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Tired to drive? Looking for a monsoon weekend getaway that is very near to Mumbai – head to Karnala Bird Sanctuary which is less than 60 Kms from Mumbai
Reaching Karnala: It 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.
 Thumb Shaped Mountain 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. Plenty of accommodation options are available. Day picnickers not wanting to trek the Karnala fort can try the water park at Rishi Resort near Karnala Bird Santuary. It costs Rs. 350 per person including food (contact 022- 24171514). If you intend to stay overnight there are plenty of options, which are listed in the accommodation box
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
Related: Harihareshwar
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Murud Janjira Weekend Getaway | Incredible resort at Nagaon near Alibaug | Bordi Beach Getaway | Weekend at Kihim Beach | Malshej Ghat | Weekend at Bhandardara | The Good Doctor at Kolad | Sajan Nature Club | Durshet Forest Lodge | Raigad | Matheran - A perfect weekend getaway | Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide | Khandala Trek
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the Karnala Santuary, the cottages are basic and cost Rs. 200/- only. Contact Thane Forest Office (022-25402522) for Booking
offers clean rooms at Rs. 850/-. Contact 952143-220291 for Booking. The restaurant serves excellent Malvani food.
upmarket resort. Tariff starts at Rs.1,500. Contact 022- 23713688
for day picnic that include use of water park, lunch and snacks at Rs. 350/- . Room tariff for overnight stay starts at Rs. 1,950/-. Contact 022-24171514