About the Karnala Fort Trek:
Karnala Fort is a hill fort in the Raigad district about 65 km away from Mumbai. The Karnala Fort was constructed in the 14th century and carries a remarkable history in its heart. The Fort is widely known for its strange pinnacle and the beautiful bird sanctuary that is set up amidst the lush green forests.
Karnala Fort serves as one of the best places for trekking and tourism. The day-out with the company of family and friends in Karnala Fort is a perfect way to go away from the monotonous pattern of city life and enjoying a relaxing day in the laps of nature.
About the activity:
The best time for the Karnala Fort Trek would be from October to April. The weather is neither too hot nor very cold. The winters offer ideal temperatures for trekking and clear skies which give a clear view from the top.
The landscape after the monsoons is beautiful with lush-green surroundings making the trek a delightful experience. You can also spot migratory birds in the winter season that visit the bird sanctuary during this time.
The Karnala Fort Trek is an activity with a duration of an entire day. The trek begins at 07:30 AM where the group will assemble at the Panvel Station. From there you will head towards the Karnala trek base, and start trekking at around 09:00 AM.
After summiting and exploring the top, you can head back to the base and then to Panvel where the group shall disperse at 05:30 PM. You will be back to Panvel Depot by 06:30 PM.
The Karnala trek package is inclusive of breakfast which will be served before you commence the trek. Having breakfast before beginning the trekking journey will fulfill your energy requirement for the trek and make it enjoyable.
It is also advisable to carry some food supplements like snacks, fruits, and energy drinks that will keep you hydrated and energised during the trek.
The Karnala Fort is situated in Raigad District, which is about 10 KM away from Panvel and 65 KM away from Mumbai.
- If you are traveling by road, you can take the Mumbai-Goa highway on which Karnala is located. Taxis from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, are readily available to reach Karnala.
- If you are planning to take the bus, you can board one going towards Pen, Alibaug, or Murud which stops at the Karnala sanctuary gate, where you can get off.
- The nearest railway station is the Panvel Station. There is a direct train service from Dadar to Panvel. From Panvel, you can easily hire taxis and autos to the Karnala Fort.
For participants, you just have to reach the Panvel Railway Station from where you will be picked up by our representatives and dropped off at the base of the fort.
The Karnala Fort trek difficulty level is easy. The trek is a short and simple trek that takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail is short and easy and has no technical patches. You reach a maximum height of around 439 meters above sea level during this trek.
It is ideal for beginners and a perfect opportunity for children to get exposed to trekking and nature. During the monsoon season, there might be some slippery patches, and good trekking shoes are recommended.