Karnala is located at a distance of about 10 km from Panvel, but it is believed that the structure was built in 1400 CE under the patronage of the Devagiri Yadavas and later under the Tughlaq rulers. The Karnala fort consists of two forts – one at a higher level than the other. In the centre of the fort situated on the higher level, there is a watchtower called the Pandu’s tower. The tower also has a water cistern that provides water throughout the year.
This place is famous for its large number of birds and hence attracts a large number of bird lovers. The sanctuary is home to about 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds. The reserve also has a number of rare bird species such as Ashy minivet, three toes kingfisher and Malabar Trogon.
Distance from Karnala to major places
Mumbai - 47 Kms
Mahabaleswer – 175 Kms
Pune- 124 Kms
Matheran – 59 Kms
Things to do in Karnala / Sightseeing places in Karnala
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary and the Karnala Fort. The Karnala Fort is of much historical significance as it overlooked the Bor Pass, which connects the Konkan coast to the interior districts of Maharashtra.
It is located near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tungareshwar Sanctuary and can be easily reached from Mumbai.
How to reach Karnala from Mumbai ?
By Air
The closest airport is Mumbai 49 kms away.
By Rail
There are lots of trains from VT Station to the nearest railhead at Panvel, 12 km from the sanctuary; from here you can take autorickshaws, taxis and buses. State Transport buses run from Mumbai Central to Karnala.
By Bus
From Panvel, take a right turn onto NH17. The entrance to Karnala comes up on your left 10 km down NH17, past Palaspe Phata and Shirdun. If you are taking a bus, almost every long-route bus to the Konkan from Mumbai stops at Panvel. Hire an auto to Karnala.