Kali Tiger Reserve, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, is a magnificent expanse of wilderness covering over 1,300 square kilometers. Named after the Kali River, which meanders through its lush landscapes, the reserve is renowned for its dense forests, rich biodiversity, and vibrant ecosystems.

History and Establishment: Originally declared as the Anshi National Park in 1987, it was later merged with the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and renamed Kali Tiger Reserve in 2015. The amalgamation aimed to enhance the protection and conservation efforts for the region's diverse wildlife.

Geography and Landscape: The terrain of Kali Tiger Reserve is a blend of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with patches of bamboo and grasslands. The rugged landscape, with its steep valleys and deep gorges, provides a perfect habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The Kali River, along with numerous streams and waterfalls, adds to the scenic beauty and ecological significance of the reserve.

Flora: The reserve is rich in plant diversity, featuring species like teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, and various medicinal plants. The dense canopy and undergrowth support a wide range of wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Fauna: Kali Tiger Reserve is home to a myriad of animal species, including:

• Bengal Tigers: As the name suggests, the reserve is a crucial habitat for Bengal tigers. These majestic predators are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
• Black Panthers: The elusive and rare black panther is another notable resident, adding to the reserve's allure.
• Elephants: Large herds of elephants can be seen roaming the forests, contributing to the ecological balance.
• Other Mammals: Leopards, Indian bison (gaur), deer species, and sloth bears are among the other significant inhabitants.
• Birdlife: The reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 270 species recorded, including hornbills, kingfishers, and various raptors.

Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve and protect the diverse wildlife of Kali Tiger Reserve involve anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community engagement. The reserve management works closely with local communities to promote sustainable practices and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Tourism and Activities: Kali Tiger Reserve offers a range of eco-tourism activities such as jungle safaris, bird watching, trekking, and river rafting. These activities not only provide visitors with a thrilling experience but also help raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

Flora

Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, India, features moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, interspersed with grasslands. Dominant tree species include teak, rosewood, silver oak, and bamboo groves. The forests are also rich in medicinal plants like ashwagandha and shatavari, contributing to the region's biodiversity.

Fauna

The reserve is renowned for its Bengal tiger population and the elusive black panther. Other significant mammals include leopards, Indian wild dogs, elephants, gaur, and various deer species. Primates such as bonnet macaques and Hanuman langurs are common, along with smaller mammals like the Indian giant squirrel and sloth bear.

Birdlife: With over 270 species, the reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, and crested serpent eagle among others.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Reptiles like the mugger crocodile and king cobra, along with diverse amphibian species, thrive in the reserve’s water bodies.

By Road
Kali Tiger Reserve can be best reached by road. One can reach Dandeli from Dharwad or Belagavi, both of which are well-connected by road.

By Rail
The nearest major railheads to KTR are Hubli-Dharwad Junction, Londa Junction, and Belagavi. These railheads are well-connected to major cities and towns across India.

By Air
There are two major airports near KTR – Belagavi and Hubbali. These airports have regular flights to major cities across India.