Karnala Fort - Popular Destination for Hiking and Trekking in Raigad

 

Karnala Fort also called Funnel Hill is a hill fort in Raigad district, Maharashtra, India. It is about 10 km from Panvel city. Currently it is a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The fort was likely constructed before 1400, under Devagiri Yadavs(1248-1318) and the Tughlaq rulers (1318-1347). Karnala was the capital of the north Konkan districts of their respective empires, which was the main trade route between these areas.

 

Today, the ruins of the fort are a popular destination for hiking and tourism. This Fort is at a height of approx 1500 ft. It is a great trek for beginners and for parents who want to introduce their children to trekking and Mother Nature. There are two trails that lead to the fort - Karnala fort trail and nature trail. The Karnala fort trail trek is a 1 hour and 2.69 kilometres trek from the bottom of the hill. There are 5 resting places on the pathway made by forest department. The final climbing steps near the entrance of the fort are made safe by iron railings. It is not advisable to cook food at the base of the pinnacle, as the smell of smoke irritates the Honey Bees. The water from the southernmost rock cut water cistern is potable. First aid is available at the forest guest house. The nature trail is a shorter 1.20 kilometre and a steeper approach to the fort. Trekking during the monsoon is really an exhilarating experience.

 

 

Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower. This structure was used as watchtower when the fort was occupied however now it is in a ruined condition. The presence of bee hives also makes it difficult to climb and have resulted in at least one casualty in recent times. There is a water cistern which provides fresh water all year long. From the top the forts of Prabalgad, Manikgad, Haji Malang, Chanderi fort, Matheran, Sankshi fort, Dronagiri fort, and Rajmachi are clearly visible.

 

There is a temple dedicated to goddess Bhavani located at the bottom of the fort. It is said that the goddess gave a sword to king Shivaji, which he then used to conquer a vast area of land for the establishment of a Hindu nation.

 

 

During the monsoons a variety of colorful birds such as the ashy minivet, red-breasted flycatcher, blackbird, black-headed cuckoo-shrike, blue-throat, Green Bee-eater, chestnut headed green bee-eater, blue-tailed bee-eater, Purple Rumped Sunbird, Coppersmith Barbet, Tailor Bird, White Spotted Fantail, Golden Oriole, Red Vented Bulbul, Red Whiskered Bulbul, White-throated Kingfisher, Cattle Egret and the blue-headed rock thrush can be spotted. The surrounding landscapes are hauntingly beautiful as the pinnacle is draped by the clouds and mist during monsoon.The best time to see migratory birds at the Karnala is between the months of October and April.