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Karnala Bird Sanctuary

History 

The Karnala fort pinnacle around which the sanctuary is located

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad District, outside

Mumbai, India near Matheran and Karjat. The sanctuary is quite small with an area of 12.11 square kilometres but is one of the sanctuaries except the Sanjay Gandhi National

Park and Tungareshwar sanctuary to be within reach of the Mumbai city .

 [ edit  ] Geography 

It lies just off the Mumbai-Pune National highway to Goa. It is 12km from the Panvel. Itis home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the

sanctuary during winter. Three rare birds i.e. Ashy Minivet, three toed kingfisher and

Malabar Trogon have been sighted here. It is one of the more popular destination for avid bird-watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is centered around

the historic Karnala Fort which stands 475 metres high.

The sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year. The resident bird and animal

 population can be seen at any time of the year, especially the monsoons, while the besttime to see migratory birds is from October to April.Four nature trails exists in the

sanctuary 1) Hariyal nature trail-1km 2) Mortaka Nature trail-6km. 3) Garmal Nature

trail-3km. 4) Karnala pradakshina trail- 10km. The nature trails pass through varioushabitats of the sanctuary. It is better to hire a youth from the neighbouring Kalhe village

for the long trails.

Karnala FortFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Karnala fort

Karnala, Maharashtra

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Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra (Vidharba)[1] and was the main trade route

 between these areas.

Contents

[hide]

• 1 History

• 2 Major features

• 3 References

• 4 Images of the fort

 [ edit  ] History 

Its exact date of formation is not know but likely it predates 1400 CE as under the

Devagiri Yadavs(1248–1318) and under the Tughlaq rulers (1318–1347), Karnala wasthe capital of the north Konkan districts of their respective empires. [2] It later fell under 

the command of the Gujarat Sultanate  but in 1540 was taken over by Nizam Shah of 

Ahmednagar . The Gujarat sultans then requested the help of the Dom Francisco de

Menenzes the commanding officer of the Portuguese at Bassien(modern day Vasai) towin it back. He ordered 500 of his soldiers to Karnala fort and they were able to capture

it. The fort was left in charge of the Gujarat Sultanate but with Portuguese garrisons. [3]

The loss of Karnala enraged the Nizam Shah and he took back the fort and the

surrounding countryside by sending 5,000 of his men. The Gujarat sultans fled to Vasaiin panic and gave up any claims of the fort to the Portuguese[3]. In the subsequent battle

 between the Nizam Shah and the Portuguese, the latter were victorious in repulsingfurther attacks of the Nizam Shahi army and the fort remained with the Portuguese.However the Portuguese viceroy determined that the forts of Sangli and Karnala were of 

little value to them and decided to give them to the Nizam Shah for an annual payment of 

Rs. 17,500(or 5,000 gold pardoas) to further their friendship. [3][4]

Shivaji conquered it from the Portuguese in 1670 by building breastworks as headvanced.[2] After his death in 1680 it was taken over by Aurangzeb. After this the

Mughals occupied it for some time after which it in 1740 with the rise of the Peshwas of 

Pune it went to them. It remained under the command of killedar (garrison commander)Anantrao[5] until a colonel Prother won the fort and established the rule of the British East

India Company there in 1818.

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 [ edit  ] Major features

Karnala fort bastion with steps

Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the

centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower.

This structure was used as watchtower when the fort was occupied however now it is in aruined condition. The presence of bee hives also makes it difficult to climb and have

resulted in at least one casualty in recent times[6]

. There is a water cistern which providesfresh water all year long. From the top the forts of Prabalgad and Rajmachi are clearlyvisible[6].

The fort has two inscriptions one in Marathi and the other in Persian. The Marathi

inscription which has no date is seen on the lower gate on the inner side. Its words are

indecipherable. The Persian writing is on upper gate reads "Syed Nuruddin MuhammadKhan, Hijri, 1147 AH (1735 CE)[2] and probably dates from the Mughal occupation of the

fort.

Karnala is 61 kms South of Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Goa highway. It is about 10 km from Panvel. At a

height of 445 mts above sea level, Karnala is known for the thumb shaped pinnacle on top and the bird

sanctuary around.

The sanctuary is home to 147 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the

sanctuary during winters. Among the birds seen here are paradise fly catcher, magpie robin, malabar 

whistling trush, racket-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle etc. Two rare birdsi.e. Ashy Minimet and Spotted heart woodpeckers have been sighted here.

Karnala pinnacle is a favourite spot for professional mountain climbers.

Best time to visit for bird watching is from October to April. However if one wants to enjoy the greenery, it

has to be during the monsoons.

