaining. These folks are extremely nice and hospitable to the guests

Dandeli, is a small river side town in North West Karnataka is very popular with tourists from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. The modern town on the river is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where one can spot rare animals and birds, roam in deep valleys and hilly terrain. It is around 4 Hr. drive from Goa Dabolim airport and the road trip from Goa to Dandeli is very scenic. Though place is famous for white water rafting and tree-houses, but apart from the same, there are few must to do’s at the place.
Kayaking on the Kali River
If you are white water lover and want to be high on water sports, then kayaking on the Kali river can offer lot to you. Options available are from class 4 rapids for professionals to calmer beds for beginners.

Rafting on the rapids of the Kali River

River Rafting are a great team activity and the class 4 rapids on the Kali offer the perfect group getaway. There are half day or full day options and the river has water for most time of the year as the dam above the river is opened every morning to generate electricity.

Bird watching at old magazine house resort

The place is always surrounded by variety of birds and is heaven for bird watchers. At any season, you can find their naturalists spotting more than 150 different birds a day. Place is famous for hornbills but if you are true birder, this place is must for you in the list. It is surrounded by birds endemic to Western Ghats. If lucky, one can spot rare birds too.

Visit some of the unique tribes of Dandeli
One must always feel the locals and engage themselves with their lifestyle. Spending time with them gives the tourists true flavor of the place. Dandeli offers four different tribal experiences. There is famous Lambani tribe, who comes are nomad in nature. Then, there is the very famous Siddi tribe, who are people of African origin and who were brought to India as slaves. Then, there are the Gowli tribes who manage cattle and earn their living by selling milk and milk products. There is Medar tribe who works in the forest and is bamboo craft artisans.

Watch the sunset from Ganeshgudi Hill
Ganeshgudi hill can be reached after hiking for 40 minutes from Old magazine house. Usually they have their groups going for hiking around 4 PM in evening. From the top of hill, one can witness the conglomeration of 4 beautiful rivers and the view as sun sets down is beautiful. During hiking, if lucky, one can spot wild sloth bear and other small birds and natural flora and fauna. Sitting and waiting for sun to set at the hilltop is photographer’s paradise.

Taking a coracle boat ride on the Kali
If you are not a water sport fan, but still want to experience Kali River, one can take a ride in coracle boat. Options available are for half an hour to one hour. During ride, one can spot crocodiles basking in sun and hornbills. The ride in itself is very scenic with trees around.
Whenever you are going Goa, do make sure to add 3 more days to visit this beautiful but silent place called Dandeli, which will let you lost in the wilderness.

Why not plan a vacation to this beautiful gateway Dandeli. Thank you for the wonderful stay team Dandeli. They can be contacted at +919483940400