Anshi National Park in Uttara Kannada is now an integral part of the Kali Tiger Reserve, one of Karnataka’s most biodiverse Western Ghats landscapes. Dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, steep valleys, rivers and high rainfall create a very different experience from the open dry forests of Bandipur. The park is particularly famous for the possibility of melanistic leopards, popularly called black panthers.
The modern visitor should think of Anshi together with Kali Tiger Reserve and the wider Dandeli landscape. Tigers, leopards, dholes, elephants, gaur, sloth bears, sambar and more than 200 bird species occur in the region. Hornbills are an especially important attraction, while the forests also shelter many reptiles, amphibians and endemic Western Ghats species.
Tourism here is low-key. Forest drives, nature camps, birdwatching and selected treks are more important than mass safari tourism. Karnataka Tourism does not currently publish a single updated 2026 all-inclusive gate tariff on the destination page, so travellers should book through authorised forest/Kali Tiger Reserve channels rather than rely on old price lists.
| Particulars | Details |
| Destination | Anshi National Park / Kali Tiger Reserve |
| Location | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka |
| Landscape | Evergreen and semi-evergreen Western Ghats forest |
| Main wildlife | Tiger, leopard/black panther, elephant, gaur, dhole |
| Birdlife | More than 200 species |
| Main visitor base | Dandeli / Kulgi / Anshi side |
| Safari style | Authorised forest drives and ecotourism activities |
| Current ticket cost | No single 2026 all-inclusive public tariff; confirm with authorised booking office |
| Indicative activity hours | Early morning and late afternoon forest excursions |
| Best season | October to May |
| Recommended duration | 1-2 days |
Anshi National Park Timings
Wildlife excursions are normally planned in the cooler early-morning and late-afternoon periods rather than as all-day drives. Exact reporting times depend on the authorised activity, forest office and season.
Monsoon rain can be extremely heavy in this part of the Western Ghats, which affects roads, trails and nature-camp operations.
Anshi National Park Ticket Cost
Karnataka Tourism’s current destination information does not show a simple revised 2026 entry-and-safari tariff. Older state tourism material quoted packaged entry and guide charges, but these should not be presented as guaranteed current rates.
Visitors should therefore confirm the exact price with the Kali Tiger Reserve or authorised ecotourism booking office. The payable amount may combine forest entry, guide, vehicle and specific activity charges.
Black Panther and Wildlife
Anshi has become famous in popular wildlife culture for melanistic leopards. These are not a separate species; they are leopards with unusually dark pigmentation. Sightings remain rare and cannot be expected on every visit.
The wider reserve also supports tigers, elephants, gaur, sambar, dholes and sloth bears. Dense forest means animal visibility can be lower than in dry deciduous parks.
Birdwatching and Forest Experience
Hornbills are among the most exciting birds in the Dandeli-Anshi landscape. Great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and many forest species occur here.
For many travellers, birding, forest sounds and river landscapes are more reliable rewards than large-mammal sightings.
How to Reach Anshi National Park
By Road
Dandeli is the most convenient tourism base, with road access from Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi and coastal Karnataka.
By Train
Alnavar, Londa, Hubballi and Dharwad are useful railheads depending on the chosen route.
By Air
Hubballi Airport is the most practical regional airport for many travellers.
Best Time to Visit Anshi
October to February gives pleasant conditions for birding and forest outings. March to May is warmer but can improve the chance of seeing animals near water.
The monsoon makes the forest spectacularly lush but can disrupt outdoor activities and access.
How Much Time Is Needed?
One full day gives a basic forest experience, but two days are better for travellers combining Anshi with Dandeli, birdwatching and river-based activities.
Wildlife photographers should avoid rushing because sightings in dense evergreen forest require patience.
FAQs
Q. Is Anshi National Park the same as Kali Tiger Reserve?
Anshi is now part of the larger Kali Tiger Reserve landscape, so modern tourism information often uses the Kali Tiger Reserve name.
Q. Can visitors see a black panther?
It is possible but rare. A black panther is a melanistic leopard, and sightings depend entirely on chance.
Q. Is there a regular bus safari?
The experience is based on authorised forest excursions rather than a large scheduled bus-safari system like Bandipur.
Q. Can visitors drive private cars on safari tracks?
No. Protected forest tourism routes are controlled and should be entered only under the authorised system.
Q. Is Anshi good for birdwatching?
Yes. Hornbills and other Western Ghats forest birds are a major attraction.
Q. Is the park good during monsoon?
The forest is beautiful, but heavy rain can affect roads, visibility and activity schedules.
Q. Which town is best for staying?
Dandeli is the most practical base because it has accommodation and tourism services.
Q. Is one day enough?
One day is possible, but two days make the visit much less rushed.