History

The Karnala fort was built during the 12th century. Karnala was of strategic importance because of itscommand of the highroad between Bhor Ghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, watching the trade route.

Between 1248 and 1318, it was under DevgYada. From 1318 to 1347, it was under Daulatabad Muslim

rulers. Subsequently it was with the Gujarat rulers, with the help of Portuguese. It changed hands many

times between Shivaji, Mughals and Peshwas. It 1803, it came under Bhaji Rao and in 1819, Britishers took 

control of the fort.

For more information, http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/KarnalaRaigad.htm

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Swap the city life for some bird-song! Karnala offers a refreshing, energising and

completely revitalizing getaway from the hectic pace of city life - come here to watch the

 birds and wildlife, picnic or trek. Karnala is located in the mountain range of the WesternGhats, is surrounded by many hills and is a trekker’s paradise. It has a protected wildlife

 park on the Konkan coast and it’s tiny sanctuary, barely 4.8 sq km is home to over 150

resident bird species and about 37 types of avian migrants. The monsoons rouse a number of feathered musicians, amongst them the paradise flycatcher, magpie robin and the

Malabar whistling thrush. This is the season when the stillness of the forest in the Karnala

Bird Sanctuary is ruffled by the melodies of these songbirds and the antics of the racket-tailed drongo as it mimics the calls of other birds! Winter heralds the journey of 

migratory birds as they flock to Karnala - the ashy minivet, red-breasted flycatcher,

 blackbird, black-headed cuckoo-shrike, blue-throat, the blue-headed rock thrush and

many others. The four-horned antelope, wild boar, common langur, are amongst thecommonly

seen wildlife at Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

hide

A popular getaway from Mumbai, Karnala is a popular destination amongst naturalists,

 picnickers and trekkers. Also the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is filled with the lyrics of  birdsongs during the monsoon season when about 37 species of migratory birds join the

150 species of resident birds.

Historically Speaking

The Karnala fort was built during the 12th century. Karnala was of strategic importance

 because of its command of the highroad between Bhor Ghat and the rivers of Panvel andApta, watching the trade route. Between 1248 and 1318, it was under DevgYada and

from 1318 - 1347; it was under Daulatabad Muslim rulers. Subsequently it was with the

Gujarat rulers, with the help of Portuguese. It changed hands many times betweenShivaji, the Mughals and Peshwas. In 1803, it came under Bhaji Rao and it was in 1819

that the British took control of the fort.

Karnala is a renowned fort city in Raigad district of Maharashtra with striking natural beauty and serene environment. This is a fine place for motivated eco tourists. Karnala is

the best picnic spot for bird lovers. Even a regular tourist can watch many species of 

colorful birds flying over the serene beautiful bright sky. It is dominated by the fort, birdsanctuary and scenic environments. Karnala is marked by dense forests and high

mountain ranges all around.

Karnala is thriving with lusting greenery and is the natural habitat of many bird species.

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Bird watching is the life of Karnala tour. Karnala surrounded by green dense forests is

really a hamlet of wild animals. Deciduous forest with many varieties of trees including

kulu, teak, koshimb, mango, asana and kalam is a perfect place for trekking. Even anatural walk along the unexplored trails of Karnala with the misty cool ambiance is a

source of joy. The ecological conditions in Karnala is very favorable for birds and wild

life.

Karnala invites all naturalists to its lap with so many attractions related to nature. Apart

from this, the privileged Karnala is redolent of history merged with the strategicallyimportant fort under the Maratha rule. Karnala has a verdant history as it was ruled by

many local and foreign invaders including Muslims, Portuguese and Maratha.

Panavel and Apta rivers make the serene city a fertile land. Visiting Nature InterpretationCentre and a trekking through the tracks of Karnala amidst the scenic landscapes and

narrow mountain paths are breath taking experiences.

Must See/Do: Karnala Fort

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra

District: Sangli

Famous for/as: Bird SanctuaryLanguages: Marathi, Hindi, English

Best Season: Nov - Feb

Weather: Summer 22-40°C, Winter 12-33°CAltitude: 475 m

Pincode: 416416

STD code: 0184

While traveling by the Mumbai-Pune or the Mumbai-Goa highway, beyondPanvel, onecan easily notice a thumb shaped pinnacle. This is theKarnala pinnacle. There is a

windingtrail that goes up to the base of the pinnacle, 450 meters above sea level. Theview

from the top is very good and makes the half hour climb worthwhile. Youcan see thewooded areas of the sanctuary, the villages around and even theMumbai coastline. The

walk is especially beautiful during the monsoons. Brightpink begonias stand out against

damp, dark rocks along the path right up to thepinnacle, which is almost permanently

wreathed in wisps of cloud and mist atthis time of year. At the base of the pinnacle thereis a temple of goddessBhavani and many water cisterns. There are many beehives on the

 pinnacle andyou have to take care not to irritate the bees.

