Karnala Resorts
KARNALA
The strip of land between the Sahyadri Hills and the Karnala Fort is home to many a romantic vacationers.
Karnala nestled in the nature’s lap captures the essence of this natural dream haven in its entire splendor & is a well known picnic spot all round the year. Trekking path winding though virgin forests, breath of fresh air, the morning mist, the cool but bright sunshine of the day lets you interact with nature in solitude.
All the resorts are located amidst picturesque lush greenery making it an ideal place for weekend tourists, holidaying families and business travelers. You can look at 2 – 4 star ambience, good food and attentive service along with luxurious comforts that will make your trip memorable, located just 1½ hour drive from Mumbai and 15 minutes from Panvel.
Luxury that’s surprisingly affordable.
Karnala is 61 kms South of Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Goa highway. It is about 10 km from Panvel. At a height of 445 mts above sea level, Karnala is known for the thumb shaped pinnacle on top and the bird sanctuary around.
The sanctuary is home to 147 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the sanctuary during winters. Among the birds seen here are paradise fly catcher, magpie robin, malabar whistling trush, racket-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle etc. Two rare birds i.e. Ashy Minimet and Spotted heart woodpeckers have been sighted here.
Karnala pinnacle is a favourite spot for professional mountain climbers.
Best time to visit for bird watching is from October to April. However if one wants to enjoy the greenery, it has to be during the monsoons.
History
The Karnala fort was built during the 12th century. Karnala was of strategic importance because of its command of the highroad between Bhor Ghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, watching the trade route. Between 1248 and 1318, it was under DevgYada. From 1318 to 1347, it was under Daulatabad Muslim rulers. Subsequently it was with the Gujarat rulers, with the help of Portuguese. It changed hands many times between Shivaji, Mughals and Peshwas. It 1803, it came under Bhaji Rao and in 1819, Britishers took control of the fort.
(50 kms from Mumbai / 100+ kms from Pune).
Panvel is the point where NH-17 gets bifurcated from NH-04. Around Panvel area is green and there are number of getaways that are popular for their sheer proximity to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Typical weekend Resorts (Swimming Pool, Outdoors, some having waterslides) are visited typically for corporate conferences, get-togethers, individual getaways and day picnics.