For residents of Mumbai and its suburbs, the daily traffic, the never-ending commutes, and the noise of the city can easily get you irritated. Well this was true for the BC (Before Corona) era. The AC (After Corona) era is yet to be figured out. But whatever the era be, weekends will always be special. And with all of us, in some way or the other, promising ourselves to reconnect with nature and/or get more physically active, weekends offer a great opportunity. And what better than an invigorating nature hike, closer home, to kick start the weekend.
The Karnala Fort lies within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, about 80kms from Bandra and 35kms from Vashi, Navi Mumbai on the Panvel – Alibaug Highway (NH66). The best is to reach the sanctuary entrance gate, just before dawn. This will serve multiple benefits – you’ll be able to begin the hike and reach the top in the early hours of the morning, when it is still cooler, you’ll be able to witness the sun rise above the surrounding ghats giving you ample golden hour photo ops, you’ll be able to descend after having spent some peaceful time at the fort, well in time for breakfast. Also, the number of people climbing up that early are limited, and hence you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the place, relatively undisturbed.
In the middle of the sanctuary is a hillock, on top of which sits the 600 years old Karnala Fort, with a basalt pillar at the top. The fort has changed hands multiple times among those who controlled the surrounding areas and these walls have seen many events of history. Today they welcome 21st century nature lovers, hikers, trail runners, birders and casual visitors alike!
The hour-long hike to the top isn’t too tough, but neither too easy. Some patches may leave you out of breath, whereas some feel like strolling in a park. For photographers, other than the surrounding views, the various species of birds offer a great opportunity to improve their camera skills. There are resting places on the pathway made by forest department. The final climbing steps near the entrance of the fort are made safe by iron railings.
Camping isn’t allowed at the top, and neither is lighting a fire so as not to disturb the bees. Ensure to carry enough water and something to munch, like fruits or energy bars, to replenish after the uphill climb. Monsoon treks are a great experience, with greenery all around. After the descent, hot breakfast and chai is available at the forest dept canteen, before you head back to Mumbai.
How to get there:
1. Karnala is 80kms from Bandra (Mumbai). The best way would be to drive down or hire a taxi.
2. Panvel is the nearest train station, from where you could get taxis / autos to Karnala and back.
What to ensure:
1. Wear a good pair of hiking shoes or sneakers with a good insole padding.
2. Carry sufficient water and a quick bite to replenish
3. Early mornings from autumn to spring may be a little chilly, so layer accordingly.
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
