Anshi National Park
On May 10, 1956, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the central portion of the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. On September 2, 1987, the state proposed carving out a section of the sanctuary to create the Anshi national park, which was implemented. The original proposal covered a total area of 250 square kilometres. The park area was expanded by 90 square kilometres when the final notification was issued in 2002.
Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary were both granted Project Tiger tiger reserve status in January 2007, and were dubbed the 'Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve.' The 340-square-kilometer Anshi park adjoins the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a nearly continuous protected forest area of over 2,200 square kilometres with six adjacent protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra.
The Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve was renamed Kali Tiger Reserve in December 2015. The river Kali is the lifeblood of the people of Uttara Kannada district, connecting the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) and Anshi National Park (ANP), which cover 400 and 500 km2 respectively. The river runs through the park, and the renaming has given it a distinct personality. The name change was also intended to bring more attention and awareness to the Kali River.
FACTS ABOUT ANSHI NATIONAL PARK
The Kali Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is located in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district. It spans parts of the Haliyal, Karwar, and Joida taluks and is sandwiched between the Haliyal and Karwar forest divisions. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (475.018 km2) and Anshi National Park (339.866 km2) are two of the region's most important protected areas. These two protected areas are adjacent to one another, forming a single protected area tract in the biologically sensitive Western Ghats. In 2007, these two protected areas were administratively merged into the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve (DATR).
There are two wildlife sub-divisions, namely Dandeli and Anshi, and six wildlife ranges, namely Kulgi, Phansoli, Gund, Anshi, Kumbarwada, and Castlerock wildlife ranges. The Tiger Reserve's forests are primarily moist deciduous and semi-evergreen, with excellent patches of evergreen forests in the west and deep valleys.
Along with the Goa state's Netravali and Bhagwan Mahaveer wild life sanctuaries, this park is bordered by the Dandeli wild life sanctuary.
The Anshi Tiger Reserve is bisected by Karnataka State Highway 34.
The park is part of the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary and is located on the Karwar-Londa highway.
Several hydroelectric dams and a nuclear power plant are located within the park.
The flora and fauna of Anshi National Park are known for their diversity. The park's distinguishing feature is that it is the only place in Asia where Black Panther can be found in his natural habitat. Rare black panthers can be found in the Kali Tiger Reserve.
FLORA AT ANSHI NATIONAL PARK
Garcinia morella, Tetrameles nudiflora, Flacourtia montana, Machilus macrantha, Carallia brachiate, Bauhinia, Diodspyrus, Xylia xylocarpa, Diospyrous Acacia, Malabar tamarind, Bauhinia, Diodspyrus, Xylia xylocarpa, Diospyrous
FAUNA AT ANSHI NATIONAL PARK
MAMMALS – Bonnet Macaque, Malabar Civet, Malabar giant squirrel, Deer, Indian bison, Pangolin, sloth bear, Melanistic leopard, Tigers, Elephants, Spotted deer, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Common langur, Sloth bear, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melanistic leopard, Melan
REPTILES –King Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled Viper, Vine snake, Bamboo pit viper, Krait, Python, Rat snake, Viper, and so on.
BIRD SPECIES INCLUDE: Adjutant Stork, Ashy Black-crested Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Brahminy Kite, Broad-billed Roller, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Ceylon Frogmouth, Crested Serpent Eagle
THE MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE ANSHI NATIONAL PARK ARE:
1. ULAVI CHANNABASAVESHWARA TEMPLE:
A temple in the village of Ulavi, which is a significant pilgrimage site for the Lingayat community. It's tucked away in the woods. The temple is dedicated to Saint Channabasavanna, and it houses his samadhi.
2. RIVER KALI:
The national park is situated on the Kali River's banks. Professional rafters from all over the world visit the river. White water rafting on the river's rapids is thrilling and adventurous.
3. BHATKAL BEACH:
It is one of India's most beautiful beaches. The beach, which is close to the famous Murudeshwara temple, attracts many visitors from all over India. It evokes a sense of divine power as well as the beauty of the beach.
4. DEVBAGH BEACH RESORT:
The resort is situated on a small island and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. There are numerous activities available, including beach games, shell collecting, and water sports such as kayaking, scootering, boat rides, cruises, snorkelling, and parasailing.
5. MAGOD FALLS:
The Magod Falls are a sight to behold as the River Debti's gushing waters cascade down from a height of 200 metres. Visitors are mesmerised by the misty atmosphere created by the falls.
6. SHIVAGANGA FALLS:
Tourists can enjoy a charming experience at the falls, which are fed by the River Sonda. It's incredible to watch the waters splash and meander across the landscape, which is set amid a dense green forest.
7. MAHABALESHWARA TEMPLE:
It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is over a thousand years old. The Lord's Atma Linga is housed within the temple. It is about 6 feet tall and is located underground. According to legend, Lord Ganesha, disguised as a small child, persuaded Ravana to hand over the Shiva Linga, which he then hid underground. Lord Shiva orchestrated this to prevent Ravana from becoming the supreme power.