The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is one of the sanctuaries those have been taking care of the wild creatures in the most natural environment. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 37 species of migratory and 150 species of native birds and several other wild animals and vegetation.
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is occupied by Shama, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Paradise Flycatcher, Shaheen Falcon, cuckoos, Rock Thrush, Black birds, Magpie Robin, and three very rare birds i.e. Ashy Minivet, Pink Begonias, Malabar Trogon and three toed Kingfisher and several other common and uncommon birds.
Mainly a bird sanctuary, Karnala is home to various quadruped animals namely wild boar, antelope, Indian fox, Indian Hare, Jungle Cat, common Mongooes, Myntjac, Leopards, several centipedes, variety of other deciduous trees.
The sanctuary is the paradise for not only the birds, wild animals and floras; it is also a marvelous place for the trekking enthusiasts. Recently the Thane Wildlife Division has constituted a replica of the whole sanctuary including the Karnala Fort showcasing all the useful information about the birds. The resident wild creatures of the sanctuary and the features of the moist deciduous forests of the North Western Ghats. A first-aid centre was also inaugurated lately.
The bird sanctuary of Karnala lies around on the Karnala Fort which is also known as the Funnel Hill. The 125 feet high basalt made historic fort was first ruled by the Devagiri Yadavs (1248-1318) and then by the Tughlaq (1318-1347). History says that it was won by Shivaji from the Portuguese and finally the East India Company took over the control of the fort in 1818.
It also houses the fort of Karnala, which makes it a favourite destination for bird watchers and trekkers from Mumbai and Pune. Karnala is within 50 KM from Mumbai and is considered a very good family picnic spot. Karnala offers a variety to bird watchers in different seasons.
Area: 446 km2 (172 sq mi)
Address: Address: NH 66, Karnala, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206
How to reach :
By Air: Nearest airport Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The airport is at a distance of around 60kms from Karnala bird sanctuary. One can hire a taxis or an auto-rickshaw to reach the bird sanctuary.
Bt Train: Panvel, the nearest railhead, is a major station on the busy line between Mumbai and Roha and also on the Mumbai suburban line. Auto-rickshaws and taxis can be hired from the station to reach the sanctuary, 12 km away.
By Roadways: Karnala is situated on the national highway 17 also called the Mumbai-Goa highway. State-run buses going towards Pen, Alibag, Murud, etc. stop at the sanctuary gate. However, don’t forget to check with the bus conductor as all buses don’t stop at the sanctuary. Share auto-rickshaws which ply regularly from Panvel to surrounding villages is also another means to reach Karnala. Taxis, from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai or Thane, can be hired to reach Karnala.
