Karnala

A fascinating getaway from the numbing buzz of Mumbai. It’s less than 50 kms from Mumbai and 120 kms from Pune, which makes Karnala a hit amongst picnickers, trekkers, mountain climbing enthusiasts and bird-watchers. It offer a bit of something to everyone. Quite literally the highpoint of Karnala is a tall rounded mesa of sheer rock rising to up to 180 ft and is a part of the strategically conceived Karnala fort.

Orientation

Its located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Karnala has excellent connectivity by road as it falls on National Highway 17. Although the Karnala bird sanctuary itself is only 4.5 sq kms, the area is rich in terms of flora and fauna and looks resplendent in the monsoons, especially with the backdrop of the solitary bald rock, which incidentally is called the Funnel Hill. 

Weather

Karnala is vividly green in the monsoons. The region receives more than 300 cms of rain each year. The climate otherwise is pleasant and humid most times of the year.

Best time to visit
It’s an ideal getaway for city-dwellers anytime of the year, but the monsoons are the ideal time to pay a visit to Karnala to soak the weather in. For birdwatchers, the best times of the year for a trip here is between November and December.

Getting there / Route information

Distance from major cities:

• Mumbai –(49 kms)–> Karnala
• Pune –(120 kms)–> Karnala

By Bus
Maharashtra State Transport buses or ST buses as they colloquially called are plentiful along the route, which runs along Konkan strip. You can also avail of one of those tours to Karnala organized by Maharastra Tourism and Development Corporation (MTDC).

By Train
The nearest station is Panvel at a distance of 12 kms. The suburban trains on the Harbour railway route begin terminate and begin from Panvel which makes connectivity even more simpler.

Road Quality
A very well maintained National Highway-17.

 

Pictures of Karnala

 

 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Karnala bird sanctuary

No wonder it’s called a birdwatchers’ paradise. Even amateurs have recorded several sightings in the vicinity of Karnala. There’s the red-vented bulbul, the very familiar horn-bill, cackling mynahs are in plentiful, so are a variety of owls. One of the most remarkable features of the Funnel hill is its role in attracting several endangered feathered species to its crevices to roost. The birds which frequent it are the peregrine falcon, king vulture and the crested serpent eagle. You could spend several days trekking around the place. The Funnel hill is also an attraction to several rock climbers. Scaling it is considered to be a feat for those freshly initiated into rock climbing. 

Karnala Fort

Considering the strategic nature of this 12th century fort, it commands a view of the nearest pass called Bhor ghat as well as two rivers in the vicinity.  Shivaji wrested it from the Nizamshah, after which it was ruled for small periods by the Mughals, Angres, Peshwas, the Portuguese and finally the British. You can still see inscriptions in both Persian and Marathi in several places on the fort.  The fort can be viewed within one half of the day, although you’ll need to climb for a few hours, to hit the top.

Shopping information
If you are looking to shop, Karnala is NOT the place for you.  This is a strictly a wild-life and outdoor enthusiasts haven.

 

Vital Tourist Information

Things to carry

Along with the rest of the outdoors regular checklist like a bit of rope, bottled water, first aid kit etc. Please do not forget to get a pair of binoculars along. Rock climbing enthusiasts come prepared with your gear. There’s much to do here.

Hotel availability

One of the best things about Karnala is the splendid accommodation provided by the Forest department. There are two forest department rest houses with neat rooms. You need to route your booking through the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) whose office is in Thane (on the outskirts of Mumbai). Here’s his phone number 022-25402522

 
Local Taxi availability

You could halt those eight seater autos, which ferry passengers along the Highway. Other than that there is not much you can do vis a vis traveling short distances. For Mumbai and Pune journeys, you can thumb down state transport buses or private buses, which ply the route. The next thing you could do is travel to Panvel, from where connectivity to both cities is splendid.

Nearest known city: Mumbai & Pune.

Contact details in case of contingency

Hospital	Sanjay Clinic, Panvel – 022-27452807 Patwardhan hospital, Panvel – 022-27462882
Police	Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Panvel) 022-2745 2532