While travelling by the
Mumbai-Pune or the Mumbai-Goa highway, beyond Panvel, one can easily
notice a thumb shapped pinnacle. On top of the pinnacle is the Karnala
Fort and the dense forest covering almost five square Km. around
the pinnacle is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary area extend
on both sides of the Mumbai-goa highway.
The Park is a great place for bird lovers and you can spot drongos,
barbets, bulbuls, spotted doves, tree-pies, woodpeckers and many
other smaller birds.
Although there are many species
of birds, spotting them is not very easy as the vegetation is very
dense and you have to rely more on bird calls that tell you about
their presence.
The locals also tell about panthers prowling the woods after sunset.
There is a trail that goes up to the base of the pinnacle. The view
from the top is very good and makes the half hour climb worthwhile.
You can see the wooded areas of the sanctuary, the villages around
and even the sea from the top. At the base of the pinnacle there is
a temple of goddess Bhavani and may water cisterns. There are many
beehives on the pinnacle and you have to take care not to irritate
the bees. |
