Karnala Fort (कर्नाळा किल्ला)
Karnala Fort – whenever we hear this name, the picture of a tall thumb-shaped mountain instantly comes to mind 👍. This fort proudly stands inside the beautiful Karnala Bird Sanctuary, surrounded by greenery 🌿 and chirping birds 🐦. It is one of the best one-day treks near Mumbai, located in Panvel, just 10 km away from the city. For Mumbaikars, Karnala is a favorite weekend spot where people come for trekking, to enjoy nature, or even just for a picnic with friends and family.
Historically, Karnala Fort was a very important place. It overlooks the Bor Pass, which was once a key trade route. Many rulers, including the Portuguese and the Marathas ⚔️, fought for this fort. Even though today only ruins remain, the stones still whisper the stories of the past.
So grab your cup of tea ☕, sit back, and join me as I take you through my Karnala Fort trek experience!
Karnala Fort History
As I was exploring Karnala Fort, I couldn’t help but think about how much history this small hill fort has witnessed. Built before the 1400s during the rule of the Devagiri Yadavs and later the Tughlaqs, the fort once served as the capital of North Konkan. Its location was very important because it overlooked the Bor Pass – a key trade route that connected the Konkan coast with the Deccan Plateau. Whoever controlled Karnala Fort had control over the movement of goods and armies, which made it a prized possession for many rulers.
Over the centuries, Karnala Fort changed hands several times. It was ruled by the Gujarat Sultanate, the Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar, and even the Portuguese who garrisoned it. Later, in 1670, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it from the Mughals, but after his death, it was again taken over by Aurangzeb. Eventually, it went under the Peshwas of Pune, and finally in 1818, the British East India Company took control. Today, what we see are the ruins of this once powerful fort, but standing there you can still feel the stories of wars, strategies, and empires that passed through its walls.
☝️ Did you know? Karnala Fort is also called Funnel Hill because of its unique thumb-like shape that can be spotted from far away!
The Adventure Begins 🚀
Last time when I went on the Kalavantin Durg trek, I saw a thumb-shaped hill from there. Out of curiosity, I asked a local villager what mountain that was. He smiled and said, “That’s not a normal mountain, that’s Karnala Fort.” From that day, visiting this fort became my wish .
And finally, one Friday, my friend Shreyas called me up and said, “Let’s go trekking.” Without wasting a second, I replied, “Then let’s go to Karnala Fort!” 🎉
We left Bandra at 6 AM, hoping for less traffic in the morning. But we forgot – this is Mumbai, the city that never sleeps 🌃! After fighting through the traffic hustle, we reached Panvel. Hungry from the ride, we stopped at a small snack center and enjoyed hot pohe and cutting chai 🍵 – the ultimate fuel for any trekker!
From there, we headed straight to the fort’s base and parked our bikes. To my surprise, parking charges were ₹50, and the board said, “Park at your own risk.” 😆 Seriously? If it’s at my own risk, then why are you charging? Classic desi government style – no facility, but still collect tax and fees! Anyway, after laughing at our situation, we collected the parking ticket and entry ticket (₹60 per person) and entered the sanctuary.
Inside Karnala Bird Sanctuary 🌳🐦
The entry felt like stepping into Jurassic World 🦖! Greenery everywhere, birds chirping, and fresh morning air – absolutely refreshing. At the gate, I also saw a map of the sanctuary, marking all the points to explore.
We started the 3 km trek towards the fort. The path began with steps, but soon turned into a jungle trail with tree roots crisscrossing the ground 🌱. On the way, we crossed a small waterfall (since it was September, the flow was light). After about an hour of trekking, clouds started gathering over Lonavala. From there, we could see Irshalgad, Kalavantin Durg, and Prabalgad – all looking like nature’s painting 🎨 framed by tree branches. I quickly captured this in a photo – trust me, it was wallpaper-worthy! 📸
As we climbed further, we reached Bhavani Mata temple ⛩️, where we took blessings before continuing. Broken stairs and walls reminded us of the fort’s glorious past.
View From The Fort 👀
From one point, we could clearly see several nearby forts:
Prabalgad Fort, Manikgad Fort, Malanggad, Chanderi Fort, Matheran Hill Range, Sankshi Fort, Dronagiri Fort, Rajmachi Fort.
Not all of them were super clear, but luckily, a fellow trekker helped us identify them one by one. (Tip: Always keep binoculars 🔭 if you love spotting distant forts!)
Soon, we reached the main entrance of the fort. The government has installed iron support to strengthen the broken walls. On one wall, I spotted a carving of an animal that looked like a tiger 🐅 – maybe the guardian of the fort! At the next gate, a new wooden door has been installed, which actually adds to the fort’s beauty.
Inside, we found a large room-like structure – probably used for storing food 🍲, weapons ⚔️, or maybe even as living quarters. If anyone knows exactly, do tell me in the comments 👇.
