The Hornbill Festival in Dandeli brings birders, photographers and travellers to the Kali forests for guided birding, conservation talks and cultural evenings. Stay is not usually included — book a resort or homestay early when dates drop.
Message us on WhatsApp for accommodation near the venue and to check whether this year’s registration is open.
Event snapshot
Event date
- Not yet released
- Confirm each year
- Ask us on WhatsApp
Location
- Hornbill Bhavana
- Govt. Timber Depot
- Dandeli
Accommodation
- Not in registration
- Resorts / homestays nearby
- Call +91 86602 64935
Event details
Activities
- Birding / bird watching
- Interaction with eminent birders and bird photographers
- Talks on bird conservation
- Painting & quiz competition
- Cultural evening
- Jatha
Typical inclusions (when registration opens)
- Entry to the event & talks
- Bird watch sessions
- Day 1: breakfast, lunch, tea & dinner
- Day 2: breakfast, lunch & tea
Exclusions
- Pick-up from airport / railway station / bus stand
- Accommodation
- Commute from hotels to the event area
Registration: the live site currently notes that the registration link is not yet open. Do not travel only on last year’s dates — confirm the current edition first.
Lock the stay as soon as festival dates are out. Rooms near Dandeli fill quickly on birding weekends. Dandeli.org
About hornbills in Dandeli
Dandeli is home to four species of hornbills, including India’s largest — the Great Pied Hornbill — and the smallest in the region, the Malabar grey hornbill, in the same landscape.
When B. S. Yeddyurappa was Chief Minister, about 100 sq km along the Kali between Dandeli and Ganeshgudi was declared a Hornbill Reserve — a dedicated landscape of its kind. Of about 54 hornbill species worldwide, India has nine; Karnataka has four.
Experts note that hornbill numbers have improved in recent years in some areas, while dependent nesting trees remain under pressure in parts of the forest.
Things you may add (paid separately)
Jungle safari
- Tickets at the Pansoli checkpoint (guest pays at the counter)
- About Rs 600 per person for a listed ~14 km ride (confirm the day’s rate)
- Typical slots around 6:00 AM and afternoon (times can change — check on site)
Rafting on the Kali
- Short · about Rs 600 (1 km / 1 rapid)
- Mid · about Rs 1,200 (5 km / 3 rapids)
- Long · about Rs 1,500 (9 km / 5 rapids)
See wildlife spotting and activities for more context.
Swipe for cab options to the venue
Stay near the festival
Accommodation is excluded from registration — book a night or two around the venue.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hornbill Festival in Dandeli?
Official dates are released by the organisers each year. The page currently lists event dates as not yet released — confirm on WhatsApp before you travel.
Where is the Hornbill Festival held?
Hornbill Bhavana, Government Timber Depot, Dandeli.
What activities happen at the festival?
Typical programme includes birding / bird watching, interaction with birders and photographers, conservation talks, painting and quiz competitions, a cultural evening and a jatha.
Does festival registration include stay?
No. Entry and listed meals (when the package is published) usually exclude accommodation and transfers. Book a resort or homestay separately.
Why is Dandeli special for hornbills?
Dandeli hosts four hornbill species, including India’s largest (Great Pied Hornbill) and the Malabar grey hornbill. A Hornbill Reserve along the Kali between Dandeli and Ganeshgudi was declared as a dedicated landscape for them.