Karnala - Just around Pune - Karnala Fort and Bird Sanctuary
There is a beautiful canopy of green just around Pune that you knew about but never cared to get intimate with. Do take the trouble, you'll find the air here refreshing the walks energizing and the getaway completely revitalising. Karnala is a great place for a weekend break with friends and family. Thick forests entwining vines mushrooms and toadstools, wild ferns, chirping birds, frolicking squirrels observant lizards fluttering butterflies, monkeys swinging in the trees and the shrill call of the jungle fowl..these are some of the elements of the natural world you will encounter in this neighbouring Raigad district just a few miles away from Pune. We are talking about the Karnala Bird Sanctuary just a short drive away from Pune.
an hour before you reach the fort. There is a small Bhavani temple on top of the Karnala fort. The walk up can be tiring but the view and the stunning beauty of the sahyadris all around make it worthwhile. The loud swishing you hear in the trees is likely to be the ever present black faced langur. At the base of the pinnacle are some rock cut caves and water tanks of buddhist origin which go back to an era when monks spent time here meditating.
vines mushrooms and toadstools, wild ferns, chirping birds, frolicking squirrels observant lizards fluttering butterflies, monkeys swinging in the trees and the shrill call of the jungle fowl..these are some of the elements of the natural world you will encounter in this neighbouring Raigad district just a few miles away from Pune. We are talking about the Karnala Bird Sanctuary just a short drive away from Pune.
frolicking squirrels observant lizards fluttering butterflies, monkeys swinging in the trees and the shrill call of the jungle fowl..these are some of the elements of the natural world you will encounter in this neighbouring Raigad district just a few miles away from Pune. We are talking about the Karnala Bird Sanctuary just a short drive away from Pune.
How to Reach Karnala
While driving down the Mumbai-Goa Highway, stop when you see Hotel Ekvira or a board in marathi that indicates that you have reached the sanctuary , just opposite the range forest office. There is no entry fee but if you want to bring your car upto the main open areawhere the forest rest houses are located you have to pay Rs 30. Most people head to the Karnala fort but you could alsocross the highway and venture down the less used trails where you may see more bird life, as you will be on your own.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Small enough to begin with - just 4.5 sq km in size - the Karnala Bird sanctuary is bisected by the noisy Mumbai-Goa highway. But at least its there! The sanctuary is a permanent home to about 150 species of avians and is also temporarily visited by another 40 species of migratory birds.Bird watching here is a seosonal affair. The best time to visit the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is from November to February. If you have a binocular take them along for a closer view.
Karnala Fort
The intriguing hill fort of Karnala has always attracted Pune trekkers because of its proximity and the great views of the mumbai harbour. The peak itself is crested by a thumb shaped pinnacle - The famous Karnala Thumbs Up, actually a 1538 ft high volcanic plug. Start your hike to the fort early so you are not walking in the midday heat. Just after monsoons is the best time of the year to make this trip to Karnala Fort. Expect to walk atleast for an hour before you reach the fort.
Rock Climbing in Karnala
If you have the expertise and the equipment you can scale the Karnala Thums Up. From one side its a sheer rock face with a couple of overhangs, but on the other side its an obvious and clear route. Stay clear of the beehives - try not to smoke, as this really irritates them. This is a technical climb and you must have the necessary proficiency and safety gear to make it successfully.
