At a glance Just across the Thane Creek and to the right, 10 km from Panvel.
About the city There's a beautiful canopy of green just outside Mumbai that you knew about but never cared to get intimate with. Do take the trouble, you will find the air here refreshing, the walks energising and the getaway completely revitalising. Karnala is a great place for a weekend break with friends and family, especially because most Mumbai kids get no opportunity to experience the wilderness. Thick forests, entwining vines, mushrooms and toadstools, wild ferns, chirping birds, frolicking squirrels, observant lizards and geckos, flitting butterflies, monkeys swinging in the trees and the shrill call of jungle fowl... These are some of the elements of the natural world you will encounter in neighbouring Raigad district's Karnala Bird Sanctuary, just a short drive around the corner from Mumbai.
How to reach Road: Car: From Panvel, take a right turn onto NH17. The entrance to Karnala comes up on your left 10 km down NH17, past Palaspe Phata and Shirdun. Bus: Almost every long-route bus to the Konkan from Mumbai stops at Panvel. Hire an auto (Rs 75-100) to Karnala. You could also risk hopping off one of these at Karnala itself, but if you get a mean driver you will be spending your weekend at Nagothane. Journey Time Road: 1 1/2 hrs from Mumbai
Distances 61 km South from Mumbai From Mumbai Vashi Bridge (also known as Thane Creek Bridge) to Panvel NH17 to Karnala
Best Seasons For birding go between November and February. Plus after the monsoon, when the landscape is incredibly green.
Places in and around While driving down the Mumbai-Goa Highway, stop when you see Hotel Ekvira or a board in Marathi that indicates you have reached the sanctuary, just opposite the range forest office. There's no entry fee but if you want to bring your car up to the main open area where the forest rest houses are located, you have to pay Rs 30. Most people head to Karnala Fort, but you could also cross the highway and venture down less used trails where you may see more bird life, as you will be on your own. Karnala Fort The intriguing hill fort of Karnala has always attracted trekking Mumbaikars because of its proximity and great views of the Mumbai harbour. The peak itself is crested by a thumb-shaped pinnacle the famous Karnala 'thums Up, actually a 1,538-ft-high volcanic plug. Start your hike to the fort early, so you are not walking in the midday heat. Just after the monsoon is one of the best times of the year to be making this trip. Expect to walk for at least an hour before you reach the fort, where there is a small Bhavani temple. The walk up is bound to make you perspire but the sense of achievement, the views and the stunning beauty of the Sahyadris all round make it worthwhile. The loud swishing you hear in the trees is likely to be the ever-present black-faced langur. At the base of the pinnacle are some rock-cut caves and water tanks of Buddhist origin, which go back to an era when monks spent time here meditating. Carry water, a snack or some dry fruits. At the top you will get quite thirsty and will appreciate a high-energy nibble. Scaling the pinnacle If you have the expertise and equipment, you can scale the Karnala 'thums Up Pinnacle. From one side it is a sheer rock face with a couple of overhangs, but on the other side, there is an obvious and clear route. Stay clear of the beehives try not to smoke, as this really irritates them. Warning This is a technical climb and you must have the necessary proficiency and safety gear to make it successfully. Bird Sanctuary Small enough to begin with just 4.5 sq km in size the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is bisected by the noisy Mumbai-Goa Highway. But, at least it's there. The sanctuary is permanent home to about 150 species of natural aviators, but is also temporarily visited by another 40 species of migratory birds. Birdwatching here is a seasonal affair. The best time to come is from November to February, though you will see some birds in the monsoon too. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along for much better viewing. Shiva Temple Further down NH17 towards Pen, just before the toll booth, a small left turn leads to a modern Shiva temple, built in the shape of a shivaling and has a landscaped garden. The phallic dome is just above the idols of Shiva and Parvati.