Trek Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Trek Distance: 3 km
Location: Near Panvel
Karnala Fort Height: 1500 ft
Karnala Fort: Hill Fort
Base Village: Shirdhon
District: Raigad
Cost for Karnala Trek
Cost without transport: Rs. 1000/- per person
Cost with transport: Rs. 1600/- per person
Overview/Itinerary
About Karnala Fort Trek
Karnala fort also called Funnel Hill is a hill fort in Raigad District about 10 km from Panvel city, 65km from Mumbai city, situated along the Mumbai-Goa highway. Currently, it is a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The fort of Karnala is famous for its strange pinnacle and the bird sanctuary that is set up amidst the forest. Today, the ruins of the fort are a popular destination for hiking and tourism. This Fort is at a height of approx 1500 ft. It is a great trek for beginners and for parents who want to introduce their children to trekking and Mother Nature.
History Karnala Fort
This stunning quaint fort is one of the best specimens of the 13th-century constructions. It is likely to be constructed under the rule of Yadavs and Tuglaq before the 14th century. This fort was of great strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor Pass which connected Konkan to the Vidharba region of Maharashtra. This pass was the main trade route of these areas and a person who controlled Karnala had an ‘eye’ on the trade. Till 15th century the fort was under Nizamshahi rule.
When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, wanted to capture the fort, his army initially surrounded the fort. They built temporary obstructions and continued to attack. After a few days, they captured the fort. After that the Mughal Empire, the Angres and Peshwas ruled the fort. In 1818, colonel Brother of the British captured it. Finally, the tricolor was furled here. However, the cisterns here show that the fort is ancient and dates back to the 12th century.
Best time for Fort Karnala Trek
During the monsoons, you can see songbirds like the paradise flycatcher, magpie robin, and the Malabar whistling thrush. There is also the racket-tailed drongo that can be seen. The best time to see migratory birds at the Karnala is between the months of October and April.
A variety of colorful birds such as the ashy minivet, red-breasted flycatcher, blackbird, black-headed cuckoo-shrike, blue-throat, Green Bee-eater, chestnut headed green bee-eater, blue-tailed bee-eater, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Coppersmith Barbet, Tailor Bird, White Spotted Fantail, Golden Oriole, Red Vented Bulbul, Red Whiskered Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher, Cattle Egret and the blue-headed rock thrush can be spotted. The surrounding landscapes are hauntingly beautiful as the pinnacle is draped by the clouds and mist during monsoon.
Karnala Trek Details
It is a wonderful trek of 2 hours from the bottom of the hill. Once you enter the bird sanctuary there are essentially two routes that wind through the forest and lead to the trail up the mountain. The main route is a well-defined trail and goes straight through the center of the forest. The alternate route is a crude track that encircles the sanctuary before rejoining the main trail. The final climbing steps near the entrance of the fort are made safe by iron railings
Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the center 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 a ruined condition. The presence of bee hives also makes it difficult to climb and have resulted in at least one casualty in recent times. It is not advisable to cook food at the base of the pinnacle, as the smell of smoke irritates the Honey Bees.
There is a water cistern which provides fresh water all year long. There is a temple dedicated to goddess Bhavani located at the bottom of the fort. Bhavani Temple.
Karnala Fort Trek Event Itinerary
05:45 Meet at Dadar.
06:00 Leave for Karnala fort trek.
06:15 Pick up at Sion station.
06:30 Pick up at Diamond Garden, Chembur.
06:45 Pick up at. Vashi below the main bridge near Vashi Plaza
07:25 Pick up at. McDonald's, Kalamboli
08:15 Reach at base village and have breakfast.
09:00 Start ascending.
11:00 Reach the top and explore.
12:00 Start descending.
14:00 Reach base village and have Lunch.
15:00 Start return journey towards Mumbai.
18:00 Approx. arrival at Dadar.
Please note
Please carry packed lunch.
Please wear trekking shoes for this trek with a good grip.
Those who are coming by their own vehicle, please follow all covid-19 safety guideline and reach at base village on time.
Due to above issue, if you come late or unable to come, will not provide any refund.
1 Day Available on request Maharashtra
INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS
What we'll give/What we won't
What is included in the tour
1 veg Breakfast
Travel by private non-Ac vehicle (with transport option)
Trek Leader Expertise Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
Lunch for the trek
Travel till base village and back (without transport option)
Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
Any kind of personal expenses
Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
THINGS TO CARRY
Things to Carry
2/3 liters of water.
Lunch for the trek.
Proper face mask or shield.
Sanitizer.
Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on trek.
One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters.
Good Torch must with extra battery.
Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars.
Sun Cap and Sunscreen.
Personal First aid and Personal Medicine.
Identity Proof.Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles.
For Registration, Please make the payment in following bank acc,
Name of Acc Holder :- Adventure Aim
Bank name : State bank of India
Bank account number : 32171108434
Bank branch name and address : Kasturi plaza dombivali branch
IFSC code for bank : SBIN0030369
For any further details contact / send SMS to:
MAHESH SHINDE 9892619362, 8425842910,9930448070
Website :- www.adventureaim.com
Terms And Conditions
■ It is up to the individual to arrange their own holiday / accident insurance & each adult would be asked to sign a liability waiver.
■ Adventure Aim hold the right to change the venue, or date, of the event,
■ Event may be cancelled or postponed due to natural calamity, any system error,
■ In case event place or venue is changed, Adventure Aim will notify same to participants by phone, web and Face book, no change in costing will be charged.
■
All our treks are
Eco-friendly treks; kindly take care of nature around us. Smoking and Drinking
alcohol during trek is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be
expelled from trek without refund.
• Adventure Aim is not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss (including any indirect or consequential loss) of any kind to person or property suffered by any participant whether by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent, of Adventure Aim in connection with the Adventure Aim including injury or loss incurred whilst participating in any activity of the Adventure Aim or in any activity in which participants are invited to participate.
Regards,
Team Adventure Aim
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