TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Warm summers, pleasant winters, lush monsoons
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Historic fort, bird sanctuary, and nature trails

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, ~65 km from Karnala
By Train: Panvel Junction is the nearest major railway station, 10 km away, well-connected to Mumbai and Pune
By Road: Located on Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 66); state buses and private taxis available from Mumbai and Pune

Where to Stay?

Panvel Town – budget hotels and lodges near railway station, convenient for trekkers and day-trippers
Kharghar and Belapur – modern hotels with good connectivity to Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Packing List

• Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
• Light cotton clothing and cap
• Raincoat and umbrella (essential during monsoon)
• Water bottles and dry snacks
• Binoculars for bird watching
• Sunscreen and insect repellent

Top Places to Visit

Karnala Fort

A 13th-century hill fort standing at 439 meters, once a strategic military outpost. The trek through forested trails takes about 90 minutes, leading to ruins, bastions, and the iconic Pandu’s Tower offering panoramic Sahyadri views.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

A 12 sq km protected area home to over 220 bird species including paradise flycatchers, hornbills, and migratory birds from October to April. The sanctuary also shelters leopards, deer, and various reptiles amidst dense forest cover.

Prabalgad Fort

An ancient fort situated at 2,300 feet elevation in Raigad district, offering challenging trekking routes through natural rock steps. The summit provides breathtaking views of neighboring forts including Irshalgad and Kalyan.

Kalavantin Durg

One of Maharashtra’s most treacherous treks in Raigad district, this cliff-top fort features steep rock-cut steps and dramatic drops. The ruins sit atop a spectacular pinnacle surrounded by misty valleys.

Raigad Fort

The historic capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maratha Empire located 25 km from Karnala. Accessible via ropeway, the fort houses palaces, temples, and the revered Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj with stunning valley vistas.

Madhe Ghat Waterfalls

A scenic waterfall nestled in thick forests of Raigad district, cascading beautifully during monsoon. The area offers tranquil picnic spots and a refreshing escape into nature’s lap with views of surrounding hills.

Varadvinayak Temple

One of the eight Ashtavinayak temples in Raigad district, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Built in 1725 AD by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, the temple serves prasadam daily and attracts devotees year-round.

Bhavani Temple

A hilltop temple in Raigad district dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, surrounded by natural beauty. The temple complex features ancient water tanks and offers peaceful surroundings for spiritual seekers.

Must-Try Experiences

Trek to Karnala Fort Summit

Challenge yourself with this beginner-friendly 2-hour trek through the bird sanctuary. Iron railings ensure safety while you explore fort ruins, natural water cisterns, and capture stunning photographs from the top.

Bird Watching at Dawn

Join early morning birding sessions from October to April when migratory species arrive. Spot rare birds like Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and various hornbills with local naturalist guides.

Monsoon Trek Adventure

Experience the Western Ghats in their full glory during monsoons when waterfalls cascade, clouds envelop the trails, and the forest comes alive with vibrant greenery and wildlife activity.

Explore Historical Inscriptions

Discover Marathi and Persian inscriptions on Karnala Fort walls that tell tales of Portuguese, Maratha, and Mughal rule. Learn about the fort’s strategic importance in controlling the Bor Pass trade route.

Nature Photography

Capture the diverse flora and fauna of the sanctuary including butterflies, reptiles, and endemic plants. The misty monsoon mornings and golden winter evenings provide perfect lighting for photography enthusiasts.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Misal pav with spicy usal, poha with sev, vada pav
Lunch: Malvani fish curry, kombdi vade, sol kadhi, bhakri with thecha
Snacks: Kothimbir vadi, thalipeeth, kande pohe, sabudana vada

Culture & Local Life

Karnala reflects the rich Maratha heritage of Raigad district. The region celebrates traditional Maharashtrian festivals with great fervor, including Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa. Local villages around the sanctuary maintain traditional lifestyles, with farming and fishing as primary occupations. The fort and sanctuary attract nature enthusiasts, trekking groups, and history buffs who come to explore Maharashtra’s glorious past. The area remains relatively peaceful on weekdays but sees good crowds during weekends and holidays.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi (primary), Hindi, English understood in tourist areas

Getting Around: Local buses from Panvel, auto-rickshaws, and hired taxis; walking required for fort trek

Safety Tips: Trek during daylight hours, carry adequate water, watch for slippery rocks during monsoon, beware of monkeys near fort entrance

Entry Timings: Bird sanctuary opens at 7 AM, last entry by 1 PM; exit by 4 PM

Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children; parking and camera charges applicable

Enjoy Your Yatra!