Karnala Fort
Information:- Redeemed with the power struggle of many rulers, Karnala Fort stands as a specimen of the 13th century constructions. The fort was sparingly used by the Karnala rulers including Angres, Mudhan and Peshwas until 1818, by which time British rulers have taken over the grand old fort under their control.
The Karnala Fort engulf a steep rock in the midst of greenish surroundings and has been a challenge to many adventurous trekkers all through the past and continue to be a great attraction among the fans of trekkers. The fort doorway is adorned with many carvings of elephants and tigers. One can see cute water reservoirs developed naturally in the rocks. The cool surroundings and the beautiful landscapes make this region a place for calm weekends.
While going on the Mumbai-Goa highway we might have noticed a thumb like rock resting on a mountain. As we leave Panvel, the road towards Pen goes through green forests, and suddenly we have a glimpse of this pinnacle. That is the fort of Karnala; famous for its strange pinnacle and the bird sanctuary that is setup in the forests below. This was an important fort and dates back to 12th or 13th century.
Extra Places To Visit:- Karnala Bird-Sanctuary
Type:- Hill Fort
Fort Range:- Matheran
District:- Raigad
Height Above Sea Level:- 2500 ft
Difficulty Rating:- Easy
Base Village:- panvel
App Time To Reach Top:- 1-½ hours from the base village.
Water Availability:- Water is available in a cistern near the remnants on the left side of the main entrance.
Food:- Available in base village
Shelter:- The caves are better to stay, but recently there are many beehives over them. Hence one has to stay there at risk, as a small noise can distract the bees.
Best Time To Visit:- Any Time
How To Reach:- One has to board a bus for Panvel. From here we get many buses to Karnala. Any bus travelling on the Mumbai-Goa highway takes us there. Here we enter the bird sanctuary. From here two ways go to the top of the fort. The way to the right goes through the forest, whereas a more simple way goes to the left. As we proceed from the left, we reach to the temple of Karmaidevi in one and half hour.
