White Water Kayaking on Kali River, Dandeli

About the Kali River

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, the Kali River offers one of South India's most exhilarating white water kayaking experiences. The kayaking section near Dandeli presents paddlers with an unforgettable journey through lush tropical forests of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, a 475-square-kilometer protected area that forms part of the larger Kali Tiger Reserve.​

Rapids Grade and Technical Challenge

The Kali River presents paddlers with primarily Grade II and Grade II+ rapids, making it accessible to intermediate kayakers. Grade II rapids feature moderate difficulty with clear passages and some rocks to navigate, requiring basic paddling skills and an understanding of river currents. Grade II+ rapids, which constitute slightly more technical sections, bring narrow passages that demand maneuvering and good boat control.

Best time to paddle

The river's flow is largely dependent on water releases from the Supa Dam, which typically occur from October to June, with the most consistent and optimal conditions between October and March. This dam-controlled release creates a reliable white water season, giving Dandeli a significant advantage over many other South Indian paddling destinations that rely solely on seasonal rainfall.

The Forest Corridor: Paddling Through a Biodiversity Hotspot

What truly sets the Kali River kayaking experience apart is the extraordinary natural environment through which you'll paddle. The river flows through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats.

This protected area encompasses a stunning mosaic of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, with pockets of dense evergreen vegetation in the western reaches and deep valleys. The forest canopy overhead hosts over 300 species of birds, including the magnificent Malabar Pied Hornbill and Great Hornbill, whose calls echo across the water as you paddle beneath their roosting trees.​

As you paddle through this living cathedral of green, the dense vegetation often closes overhead, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns on the water's surface. The air is thick with the scent of wild ginger and jasmine, and the symphony of bird calls, insects, and flowing water creates a sensory experience that goes far beyond the physical challenge of navigating rapids.​

A kayaking journey down the Kali River through Dandeli offers more than just white water thrills—it's an opportunity to connect with ancient forests, encounter remarkable wildlife, and experience the raw power of a river that has carved its path through these mountains for millennia.