Karnala Fort one day trek near Mumbai

Karnala Fort located 10 km from Panvel city. Easily reachable by Car or Local Transport. Its lies now in Karnala Bird Sanctuary. We started our journey from Panvel Railway Station. The trekking participants advised reaching the station by 8.00 am. After a brief introduction, we headed to a local restaurant for breakfast. Typically outside Mumbai breakfast at hotels consists mainly of Poha, Misal, Vada, Sheera, Masala Tea. Breakfast was yummy and filling. We walked towards State Transport Bus Depot to catch a local bus till Karnala Bird Sanctuary Entrance. You can also hire rickshaws or large tum-tum that will drop you and pick you from Karnala Bird sanctuary. The road till Karnala Fort is in good condition and converted into six lanes now. You will find many monkeys sitting by the road just before Karnala Bird Sanctuary comes. Many people feed these monkeys fruits will passing by on the highway. 

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is well connected by national highway seventeen. Most buses from Panvel will stop at Karnala Bird Sanctuary gate. Rickshaws are also available near the bus depot or the road. We got a bus quickly after a short journey we reached the Karnala Bird Sanctuary Gate. Entry fees payment required to enter Karnala Bird Sanctuary through which the route till Karnala Fort goes. You are not allowed to carry plastic articles. You need to pay a deposit for the same at the forest office, and the deposit returned when you bring the items back with you after your trek. Karnala trek is straightforward will take you two hours or a little more.

Karnala fort consists of two forts, one at a higher level and the other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet tall basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower. This structure was used as watchtower when the fort, however now it is in a ruined condition. The presence of beehives also makes it difficult to climb. It has resulted in at least one casualty in recent times. There is a water cistern that provides fresh water all year long. The forts of Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Manikgad, Kalavantin Durg, Sondai Killa and Rajmachi are visible from the summit of Karnala Fort.

After an hour we reached the fort all trekkers started clicking pictures and exploring the fort. There are many beehives on the fortification you should not disturb. After Lunch and many photographs, we decided to descend the fort we reached the base very quickly. Karnala Fort is also a popular picnic spot. Many good hotels and restaurants are available nearby.