Climbing this fort is a hard workbut you will enjoy the atmosphere and breeze after 

reaching the top. Majesticranges of the Sahyadri, area up to Dand Rasayani on Mumbai-Pune road, area upto Kharpada on Mumbai-Goa road and ranges of Prabhalgad,

Matheran, Manikgad,and Vishalgad, which are far away, come in sight and you get an

unforgettableexperience. You can see Kharpada creek, bird sanctuary in the mountains,Apata, Rasayani , Gulsunde. This fort has many bastions and there is enough

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spacebetween two. Fortification has huge holes to fire cannons. In all, theexperience to

go to this fort is breathtaking.

Karnala is abirdwatcher's paradise and even the casual picnicker is rewarded with sightsofcolourful local bird species. The best time of year for bird watching isbetween

  November and February. Spot sunbirds, drogues, orioles, babblers andthe occasionalmale paradise flycatcher with its unusual silvery-white tail.The sanctuary is also home to

troops of monkeys and herds of deer. On a luckyday you might even be rewarded withyour first glimpse of a panther. Forvisitors who wish to stay overnight, MTDC has rent-a-

tent facilities. Don't forgetto take the binoculars with you.

Gallery: Visit gallery here.

Forum: Visit forum here .

Map: Visit map here.

Accommodation:Though some rooms are available at the foot of thefort, it is recommended to visit this

 place from Pen, Panvel or Mumbai whereyou will find adequate accommodation andfood.

Getting There:Climbing: It is Possible to climb this fort from both sides. It is better to cross ‘Karnala

Kind’ on Mumbai-Goa highway and climb the fort.

By Road: State transport buses, jeeps, six-seater and rickshaws are available.

By Railway: Nearest railway station is Apte, but only passenger trains stop here.

Places to see nearby:Karnala bird sanctuary: We can see many birds here before climbing the fort. Dense

forest is a specialty of this area.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

South Asia : India : Western India : Maharashtra : Konkan : Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Contents

• [+] Understand 

• Get in

• Fees/Permits

• Get around• How to Start, The direction

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• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink 

•

[+] Sleep • Stay safe

• Get out

Karnala is a protected wildlife park on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, around 50 km

from Bombay 

 [ edit  ] Understand 

[edit] History

Karnala is a refreshing break from the big city - come here to watch the birds andwildlife, come here to picnic and to trek, and while you are enjoying all this, do spare a

thought for preserving the ecology and tranquillity of the sanctuary.

Just a short drive outside Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway to Goa, is the denselyforested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, a pleasant surprise away from Mumbai's concrete

 jungle. Karnala is a tiny sanctuary, barely 4.8 sq km, home to over 150 resident bird

species and about 37 types of avian migrants.

[edit] Landscape

It is located in the mountain range of the Western Ghats. It is surrounded by many hillsand is a trekkers paradise. Climbing Karnala can be a great experience for trekkers.

Trekking can be dangerous in the rainy season so it can be done in the rest of the year.While climbing the fort you come across many species of birds in nature. River 

Patalganga is towards the east of the fort. Greenery covers and surrounds the fort of 

Karnala.

[edit] Flora and fauna

Vegetation typifies moist deciduous forest and is characterised by species such as

Koshimb, mango, nana, kulu, kalam, asana, umbar and teak in the top canopy. The

ecological conditions of the tract favour a large variety of bird population. The forests arealso ideal as a harbourage to wild animals. A casual walk through the forests is an

unfailing source of joy, with the list of bird-song ringing in the air.

The sanctuary abounds in bird life and during the migrating season from October to April

as many as 140 species of birds have been recorded. Though Karnala is principally a birdsanctuary, many other interesting forms wildlife like wild boar, the four-horned antelope,

the muntjak and the common langur also occur here.

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[edit] Climate

Karnala has two distinct seasons from the point of viess of the bird-watcher. At the onset

of rains, one can see the paradise flycatcher with its fairy-like white streamers, the shamaor the magpie robin and the malabar whistling thrush which are some of the most

melodious avian songsters. A variety of other birds is also seen nesting in the forest.

In winter, the migrants take over and the pattern of bird life changes. The migrants

include a variety of birds such as the blackbird, the blue-headed rock-thrush, the bluethroat, the red breasted flycatcher, the ashy minivet, the black headed cuckoo-shrike

and a host of others.

