Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Karnala is 61 kms South of Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Goa highway. It is about 10 km from Panvel. At a height of 445 mts above sea level, Karnala is known for the thumb shaped pinnacle on top and the bird sanctuary around.

The sanctuary is home to 147 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the sanctuary during winters. Among the birds seen here are paradise fly catcher, magpie robin, malabar whistling trush, racket-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle etc. Two rare birds i.e. Ashy Minimet and Spotted heart woodpeckers have been sighted here.

Karnala pinnacle is a favourite spot for professional mountain climbers.

Best time to visit for bird watching is from October to April. However if one wants to enjoy the greenery, it has to be during the monsoons.

History

The Karnala fort was built during the 12th century. Karnala was of strategic importance because of its command of the highroad between Bhor Ghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, watching the trade route. Between 1248 and 1318, it was under DevgYada. From 1318 to 1347, it was under Daulatabad Muslim rulers. Subsequently it was with the Gujarat rulers, with the help of Portuguese. It changed hands many times between Shivaji, Mughals and Peshwas. It 1803, it came under Bhaji Rao and in 1819, Britishers took control of the fort.

For more information, http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/KarnalaRaigad.htm

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