subject: Karnala Fort [print this page] There are many tourist attractions in Karjat that draws plenty of visitors every year. But, there is one exciting place which lies near it and was of great strategic importance during the reign of kings. The place being mentioned here is the Karnala fort and it lies within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Exact period when it was built is unknown till date, but the fort rewards individuals who choose to climb it with breathtaking views. It is also known as Funnel Hill and can be reached from Panvel city region. The fort has two parts, with one fort situated at a higher level than the other. Fort at the higher level has a high basalt pillar at its centre called Pandu's tower. Though it is ruined in recent times, there was a time when it was used as a watchtower. This fort near Karjat was under the control of Mughals, Portuguese, Marathas and the British on different occasions.
Located on the Panvel-Alibaugh route, this place is also known by the name of bird sanctuary surrounding it. Individuals who prefer to take a ride from Mumbai can reach Karnala fort within two hours. Availability of parking lot adds to the convenience and the rates charged are nominal. Entry fee to the bird sanctuary is also very cheap, but it is actually the steep trek of this fort near Karjat which makes the whole journey exciting. People who wish to get on top have to go through Karnala bird sanctuary and children must be under strict supervision while proceeding with the climb. It takes about two hours to reach get on top of the fort and one can see marvelous natural surroundings from where the trek ends. Individuals starting from Panvel can reach the place within a short period of time. There are some important aspects to consider before embarking for a trek on this historical fort. One needs to have right pair of shoes and stock of adequate drinking water as a part of preparations for the climb. Carrying food is a must as there are no eateries along the way and it is also essential to dress appropriately for help during trekking. Starting early in the morning is advisable as it would get dark if the trek is done somewhere in the afternoon.
Best time to visit the place is during the period of October to April as the climate is conducive to trekking. During monsoons, there can be heavy rainfall, making it extremely difficult to climb the fort. As with many other forts, there are no proper steps to make the trek comfortable. There are dense trees along the way to Karnala fort which makes it very difficult to remember the route precisely. For this reason, it is advisable to visit this place with a few others to keep track of the way. Many people prefer to go to Karnala from Panvel as it is very close to the spot, but it is best to judge the distance and arrive at a decision considering all factors. This fort near Karjat serves as a perfect weekend getaway for many individuals who are interested in trekking. It can also be an ideal place for bird watchers as there are many species of birds that can be spotted in the sanctuary.
