Around Karnala..
Karnala located on the NH 17 with the national highway traversing the Karnala bird sanctuary is an ideal location for a one day trip. If you are on a longer weekend and keen on trekking then there are many forts scattered around in this region. The base of Prabalgad and Kalawantin Durg is less than an hour from Karnala. Matheran the famous wooded hills is just 70 Kms from Karnala.
At a height of 2320 ft Prabalgad is a vast fort near Karnala ideal for a full day trek. A simple trek the route to Prabalgad is via Thakurwadi about 15 kms from Panvel and 35 Kms from Karnala. An hours trek from Thakurwadi takes you to Prbalmachi the base village of Prabalgad. On the south of Prabalgad is Kalavantin durg and the walk to Kalavantin Durg would require ropes to do it safely.
Lonavala
Lonavla and Khandala is a beautiful twin hill station, 622 m. above sealevel midway from Matheran and Pune about 60 km from Matheran and Pune. This holiday destination is popular especially during the rains. Lonavala 'chikkis' and nuts are also very famous.
Alibaug
Alibaug is a great destination for a long weekend with beaches strewn across the town from the rocky stretches of Kihim to the romantic Nagaon. However Alibaug is not all about beaches. There are fascinating sea forts of Colaba and Murud Janjira, magnificent temples of Kankeshwar and 'Birla mandir', historic places like Jerusalem gate and Angre samadhi and there is water sports too!
Clearly seen from the 'panorama point' in Matheran Peb fort or Vikatgad is a medium difficulty trek with a patch where your rock climbing skills also would be tested. The peb fort is a trek away from the Neral railway station. Atop the fort is a rock cut cistern and two caves and remains of a few old buildings. There is a small ashram of Swami Samarth, a memorial with holy carvings and a flag post atop the fort.
Matheran..
Matheran is the quietest possible 70 Kms from Karnala, thanks to the ban on all vehichles apart from ambulances in Matheran to help maintain and preserve this eco sensitive zone. Matheran enjoys cool climate through out the year which makes it popular especially during the summers. Commuting on hand pulled rikshaws and ponies in itself is a unique experiance that only Matheran offers!
