Anshi

Anshi commonly refers to a region and protected area in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The term is most closely associated with Anshi National Park, a protected area established in 1987 in the Uttara Kannada district near the Kali River. In 2007, Anshi National Park was incorporated into the Kali Tiger Reserve, which also includes the adjacent Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, creating one of Karnataka's primary wildlife reserves.

Geographically, the park lies in the tropical rainforest belt of the Western Ghats, characterized by evergreen forests, riverine habitats along the Kali River, and hilly terrain. The reserve supports rich biodiversity, including elephants and various other mammals, a wide array of birds and reptiles, and a complex ecosystem that contributes to conservation corridors in the Western Ghats, a region noted for its high endemism.

Conservation management in the area focuses on habitat protection, maintaining tiger and leopard populations, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Tourism is regulated to minimize disturbance, with wildlife safaris, nature walks, and guided activities coordinated by park authorities. Community involvement and eco-tourism initiatives are employed to support local livelihoods while preserving forest resources.

Access is primarily from Karwar and Dandeli, with road connections to major highways. The nearest railheads are in Londa and Hubli, and the area experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, with a drier season typically from October to May. The Anshi/Kali Tiger Reserve forms a key part of Karnataka’s protected-area network and the broader Western Ghats conservation strategy.