About 55 kms away from Mumbai, this old fort is situated on Mumbai-Goa Highway (high-17) between Panvel and Pen. The fort is surrounded by dense forest. Various species of plants, birds and animals are seen here. There are remains of the gates, dodowns etc. A bird sanctuary is set up here.

Karnala forest is truely for the birds. Despite its small area, about 5 kms sq.size, variety of bird sights and sounds here are unbelieveable. During monsoon, a winding treck 450 mt. up the historic Karnala fort, takes one through monsoon undergrowth and deciduous forest. On a clear and sunny morning, from this vantage point, in the vicinity of the famed pinacle rock formation, one is afforded and eagle's eye view of the surrounds. Barely 30 kms at west, the Mumbai coast is visible from here. In winter Karnala is visited by several migratory birds, mostly wood land species which come in from their breeding grounds in the Himalayas. The best bird watching time here is between November and feruary. Established as a sanctuary in 1971, the checklist of birds recorded in the tiny forest totals up to an impressive 150 plus species. By far, one of the finest walks here is the Boremal Trail. A majority of the people come here to picnic, especially during weekends and on holidays, for a respite from the confines of the city.

Getting there

By Road : Mumbai-Panel 69kms.
By Rail : Panvel
By Air : Mumbai,

Places to see near by

Alibag Beach
Raigad Fort