But wait – the real guardians of the fort were not soldiers, but monkeys! 🐒 A group of them surrounded us, and one gave me an angry look, as if saying, “Bro, where’s the food?” 😂 Lesson learned: don’t mess with monkeys at forts – they take their job very seriously!
The Famous Pandu Tower ⛰️
The highlight of Karnala Fort is the massive basalt rock pinnacle, known as Pandu Tower. It was used to keep an eye on enemy movements and the Bor Ghat trade route. Today, climbing it is not possible since there’s no proper path. Around it, we saw more than 10 water tanks carved into the rock – proof of how smart ancient builders were in water management 💧.
Since it was monsoon, the fort was covered in greenery 🌿, with sonaki flowers 🌼 blooming everywhere, giving it a wintery, dreamy vibe. We sat there for almost an hour, soaking in the views of Lonavala, Panvel, and the surrounding ranges. Every step of the trek felt worth it ❤️.
Returning Back 🛤️
After enjoying the peace, views, and fresh mountain air, we started descending. While going down, I kept looking back at the fort, thinking about the battles it must have seen and the countless stories hidden in its stones 📖.
By the time we returned home, I carried with me not just photos, but also the proud feeling of exploring another gem from Maratha Swarajya 💪.
How To Reach Karnala Fort 🚗🚌🚉
By Roads – Reaching Karnala Fort is quite easy, whether you’re coming from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, or Pune. By road, take the Mumbai–Goa Highway (NH66) towards Panvel. From Panvel, the fort is just about 10 km away, and you’ll find the entrance of Karnala Bird Sanctuary right on the highway. You can drive your own car or bike 🚴, or hop into a state transport bus that frequently runs between Mumbai, Panvel, and Alibaug. If you’re coming from Pune, take the expressway till Khalapur and then head towards Panvel. The roads are smooth, scenic, and the journey itself feels like a mini-road trip filled with lush greenery 🌿 (and occasional honking trucks 😅).
By train – Panvel railway station is the nearest stop. From there, you can easily get a rickshaw or a local bus that will drop you at the sanctuary gate in around 20–25 minutes. So whether you ride, drive, or take a train, Karnala Fort is very accessible – no excuses for missing out on this amazing trek!
Final Thoughts 💭🎯
Trekking to Karnala Fort is not just a day trip – it’s a mini-adventure that challenges your legs, tests your patience (especially when monkeys try to steal your snacks 🐒😂), and rewards you with breathtaking views 🌿⛰️. From walking through lush green forests and spotting colorful birds 🐦 to exploring ancient ruins and the majestic Pandu Tower 🏰, every step tells a story of history and nature colliding beautifully. Standing at the top, overlooking Lonavala, Panvel, and the surrounding forts, you feel a deep connection to the Maratha legacy and the Sahyadri mountains 🌄👀 (and also to your chiropractor, because climbing stairs carved in basalt rocks is no joke! 😅🤕).
If you’re looking for adventure, history, and nature all rolled into one unforgettable trek, Karnala Fort is calling your name 📞🏞️. Just remember to respect the trails, carry water and snacks, and enjoy every moment – because every step is worth it!
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai!” 👑💪
Share this guide with your fellow trekking buddies 📤😊, and stay tuned for more epic adventures from the forts and mountains of Maharashtra! 🏔️✨
Karnala Fort Trek: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is Karnala Fort located?
Karnala Fort is located near Panvel in Raigad district, Maharashtra, inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
Q2: How difficult is the Karnala Fort trek?
It’s considered an easy to moderate trek. Beginners can do it, but the final patch near the top is a little steep.
Q3: What is the best time to visit Karnala Fort?
Monsoon (June–September) is the most popular because of greenery and waterfalls 🌧️, while winter (November–February) offers pleasant weather for trekking.
Q4: How much time does it take to complete the trek?
On average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the top and 1.5 to 2 hours to descend.
Q5: Is there an entry fee for Karnala Fort?
Yes. Since the fort lies inside Karnala Bird Sanctuary, you need to pay an entry fee (approx ₹60–150 per person, parking extra).
Q6: Can kids or elderly people trek to Karnala Fort?
Yes, kids above 7 years and active elderly people can trek, but they should be careful on the steep patches.
Q7: Are food and water available on the trek route?
No food stalls are available inside. Carry your own water and snacks 🥤🍎. You may find small vendors near the base only.
Q8: Is camping allowed at Karnala Fort?
Camping is generally not allowed since the fort lies inside a protected bird sanctuary.
Q9: What should I carry for the Karnala trek?
Carry 2 liters of water, light snacks, trekking shoes, a raincoat (monsoon), and a camera 📸.
Q10: What is special about Karnala Fort?It is also known as the “Funnel Hill” due to its shape and offers breathtaking views of Matheran, Prabalgad, and the surrounding ranges. Plus, it’s rich in history dating back to the Yadava and Maratha era.