---
title: "resorts located near Karnala Fort"
description: "    The Karnala Fort trek is a popular day hike located inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel, making it a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. It is well-known for its distinctive..."
url: https://mumbaihikers.org/resorts-located-near-karnala-fort/
date: 2025-08-25
modified: 2025-09-03
author: "mumbai hikers"
type: page
lang: en
---

# resorts located near Karnala Fort

 

 

The Karnala Fort trek is a popular day hike located inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel, making it a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. It is well-known for its distinctive thumb-shaped pinnacle, visible from a distance.

 

### Trek Difficulty

 

The trek is rated as **easy to moderate**, making it suitable for beginners, families, and even children. The trail is well-defined and takes you through a dense forest. The final ascent to the fort involves some steep rock-cut steps, but iron railings are in place to ensure a safe climb. It’s important to note that the trail can become very slippery during the monsoon season.

 

### Trekking Route and Highlights

 

The trek to the fort takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to reach the top. There are two main trails:

- **The Main Trail:** This is the most popular and well-marked route that goes through the center of the bird sanctuary. It offers a rich experience of the area’s flora and fauna.
- **The Alternate Route:** This is a more challenging and steeper shortcut that should only be attempted by experienced trekkers.

At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of Karnala Fort, including a 125-foot-high basalt pillar known as “Pandu’s Tower” and a year-round freshwater cistern. The views from the top are breathtaking, with a panoramic vista of the surrounding Sahyadri hills and nearby forts like Prabalgad and Manikgad.

 

### Best Time to Visit

 

The best time for the trek is during the **monsoon (June to September)** and **winter (October to February)** seasons. The monsoon brings lush greenery and waterfalls, but the trail is slippery. Winter offers clear skies and pleasant weather for the hike.

 

### How to Get There

 

The base of the trek is at the entrance of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

- **By Public Transport:** The nearest railway station is **Panvel**. From there, you can take a local bus or a shared rickshaw to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary gate.
- **By Private Vehicle:** Karnala is located about 65 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-17). You can drive directly to the sanctuary gate, where paid parking is available.

 

### Entry Fees and Rules

 

- **Entry Fee:** There are varying reports on the exact price, but it is typically around **₹30-₹50** per person for entry into the Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
- **Additional Fees:** There may be charges for cameras and parking.
- **Plastic Ban:** The sanctuary has a strict policy against plastic. You may be required to pay a refundable deposit for any plastic water bottles you carry.

 

### Important Tips

 

- **Wear sturdy trekking shoes** with a good grip.
- **Carry plenty of water** and some snacks.
- **Do not feed the monkeys** or other wildlife along the trail.
- **Avoid cooking or smoking** at the fort, as the smoke can attract and irritate beehives.
- It is advisable to go in a group, especially if you are a beginner.

### Karnala Fort

### Geeta Tai  Shree Samartha Krupa .Mahila Mandal. Van Bhojan Availability

- Type of Service: Food
- Village – Gokulnagar
- 8087981478
- 9422499609

youtube.com/watch?v=1F0gKyYTamg

### Ganpat Pawar

- Type of Service: Food
- Village – Gokulnagar
- 8291732316
- 8698482766