Monsoons are very severe in this part of the world. So you can avoid them during June-

August. Best time to visit: October to April.

 [ edit  ] Get in

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is 60 km from Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, NH-17.

This is a 2-hour drive via Thane Creek and Panvel. Central Railway trains from VT

Station stop at Panvel, 12 km from the sanctuary; from here you can catch autorickshaws,taxis and buses. State Transport buses run from Mumbai Central to Karnala. You can hire

an Taxi from Mumbai or Pune and shouldn't be very expensive.

From Vashi (New Mumbai) - 32km. (one Way)

From Panvel regular buses and autorickshaws(6 sitters) going towards Pen will drop youat Karnala, but the frequency is very less after 6.00-7.00 PM. The fare is around

Rs.10.00.

 [ edit  ] Fees/Permits

Adults - Rs.20/- Child - Rs.15/-

Parking Two Wheelers - Rs.15/- Four Wheelers - Rs50/-

 [ edit  ] Get around 

 [ edit  ] How to Start, The direction

Ready for trek!!! There are two ways up, one is a easy and other is bit difficult.

Individual who is doing the trekking for the first time can go for the Easy way. others can

go by the Difficult path.

Easy - Move Left from the entrance, One can take this path, which starts from the Water  pump house. Follow the Arrow marks displayed on the Trees.

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Difficult - Move Right from the entrance. This path can be taken from Man made Steps

near the entrance, which leads directly to the Forest.

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] See

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a major attraction to the visitors of Mumbai, Thane and other nearby towns. About one hundred thousand local tourists visit the sanctuary every year.

Karnala is a paradise for bird watchers. One can also visit Nature Interpretation Centre

and trek down to famous Karnala Fort located amidst sanctuary.

Karnala Pinnacle offers refuge to endangered birds like the peregrine falcon, king vultureand the crested serpent eagle. The four-horned antelope, wild boar, common langur,

African monkeys and the muntjak or barking deer are amongst the commonly seen

wildlife, while the leopard is spotted rarely.

Apart from being a place of interest to the naturalist, Karnala is redolent of martial

history. Karnala Fort or the 'Funnel Hill' as it is called, stands 475 metres high. Itscommand of the high road between Bhorghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, must

have from the earliest time, made Karnala a place of strategic importance. Two gatewaysone at the foot and the other at the top of the rock-hewn steps lead to a dual gateway with

a chamber in between. There are two inscriptions in the Fort, one in Marathi and the other 

in Persian. The Fort has a chequered history of having passed through the hands of Muslim, Portuguese and Maratha rulers.

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] Do

- Bird Watching and Trekking. - Take pictures of birds. - watch varieties of trees.

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] Buy 

There are no shops!

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] Eat 

Food is not available on the Fort. So carry all your edibles from the base of the Fort or 

 Near by village or Highway Hotels.

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] Drink 

Take All the Drinking materials from the base. As there is no water available on theHill/Fort. During the summer it is advisable to take lots of water along, as it may cause to

dehydration because of heat.

Rain water gets accumulated at the bottom of the fort,which is available throughout the

year which may or may not be hygienic.

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Tips - Take Lots of drinking Water along with you during the summer trek.

•

o

There are many water tanks on top which does not have good water, but there is a water 

tank cut in the rock, almost behind the fort. If we walk around the pinnacle from left we

reach a small cliff. Water tank on the right hand side has good clean water through outthe year.

 [ edit  ][ add listing  ] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

It is better to stay at Panvel.Good Hotels are available at Panvel. Many resorts are also

available in the park vicinity, but may be expensive.

[edit] Camping

Try to avoid camping at this site. Lot of problems tend to occur during Camping.

[edit] Backcountry

 [ edit  ] Stay safe

I have heard few rare incidents of looting there. so it's better to go with group. I have

 been there more than 10 times & never encountered any trouble though.

Top pinnacle has huge honeycombs. If you are with kids be careful.

Karnala Fort

, Karnala

Redeemed with the power struggle of many rulers, Karnala Fort stands as a specimen of 

the 13th century constructions. The fort was sparingly used by the Karnala rulers

including Angres, Mudhan and Peshwas until 1818, by which time British rulers have

taken over the grand old fort under their control.

The Karnala Fort engulf a steep rock in the midst of greenish surroundings and has been a

challenge to many adventurous trekkers all through the past and continue to be a greatattraction among the fans of trekkers. The fort doorway is adorned with many carvings of 

elephants and tigers. One can see cute water reservoirs developed naturally in the rocks.

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The cool surroundings and the beautiful landscapes make this region a place for calm

weekends.