Karnala is 120 km from Pune and 13 km from Panvel. Between Pune and Panvel lies the Fort Karnala.

Just 10 km off the busy Mumbai-Pune highway a sign welcomes visitors to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. As the road winds up a little ghat on Mumbai-Goa highway, travel-weary visitors feel a sudden freshness in the air as they enter this pocket-sized Eden

Karnala is dominated by a fort, which rises up from the sanctuary at its base. The sanctuary is around 82 ft high from the sea level. On a clear day, the Mumbai coastline, 30 km away is absolutely visible from the peak of the fort. To the east of the fort, on the bank of the River Patalganga, is village Apte, on the west is Ransai while on the north is Vichwan. The whole area is lush green and rich with natural habitation of various birds like Red Vented, Bulbul, Horn Bill, Myna, Owl, Robin McPie and many others

Karnala is a bird watcher's paradise and even the casual picnicker is rewarded with sights of colourful bird species

The best time to visit the place is between November to February for bird watching.

The fort of Karnala and its steep rocks have always been a challenge for trekkers. Its close proximity to Mumbai makes Karnala an ideal spot for a one-day picnic. During the monsoons, the pathway leading to the pinnacle of the fort is almost permanently wreathed in wisps of cloud and mist, giving you an absolutely exhilarating feeling.
 

Places of Interest

How to Reach Karnala

Karnala By Air                                                                       Nearest major airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 60 km from Karnala. Mumbai (Bombay) is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad. Taxi services are the one direct travel possibility from Mumbai to Karnala

Karnala By Train                                                                  Panavel is a main railway station under the Mumbai railway division, which is at a distance of 10 km from Karnala. Panavel is connected to all Indian cities through Mumbai rail head. Taxi services are available from Panavel to Karnala

Karnala By Bus                                                                        Karnala is well connected to other cities in and around by state owned public transport buses. Many private owned buses also provide transport service between Karnala and neighboring cities, including Mumbai and Kashid