One day Trek to Karnala Fort with Mumbai Mountain Hikers.

Karnala Fort is hill fort. It is situated in Raiygad district. It distance from Panvel 10KM and From Mumbai 65KM. Currently it is protected by forest department of Maharashtra. Karanala Fort also famous as Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

The fort was likely constructed before 1400, under Devagiri Yadavs(1248–1318) and the Tughlaq rulers (1318–1347). Earlier Karnala was the capital of the north Konkan districts. Shivaji Maharaj conquered it from the Mughals in 1670 by building breastworks as he advanced. After his death in 1680 it was taken over by Aurangzeb. After this the Mughals occupied it for some time after which it in 1740 with the rise of the Peshwas of Pune it went to them.

Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower. This structure was used as watchtower when the fort was occupied however now it is in a ruined condition. The presence of bee hives also makes it difficult to climb and have resulted in at least one casualty in recent times. There is a water cistern which provides fresh water all year long. From the top the forts of Prabalgad, Manikgad, Haji Malang, Chanderi fort, Matheran, Sankshi fort, Dronagiri fort, and Rajmachi are clearly visible.

Some Information about Trek;

Type: Trek

Height: 439m/ 1440fit

Grade: Easy

Endurance: Easy

Travel Schedule

We’ll be boarding the below train from nearest local station. Train timings are shared below for convenience:

From CSMT

06:00 CSMT

06:18 Vadala Road

06:29 Kurla

06:49 Vashi

06:58 Nerul

07:05 Belapur

07:20 Panvel

From Thane

06:20 Thane

06:37 Koparkhairane

06:49 Nerul

06:57 Belapur

07:12 Panvel

Meeting Point : Panvel Railway Station at 07:30 am.

Itinerary

07:30 AM leave for Karnala Fort

08:30 AM Reach Base of Karnala Fort

09:30 AM Start ascending.

12:00 AM Reach on top Lunch and explore.

01:30 PM Start Descend.

03:00 PM Reach at Base.

04:00 PM Panvel railway station

Includes:

Panvel and Karnala Return Transport

Morning Breakfast

Karnala Fort Entry Fee.

Mumbai Mountain Hikers Expertise

First Aid

Exclude:

Karnala Fort Deposit if any.

Camera Deposit

Lunch

Anything which is not mention above

Any type of Forest Department fine for any inappropriate work.

Things to carry:

Some ready to eat food like- plum cakes, fruits, chocolates, biscuits, Lunch etc

2 Litres of water must

Good trekking shoes

Extra pair of clothes, socks optional

Cap, Camera as Optional

1 packet of electrol, enerzal, glucon-D

Medications if required for individual

Avoid wearing precious ornaments on an event, if possible

And a haversack or backpack to put all the above things to be carried, so hands are free to help each other while trekking. Sling bags / jholas / trolley bags etc not allowed on the event. Please pack accordingly.

Things Avoid Carrying:

Avoid carrying Plastics Pack Food (Chips, Biscuits Packet, Bottled water etc.)

Camera

Alcohol/Cigarette/Liter.

Speaker.