Best time
October to May is the rafting season, with the best rapids from October to January when the dam releases are strong. June to September is the monsoon, when rafting stops but the forest and the waterfalls are at their fullest.
- October to January, 20 to 32°C: The best rafting months, when the dam releases keep the rapids strong.
- February to May, 22 to 38°C: Rafting continues on a gentler river; hot by afternoon but the camps stay shaded.
- June to September, 20 to 30°C: Monsoon: rafting stops, the forest is at its greenest and the falls are full.
What to pack
Quick-dry clothes and a change for after the rafting, sandals that stay on in water, insect repellent for the jungle stays, and a torch. Nights at the camps are cooler than the day suggests.
Getting there
Dandeli is about 560 km from Hyderabad, 10 to 11 hours by road, and the fixed-date group trips travel overnight from Hyderabad with a pick-up at Hubli on the way. By train, Hubli and Londa are the nearest stations.
Dandeli is about 460 km from Bangalore, eight to nine hours by road through Hubli; the overnight bus to Dandeli, or to Hubli and a two-hour drive, is the usual way. The Rani Chennamma Express reaches Londa, 30 km from Dandeli.
Chennai to Dandeli is about 800 km. Fly to Hubballi (75 km) or Goa (130 km) and drive, or take the train to Hubli and cover the last two hours by road.