Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district is Green Heaven on earth; trekkers’ paradise

By Sapna Noronha
Bellevision Media Network

“The green leaves of these trees
Olive, deep dark and yellow green
So many shades of light and beauty in green
Just in green alone
Being deep in happiness
Being loving them more
The evergreen canopy”

 
30 November 2014: A visit to Joida taluk the green heaven, sparkling Kali River with the backdrop of the evergreen forest, the lush sanctuary and a Birder’s paradise. Our visit included Nujji, Patne, Henkola and Dandeli, bliss to every nature lover. It gave the opportunity to experience the magnetism of wilderness amidst lush forests. The serene mountain range of Western Ghats engulfed in a covering of greenery and a white shroud of mist.Uttara Kannada district is one of the biggest districts of our State with abundant natural resources. The district has varied geographical features with thick forest, perennial rivers and abundant flora and fauna and a long coastal line of about 140 kilometers.

 

The panorama of Kali River cascading over low-lying rocks as the green waters splashing over the rocks into the rapids below is a breath taking vision. The river banks are the great preservers of biodiversity of the region and means of support to hundreds of animals and birds. The sparkling waters of Kali and the biodiversity of the region is a splendid allure of scenic beauty.

 

Hornbills are best spotted in the locale of Dandeli, frolicking and flying with perfect precision. Apart from the fascinating hornbills, the entire region is a birder’s paradise. The Kadra View Point rewards with far-reaching view of the lovely Kadra Reservoir. The back waters of Supa dam on Kali River play a perfect backdrop for a quiet evening with the pure and pacifying waters, mumbling and   giggling along the puffs of air.

 

 

One of the largest employers and land owners of the town is the old paper mill. Siddi tribe of Southeast Africa has been residents of Dandeli for generations, speaking with a south Indian accent. Gawli are nomadic tribes migrated from Maharashtra. They are mainly herders of cow and goat. They live on the fringes of forest. Some have taken up farming. Kunabis are said to be the most backward of the tribals of Uttara Kannada district. They live in small groups deep inside forests in bamboo-huts built in a row sharing common walls.

 

Trekking here not only enraptures into the nature’s silence but act as bonding space to each trekker. Anshi nature camp maintained by the forest department is a beautiful camp with tents. The forest department has a camping site near the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary with eco-friendly tents and all basic facilities. The Old magazine house forest camp, Ganeshgudi, situated in a thick pocket of the forest is one of the best places to see the bird life in its full glory.

 

Joida Taluk, is indeed a hot spot for every nature enthusiast and a wonderful setting to unwind and lap-up nature’s bounty in its entire splendor.