Mangalore to Dandeli – Distance, Route & How to Reach
The most efficient way to travel from Mangalore to Dandeli is by road overing approximately 349 km via NH-66 and NH-52 in about 7 hours. Train and flight options require transfers, while buses offer a budget alternative with one change.
Mangalore’s proximity to the Western Ghats makes Dandeli a favorite escape for jungle adventures, wildlife spotting, river rafting, and birdwatching. Adventure seekers flock here for thrilling rapids on the Kali River, guided jungle safaris, and night camps under starlit skies.
Distance & Route
- Total road distance: 349 km
- Recommended driving route:
- Mangalore → Ankola (NH-66)
- Ankola → Yellapur (NH-52)
- Yellapur → Kesrolli Cross (NH-52)
- Kesrolli Cross → Dandeli via SH-93
- Road condition: Mostly two-lane highway; well-maintained except for occasional potholes in monsoons.
- Approximate driving time: 7 hours in normal traffic.
By Train
No direct trains run between Mangalore and Dandeli.
Nearest stations:
- Londa Junction (LD) – 38 km from Dandeli via Ganeshgudi
- Alnavar Junction (LWR) – 32 km from Dandeli via Haliyal
From Mangalore to Londa:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 9 h 55 m (Madgaon Vande Bharat Express) |
| Frequency | Daily (12779 – Goa Express) |
From Mangalore to Alnavar:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 10 h 59 m (total 4 & 2 trains daily) |
Final leg to Dandeli: Taxi or shared cab from Londa/Alnavar.
- Londa → Dandeli: 38 km, 1 hour by cab (~₹800-₹1000)
- Alnavar → Dandeli: 32 km, 45 min by cab (~₹600-₹1000)
By Bus
No state-run KSRTC direct service from Mangalore to Dandeli; one private overnight bus:
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| Operator | Departure (Mangalore) | Arrival (Dandeli) | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ganesh Travels (Route 46) | 21:30 hrs | 07:00 hrs | 9 h 30 m | ₹700 |
Connecting option via Hubli:
- Mangalore → Hubli by bus
- Distance: 357 km, 7 h 10 m
- Fare: ₹600–800 (private operators); KSRTC services available
- Hubli → Dandeli by bus
- Distance: 75 km, 2 h
- Multiple transportation options.
By Air (Optional)
No direct flights to Dandeli; closest airports are Hubli (HBX) and Goa (GOI).
- Mangalore to Hubli (IXE–HBX)
- Distance: 236 km aerial
- Flight time: ~1 h (1–2 stops)
- Lowest airfare: ₹3,802 one-way IndiGo
- Mangalore to Goa (IXE–GOI)
- Distance: 283 km aerial
- Flight time: ~3 h
- Lowest airfare: ₹3,389 one-way Air India Express
Final leg by cab or bus from airport → Dandeli.
- Hubli Airport → Dandeli: 75 km, 2 h by taxi (~₹2,500)
- Goa Airport → Dandeli: 125 km, 3 h by taxi (~₹5,000)
Quick Comparison of Travel Options
| Mode | Distance (km) | Duration | Approx. Cost per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (Self-drive/Taxi) | 349 | 7 hours | ₹7,500–10,000 | Most flexible, scenic; road conditions vary |
| Train → Cab | – | 9 h 55 m+1 h | ₹700–1,000 | Limited frequency |
| Bus (direct) | 349 | 7 – 9 hours | ₹600 – ₹800 | One private overnight bus; no KSRTC |
| Bus (via Hubli) | 274+57 | 7 h 10 m+2 h | ₹900–1,500 | Two legs; more options |
| Flight → Cab | 236+75 | 1 h – 2 h | ₹4,000–6,000 | Fastest sky segment; expensive |
FAQs
Q: What is the Mangalore to Dandeli distance?
A: Road distance is 349 km; aerial distance ~261 km
Q: Is there any train from Mangalore to Dandeli?
A: No direct train. Nearest railheads are Londa (38 km away) and Alnavar (32 km away).
Q: Best route from Mangalore to Dandeli by car?
A: Via NH-66 to Ankola, NH-52 to Yellapur–Haliyal, then SH-93 to Dandeli.
Q: KSRTC bus from Mangalore to Dandeli?
A: No direct KSRTC service; one private overnight bus by Ganesh Travels at ₹700.
Final Tips for Travelers
- Best time to visit: October–March (cool, river rafting season).
- Weather: Monsoons (June–September) bring heavy rain; roads can be slippery.
- Booking advice: Reserve taxis or overnight buses in advance during peak season.
- Road safety: Drive carefully on ghats; avoid night driving in monsoon; ensure reliable GPS and phone network.
