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Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Tal:Panvel Dist.: Raigad) Back
Most popular among bird-watchers and hikers Karnala Bird Sanctuary and historic Karnala Fort standing 475 metres high, make a conveinient destination for tourist from Mumbai or Pune.
Spread over just 4.27 sq. kilometres off the Mumbai- Goa highway, Kranala is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds.
including some rare species like, Ashy Minivet and Malabar Trogon.
Best time to see migratory birds: October to April.
Currently a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala fort (also called Funnel Hill) was of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor pass which connected the Konkan coast to the north-east of Maharashtra and was the main trade route.
Earlier the capital of the north Konkan districts later it was under the command of the Gujarat Sultanate who recaptured the same from Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar with the help of the Portuguese. It again offered by Portuguese to Nizam Shah on anual payment.
King Shivaji conquered it in 1670 and it wastaken over by Aurangzeb after Shivaji`s death in 1680. In 1740 Peshwas captured the fort and kept it under the command of Anantrao. In 1818 East India Company established the rule of the British there.
Karnala fort consists of two forts at two levels.
125 feet high basalt pillar called Pandu`s tower was used as watchtower, from where one can clearly spot Prabalgad and Rajmachi Forts.
Spread over just 4.27 sq. kilometres off the Mumbai- Goa highway, Kranala is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds.
including some rare species like, Ashy Minivet and Malabar Trogon.
Best time to see migratory birds: October to April.
Currently a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala fort (also called Funnel Hill) was of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor pass which connected the Konkan coast to the north-east of Maharashtra and was the main trade route.
Earlier the capital of the north Konkan districts later it was under the command of the Gujarat Sultanate who recaptured the same from Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar with the help of the Portuguese. It again offered by Portuguese to Nizam Shah on anual payment.
King Shivaji conquered it in 1670 and it wastaken over by Aurangzeb after Shivaji`s death in 1680. In 1740 Peshwas captured the fort and kept it under the command of Anantrao. In 1818 East India Company established the rule of the British there.
Karnala fort consists of two forts at two levels.
125 feet high basalt pillar called Pandu`s tower was used as watchtower, from where one can clearly spot Prabalgad and Rajmachi Forts.
By Road: Panvel (NH 17) 17, Pune (Via Khopoli-Kolkhe) 12, Mumbai (NH3/4/17) 76.Mumbai (Via Vashim-Palm beach Road- Uran Road) 58. All the buses from Mumbai, Panvel going to Alibag, Mahad stop at Karnala. Special buses from Panvel on Sat./ Sunday.