Karnala offbeat weekend getaway from Mumbai

Reaching Karnala:

Karnala is less than 60 Kms from Mumbai. Reach Panvel and take the Goa highway. Karnala is just 12 Kms away from Panvel. If you are coming by train, take the Panvel local on the harbour line and take an autorickshaw to Karnala. The Karnala Mountain can be easily spotted as it literally stands out like one big sore thumb (in shape)

There is something magical about Karnala as you can sense the dip in ambent temperature as soon as you get near Karnala. There are plenty of resorts at Karnala and many of them offer day packages. While at Karnala, you must definitely go for the small trek thru the jungles of Karnala bird sanctuary.

Resorts at Karnala:

Resort	Highlights
Karnala Forest Guest House	Right within the Karnala Santuary, the cottages are basic and cost Rs. 200/- only. Contact Thane Forest Office (022-25402522) for Booking
Shanbar Vishranti	Close to Karnala Santuary offers clean rooms at around Rs. 850/-. Contact 952143-220291 for Booking. The restaurant serves excellent Malvani food.
Shalom Resort	Overlooking Karnala sanctuary. Has an excellent lawn in front of the property
K Star Woods Resort	Three star resort at the foot of Karnala fort. Contact +(91)-(22)-61428246
Rishi Garden Resort	Offers packages for day picnic that includes use of water park at the resort.  23713688

Thumb Shaped Mountain

Things to do at Karnala

Karnala is popular amongst naturalists, picnickers from Mumbai and those into simple treks. The small climb to the Karnala Fort from the bird sanctuary is extremely enjoyable during Monsoons, especially early monsoons. You can see plenty of waterfalls, rich canopy and thick vegetation that make the climb extremely pleasant. The three-kilometer climb in itself is not strenuous and even a first timer can leisurely complete it in less than two hours. The view from the top provides a panoramic view of the Sahaydri Mountains. You can spot Haji Malang and Matheran. While you are at the fort, you might be tempted to climb the thumb shaped mountain, but that would need expertise and is not for amateurs.

Trek Pathway

It is ideal for day trip or for a short weekend break. Karnala is principally a small bird sanctuary (around 4 square Kms) under the protection of Forest Department (They charge Rs. 20 /- as entry fee). If you are into birding, you should visit Karnala either before the onset or in winters (peak season). Before the onset of monsoons you can sight Paradise Flycatcher, Magpie Robin or Malabar Whistling Thrush. During winters, lot of migratory birds including blackbird, the blue-headed rock-thrush, the bluethroat, and black-headed cuckoo-shrike can be sighted.

Forest Dept also sell Forest Honey at the counter and is well recommended for its purity. There are many nurseries in and around Karnala. One such is Go Green nursery which prides itself as Mall of all things Green

Contributed by Vasudevan 

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