Where is karnala bird sanctuary

There are some places where you do not get lip-smacking delicacies or some cool location check-ins on your social media.

One such place is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Panvel is well connected to Navi-Mumbai and other suburbs via the harbor line of the Central Railways.

It takes an just a little longer than an hour to reach Panvel and then 15 more minutes from the Panvel Railway Station to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The bird sanctuary, with Karnala Fort located in the center, lies on the Mumbai-Goa highway. The sanctuary is small in size, but it is the only sanctuary apart from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, that is close to Mumbai. The other thing about this that will catch your ears is the trek to the Karnala Fort.

The sanctuary is home to species of resident birds and 30 other migratory birds. Apart from that, animals like common Langurs, Indian Boar, common Mongoose, four horned antelope, jungle cat are found. Resting in the Sahyadris, the Karnala has now become a famous tourist spot. Karnala is in Panvel district. The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall ranges around mm to mm , and the climate remains Humid and warm.

The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season. Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.

Winters have a comparatively milder climate around 28 degrees Celsius , and the weather remains Cool and Dry. Karnala is known for trekking, bird watching and good family picnics within a one day schedule.

Karnala is a paradise for bird watchers. One can also visit the Nature Interpretation Centre and trek down to the famous Karnala Fort located amidst sanctuary. Plenty of resorts with amusement activities are available in this zone, which can be explored for some fun and adventure.

Nearby places to visit Karnala sanctuary 1. Kalavantin Durg 27 KM. Irshalgad Fort 33 KM 3. Matheran 60 KM 4. Prabalgad Fort 27 KM. There are no restaurants inside the Karnala Sanctuary, however, being on the national highway many restaurants and dhabas are available to choose from. The restaurants are known for serving seafood and local Agri styled food.

Karnala is surrounded by facilities for accommodation like lodges, hotels and resorts, etc. It also has a good primary health clinic and hospitalization services in proximity. Panvel Police station is the nearest police station. The forest department rules must be followed as this is a sanctuary.

Visitors are not allowed to linger after sunset. The sanctuary is also at proximity with other tourist destinations of the Western Ghats, such as Matheran 53km and Lonavala 56km. With many resorts and hotels around the sanctuary, as well as two government rest houses within the sanctuary premises, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a perfect weekend destination for nature lovers. The Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset.

The ticket costs are Rs. Parking charges are Rs. The best way to explore the sanctuary is to trek along the forest. There are two entrances into the sanctuary, and for first-time trekkers, the pathway starting at the water pump house is preferred. Arrow marks on the trees show the way for trekkers to follow the hiking trail. The second entrance deemed the more challenging trek starts from the human-made steps that lead directly into the forest. There are four nature trails in the sanctuary and is always advisable to hire local youths as guides.

The Hariyal Nature Trail is one of the best for spotting birds, whereas, the Mortaka Trail is suitable for sighting butterflies. Karnala Bird Sanctuary Attractions.

One can also visit the Nature Interpretation Center for more information about the sanctuary before embarking on exploring it. The Karnala Pinnacle is the area where the endangered birds are kept, such as the peregrine falcon, crested serpent eagle and king vulture.

However, besides exploring the wildlife, the sanctuary is also home to the famous Karnala Fort. The fort also called Funnel Hill stands at an elevation of m. It is a great trek up the fortress that is fraught in rich history having passed through Muslims, Portuguese and Maratha dynasties and rulers. October to April is the best time to visit the sanctuary. During the winter season, the migratory birds are the biggest draw of the sanctuary. On the other hand, at the onset of the monsoon a large variety of birds, such as the paradise flycatcher, shama and Malabar whistling thrush churn out soulful melodies that ring through the forest.

We were not dissapointed. Karnala is an oasis near the concrete jungle called Mumbai. Very well maintained and discipline strictly enforced by the local villagers. You are not allowed to take polethene bags, disposable plastic bottles etc. And if you are carrying the same, you have to put up a deposit upfront, which will be refunded only when you return with your bottles.

As a result, you don't come cross any plastic bags or toffee wrappers etc inside the sanctuary. There is a small canteen which is run by the village cooperative. You can get tea, coffee, snacks and set meals. The trek to Karnala fort takes about 2. We started the climb with great enthusiasm, but the bodies did not support. Half way on the route, we decided to turn back, with the resolve that we shall return in December and complete the trek.

Personally, family and I loved the place. Welcome change from the city. The green forest is very peaceful. Though I did not see many birds, but I had not set out to search them too.

Lot of monkeys can be spotted. I recommend that one must come here once a month along with kids. The city children need more interaction with mother nature. And the best time to visit would be November to March. I am sure I will return. NomadicSid Mumbai, India 5 contributions. Day's trip away from the Mumbai jungle. For the urban nomads on the lookout for a day's trip away from the Mumbai hustle, this sure makes for a great pick. Having glanced upon numerous threads myself, I finally decided to take a trip to Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

It is a haven for the ones who look for adventure, me time and jungle. Contrary to the name, Karnala Bird Sanctuary offers little to no bird watching treats Peahens and Parrots kept in captivated state. For the bird seekers - this is a disappointment. However, it is a visual delight to look in for nature and be amidst the jungle - a luxury offered around Mumbai.

Highly recommended to carry your own lunch and water jug. Though there is a snack counter at the onset of the Karnala Fort trail, it offers little amusement to the taste buds. Pakoras, Bread - flavored yogurt, Hot beverages like Tea and Coffee are offered here but they are very high on salt content, oil simmered though edible.

On the onset of the Karnala Fort trail, it is devoid of any humans let alone any animals, so make sure you go prepared once you start the rocky mountainous trail. Once you start the trail, it offers a picturesque series of images and this makes your decision to trek at Karnala Bird Sanctuary - worthy.

Tips: 1. From Panvel railway station, walk towards west and once at the main road look for six seated sharing auto rickshaws heading for "Chinchwan. Cost - 20 rupees, Time - 15 minutes approx.. If you are a group of 6 or more, you can opt for booking your own auto rickshaws from Panvel to Karnala Bird Sanctuary directly as sharing is not available. Cost is however, rupees minimum and not recommended.

Best time to start from Panvel is before 9 a. Karnala Bird Sanctuary will not charge more than 30 rupees for entry ticket. Ensure you carry no plastic items. If you do carry, you will have to pay a deposit money which can be reimbursed before your exit from Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The snack counter inside offers food items at reasonable rates. The Karnala Fort trek from inside the sanctuary, takes more than 2 and a half hours.

So make sure you finish trek before Auto rickshaws from Karnala Bird Sanctuary to Panvel railway station are scarce after Cost - 20 rupees and takes 30 minutes. Wadala Road to Panvel railway station takes 40 minutes by train.

Total cost for the trip - - NomadicSid. Karnala Bird Sanctuary - A birds song!! Karnala, is about km from Panvel and the bird sanctuary is actually bifurcated by the national highway. Though in such proximity to Panvel, we had some difficulty reaching there.

The bird sanctuary is actually a small one and most people come here for a trek to the Karnala fort or for a day picnic. As the day progresses, you will find families flocking on a weekend, well packed with home made lunches and unpacked kids with their cricket bats, yelling at the top of their voices. We did see some passionate patient people with binoculars waiting to get a glimpse of the feathery family on the 'Hariyali trail', one of the trails for bird watching in the sanctuary.