Karnala Bird Sanctuary
About:
Karnala is a refreshing break from the big city – come here to watch the birds and wildlife, come here to picnic and to trek, and while you are enjoying all this, do spare a thought for preserving the ecology and tranquillity of the sanctuary.Just a short drive outside Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune Highway to Goa, is the densely forested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, a pleasant surprise away from Mumbai’s concrete jungle. Karnala is a tiny sanctuary, barely 4.8 sq km, home to over 150 resident bird species and about 37 types of avian migrants.
Fauna:
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.
Transport:
Air: Nearest airport is at Mumbai.Rail: Central Railway trains from VT Station to get down at Panvel, situated 12 km from the sanctuary.Road: Auto rickshaws, taxis and buses are available from Panvel. State Transport buses run from Mumbai Central to Karnala
Weather:
Karnala has two distinct seasons from the point of viess of the bird-watcher. At the onset of rains, one can see the paradise flycatcher with its fairy-like white streamers, the shama or the magpie robin and the malabar whistling thrush which are some of the most melodious avian songsters. A variety of other birds is also seen nesting in the forest.In winter, the migrants take over and the pattern of bird life changes. The migrants include a variety of birds such as the blackbird, the blue-headed rock-thrush, the bluethroat, the red breasted flycatcher, the ashy minivet, the black headed cuckoo-shrike and a host of others.
Monsoons are very severe in this part of the world. So you can avoid them during June-August. Best time to visit: October to April.
Best Time To Visit:
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.
Accommodation:
It is better to stay at Panvel.Good Hotels are available at Panvel. Many resorts are also available in the park vicinity, but may be expensive.Try to avoid camping at this site. Lot of problems tend to occur during Camping.Nice place to enjoy
Nearby Excursions:
The trail leading to Karnala fort, also called Funnel Hill, is most popular. The 125-feet high basalt pillar at the centre of the fort, sticks out like a thumb which earned it the sobriquet of Karnala Thumbs up point. It was a favourite spot for rock climbing. However, the presence of several bee hives have made it risky and no one attempts it now.
