Karnala

Karnala is situated at a distance of about 10 km from Panvel. The two major attractions for tourists here are the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and the Karnala Fort. The Karnala Fort is of much historical significance as it overlooked the Bor Pass, which connects the Konkan coast to the interior districts of Maharashtra.
The pass was the major trade route of the area. The exact date of construction of the Karnala Fort is not known, but it is believed that the structure predates 1400 CE and was built under the patronage of the Devagiri Yadavas and later under the Tughlaq rulers. The Karnala fort consists of two forts – one at a higher level than the other. In the centre of the fort situated on the higher level, there is a watchtower called the Pandu’s tower. The tower also has a water cistern that provides water throughout the year.

Attractions

The other major attraction of this place is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. In this protected zone, the fort is situated. The sanctuary is spread over 12.11 square kilometres and is much smaller than the other ones in different parts of the country. It is located near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tungareshwar Sanctuary and can be easily reached from Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai

48 Kms via Sion-Panvel Expy