Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Panvel, Raigad, Maharashtra

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in Panvel, outside Mumbai, India near Matheran and Karjat.

The sanctuary is having  an area of 12.11 square kilometres.



Inside Road

The sanctuary is very rich in avifauna and harbours 147 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the sanctuary during winters. Two rare birds i.e. Ashy Minimet and Spotted heart woodpeckers have been sighted in karnala.



Bid View Tower

A variety of other birds is also seen nesting in the forest. Its skill in the air and felicity to mimic the call of other birds make it a great favourite amongst the bird-watchers. The golden backed woodpecker and the heart-spotted woodpecker are rather uncommon.

In winter, the migrants take over and the pattern of bird life changes. The migrants include a variety of birds such as the blackbird, the blue-headed rock-thrush, the bluethroat, the red breasted flycatcher, the ashy minivet, the black headed cuckoo-shrike and a host of others.

Vegetation typifies moist deciduous forest and is characterised by species such as Koshimb, mango, nana, kulu, kalam, asana, umbar and teak in the top canopy. The ecological conditions of the tract favour a large variety of bird population. The forests are also ideal as a harbourage to wild animals. A casual walk through the forests is an unfailing source of joy, with the list of bird-song ringing in the air.



Kanala Fort History

Karnala forts altitude is 445 mtrs above sea level. Its peak is a thumb shaped massive rock soaring high in the sky.In the old days this fort was used to guard the trade routes from Panvel and Boar ghat to ports like Mumbai and Chaul in Maharashtra.

From the Kingdoms of Bhoj, Shilahar & Devagiri to the rule of Marathas and then the British, the fort has witnessed various regimes.In the year 1968 it was declared as a bird sanctuary.
From Karanala fort one can see peaks like Matheran, Prabalgad, Rajmachi, Malang-gad & Manikgad.

In the past 1200 years the fort has witnessed various regimes.
Rulers of the fort

• 1248 – 1318 – Yadavs of Devagiri
• 1318 – 1347 – Muslim rulers of Daulatabad.
• After this it was under the Gujarat rulers.
• 1540 – It was taken by the troops of Amhednagar Gujarat rulers regained the fort with the help of Portugese.
• 1670 – Shivaji Maharaj took over the fort from Mughals.
• But later he hand it over to Mirza Raje Jaising in a treaty signed after the battle of Purandar.
• Shivaji Maharaj again took the fort.
• Aurangazeb took it over after the death of Shivaji Maharaj.
• 1740 – Peshwa rulers.
• 1803 – British took control of the fort and it remained in their control thereafter.
• The grandfather of revolutionary Vasudeo Balwant Phadke had been in charge of the fort till 1818.

The sanctuary provides excellent facilities for trekking.

On 26th January, 15th August and 1st May there is no entry fee inside the sanctuary for the visitors. FREE FREE FREE.

Best Time To Visit:- October to April.



How to Reach:-
1.Mumbai To Karnala



2.Pune To Karnala

Nearest Airport is Mumbai which is 35 KM Away frm Karnala.

 Nearest Railway Station is Panvel which is 15KM Away from Karnala. on Mumbai-Goa Konkan Railway.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located on Mumbai-Goa Highway No.17 at a distance of 12 Km away from Panvel.



Where To Stay:-

The sanctuary has 2 Forest Rest Houses of the Forest Department with 2 suites each. The reservation authority is Dy.C.F. (Wildlife), Thane.


Address & Phone Number:-
Deputy Conservator of Forests, (Wildlife),
Thane Wildlife Division, L.B.S.Marg, Naupada,
Thane (West), Maharashtra India 400 602.
Phone : 91-22-25402522