Karnala Fort

Karnala Bird Sanctuary, nestled in the lush Sahyadri ranges near Mumbai, is home to over 222 species of birds, making it a haven for bird watchers. The sanctuary also offers a scenic trek to the historic Karnala Fort, blending nature and adventure perfectly.

At the bottom of the page, read more about secret treasures at Karnala.

DATE: NOVEMBER 17TH, 2024 (SUNDAY TREK)

Karnala 

PART 1: Meetups and Pickups

06:30 am Versova Metro Station

Route – Andheri – Ghatkopar – Vashi – Belapur – McDonald before Express Highway – Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Breakfast near McDonald)

PART 2: Trek and Sanctuary 

08:30 am Arrival at Karnala main gate. 

08:35 am hour Park entry formalities.

Security Formalities and Buying Entry tickets for Members 

08:45 am Start of trek

90 Minutes Trek One way till Patal Ganga View Point.

11:00 am - 30 Minutes explore / rest

11:30 am to 12:30 pm Return Trek

PART 3 (OPTIONAL - Lunch).

01:00 pm to 02:30 pm Lunch at a local Restaurant near Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Everyone pays for their own lunch).

Contributions (Trek charges)

Rs.400/- Per Person for trek and Rs.500/- for travel = Total Rs.900/-.

One seat available. 

Inclusions:

Trek Management; Event Planning and Park Entry Fee.

Exclusions:

Transport / Road Tolls / Parking Fee

Food is not included, Bottled Water or other beverages other than mentioned above not included, Tips not included.

Anything that is not included is excluded.

Note: If we plan to travel by private transport the budget will be extra Rs.850/- per person. (We will need minimum 14 Paying Persons committing with full contribution before November 10th for booking at vehicle like Mini-bus).

Karnala local maps of trails.

Karnala Fort and Pinnacle as spotted from below

More about Karnala

Four birds and a stone; “Bird Sanctuary, Trek, Fort Exploration and a Pinnacle Adventure”. The place is a stone throw away from Panvel; provided you can throw the stone a clear distance of 12 kilometers. Karnala is located about 65 kilometers from Mumbai. (Raigad district) along Mumbai-Goa Highway. 

Karnala Pinnacle is visible from long distances all around 360 degrees so it is obvious that one can do the same from the top. Maybe that’s the reason somebody thought in the first place to build a fort here.

As-soon-as you cross the small town of Panvel on Mumbai Pune Highway and turn right on Mumbai-Goa Highway you see a thumb like projection; this Pinnacle is the green thumb of Karnala Bird Sanctuary.  This hill fort is often confused with the navel fort of Arnala near Virar.

The fort is a protected bird sanctuary (Karnala Bird Sanctuary) and offers a great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing, easy to moderate level treks. The decision to declaration of Karnala under wild life sanctuary regulations has helped it grow into a refreshing green Oasis. The weather changes as-soon-as you reach Karnala; the ozone is clear and fresh; and the birds welcome you with their songs. Birds like Drongo, Crow Pheasant, koels, robins, Shashi Pheasants, robins, Scarlet Mine vets, White Back Vultures, The Great Indian Horned Owl, Grey horn bills are among few of the birds spotted here.

The trek to the top of the fort takes at least 2 hours if you are in good health with average fitness level, and a little lesser while walking back down. The route is quite easy and not very steep, although it definitely gets very slippery during the monsoon especially towards to summit. For more adventurous trekkers, there is a short-cut to the top of the fort as well which reduces the time by about half an hour, however this route is actually very steep and should only be attempted if you are comfortable with trekking. We would advise you to carry at least 2 litres of water per person on the trek, and make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes (Trekking shoe or tough canvas shoe). 

In the middle of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar which is popular known as Pandu's tower. This pillar served as a watchtower when the fort was occupied, however now it is in ruined state. There is a water reservoir here which supplies fresh water all year long. From the top of the fort, Prabalgad and Rajmachi forts can be seen on the northern side. The fort has two inscriptions one in Marathi and the other in Persian. The Marathi inscription which has no date is seen on the lower gate on the inner side and its words are indecipherable. The Persian writing on upper gate reads "Syed Nuruddin Muhammad Khan, Hijri, and is probably from the Mughal era. The Fort has a recorded history of having passed through the hands of Muslim, Portuguese and Maratha rulers.

We were trying to focus and capture a photograph of Giant Wood Spider

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This small sanctuary is also home to monkeys, hares, foxes, mongoose; monitor lizards and rare boars have made their home here along with few other small animals. Trees as Neem, Karvanda, Jamoon, mango, fig and crocodile bark trees forms the bulk of various shades of green seen here.

Since the path to Karnala Fort goes through the bird sanctuary, you do not become aware of the height of the hill. The fort is nearly 1500 feet above mean sea level and takes about 60 minutes of brisk climb to reach the top unless you wish to do bird watching and take a casual 2 to 3 hour easy stroll upto the top (easier said than done).

You can see the entrance of Karnala Fort as-soon-as you reach a small plateau. To reach the top you cross a broken gate, a little last mile adventure and you reach the fort. Inside the fort there are few things to explore around the pinnacle few water tanks, granary and ruins of some buildings. The central peak (the pinnacle) is best left for trained climbers and in monsoon not recommended to climbers also. The pinnacle is more dangerous because it also has beehives on it; so kindly avoid smoking near the beehives or throw stone at it playing monkey.

From the top of Karnala, you can see a vast area below. To the northeast, you will find Haji Malang, and just below before that, Prabalgad and Matheran. To the east, in the distance, is a hazy view of Bhimashankar. To the south are Rajmachi and the Duke’s Nose, to the Southwest is the Mahal Mira hill range while to the west is the metropolis of Mumbai.

Near the foothills is another place worth visiting, Yusuf Meher Ali Centre a cottage industry started by freedom fighter by the same name. The centre has 8 to 9 types of cottage industry right from carpentry; pottery; wormy culture; soap industry; oil extraction; bakery; agriculture etc. The place has helped several people from nearby villages to get employment and self-reliance.

A small bridge along one of the Nature Trails at Karnala Bird Sanctuary

a local land crab peeping through his territory 

Karnala Pinnacle in the backdrop

Signature Spider above

Harvest Ants Nest (below)

One of the main gates of Karnala Fort

HIDDEN TREASURES AT KARNALA

Here are a few lesser-known secrets about Karnala Bird Sanctuary:

1. Historical Significance: The sanctuary is home to the historic Karnala Fort, also known as Funnel Hill, which dates back to the 1400s. The fort offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Diverse Avian Population: Apart from the well-known species, the sanctuary is home to some rare and endemic birds, such as the Ashy Minivet and the Malabar Whistling Thrush3. Birdwatchers can spot these elusive species with a bit of patience and luck.

3. Migratory Birds: During the winter months, Karnala becomes a resting place for migratory birds from different parts of the world. This seasonal influx adds a unique charm to the sanctuary, making it a year-round attraction for bird enthusiasts.

4. Insect Haven: The sanctuary's thriving insect population provides a consistent food source for its feathered inhabitants. This abundance of insects supports a diverse range of bird species, from insectivorous birds to raptors.

5. Educational Opportunities: Karnala Bird Sanctuary serves as an educational platform for visitors. Guided tours and informational boards help visitors learn about the diverse bird species, their habits, and the importance of conservation efforts.

6. Scenic Trails: The trek to Karnala Fort is not just a physical challenge but also a visual treat. The trail winds through dense forests and offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills, making it a memorable experience for trekkers.

These secrets add to the allure of Karnala Bird Sanctuary, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.