subject: Places To Visit In Karnala Near Mumbai [print this page] Karnala in Raigad district of Maharashtra is a tourist destination fifty four km from Mumbai and sixteen km from Panvel. It tops the list for best one day picnic spots in areas near Mumbai. It can be easily accessed from Pune and Mumbai. Mostly famous for its Bird sanctuary it hosts many other attractions for the tourist. It is an inviting location for the bird watchers and nature lovers. The hills and the forests in and around karnala are reserved areas boosting bird and animal life in the region. A shiva temple near Karnala is worth visiting. The temple with a beautifully trimmed garden is shaped like a Shivalinga.
The bird sanctuary located at the foot of the karnala fort on the Mumbai Goa highway provides a natural habitat for around one hundred forty species of local birds. About thirty seven varieties of birds migrated from other countries can be observed here. The bird population includes rare species like wood peckers and ash colored minimet. You can take a break and visit the sanctuary even when you are passing from the Mumbai Goa highway.
Karnala fort offers picturesque views of the surrounding region from the top. The best way to reach the fort is by walking, which gives an opportunity to watch a variety of birds and nature at its best. If you are visiting this place in the rainy season impressed by its beauty you will love to stay for a whole day here. The thumb shaped pinnacle of the Karnala fort is the beautiful landmark of the region and is seen from a long distance while traveling on the roads near bird sanctuary. The fort is invites the hikers and the pinnacle offer a challenge for trekkers to reach its top. Even if the pinnacle appears like a thumb from distance, if you go near it you will come to know that it is a huge stone miracle standing quietly on the hillock. It provides refuge to many endangered birds. The fort situated at a height of around 450 m was a Maratha stronghold in the region. In the monsoon season the hills are covered with fog and the surroundings are lush green.
Some of the resorts near Mumbai for one day picnickers are located in between Panvel and Karnala on the Mumbai Goa highway. Among them Panoramic resort offers more facilities and concessions for students and picnickers coming in large groups. The resort provides all in one experience to the one day picnickers with appetizing delicious food, modern water games and slides. Along with Water Park and childrens games the newly introduced adventure sports activity like Commando Bridge and free fall are increasing the excitement of the visitors. The resorts day picnic special package includes breakfast, lunch and tea at reasonable rates. Corporate package is structured for corporate get-togethers and picnics.
At village Devale near Karnala a beautiful Bhavani Khadageshwar Temple is worth visiting. This historic temple is located on the hill top surrounded by water reservoirs. Many caves made out of rocks prevailing from the Buddhist period are seen surrounding the temple. There is a divine idol of goddess Lakshmi in this temple. The temple is standing in front of a scenic background. Karnala and its surrounding region offer many beautiful places to visit. Being in the vicinity of the metro cities these one day picnic spots are buzzed up with visitors throughout the year.
