Karnala Fort
Maharashtra

The Karnala Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Maharashtra and is located in the Raigad district. This fort hill stands about at a distance of 10km from the city named Panvel. The Karnala fort consists of two forts, among which one is at a higher elevation and the other at a lower level. In the mid region of the higher level there is a pillar which is popularly called as the Pandu’s tower. Tourists can also see the water reservoir here which supplies fresh water all the yearlong to the locality.

The fort walls have meaningful inscriptions both in Marathi and Persian languages which symbolizes that this fort was under the control of Portuguese, Maratha and the Muslim rulers. Tourism to the fort becomes even more interesting if you indulge in an hour’s trek from the bottom to the top of the hill. Five resting places have been made for the convenience of the tourists while they go on for hiking along the fort trails. There are iron railings at the entrance of the fort for the safety of the travelers.

You even get first-aid facilities from the forest guest house in case of any emergency or any accident. But do not forget to carry water and some dry foods with you when out on trekking. The fort also offers a clear view of the other nearby forts like Haji Malang, Matheran, Rajmachi fort, Chanderi Fort and Manikgad from the summit. The scenic beauty and refreshing trek of the fort makes it a must visit place for the tourists. However, your Maharashtra tour will be incomplete without tasting the local cuisine of the state. So do get the real flavor of the place by visiting some awesome eateries.

 

HISTORY OF THE ATTRACTION

This fort had been constructed when Karnala was the capital of the northern Konkan districts under the rule of Devagiri Yadavs and Tughlaq dynasty. Later on the fort was captured by a number of sultans. Finally the Karnala fort went under the control of the British people in the year 1818 and they established their rule in the place. Karnala fort is now counted in as one of the best tourist spots in Maharashtra especially for adventure and history lovers.

 

GETTING THERE

The fort is well connected with all the possible means of transportation. If you travelling by train then the nearest railway station is the Panvel railway station and from there you can hire a taxi to reach the fort. For the Mumbai dwellers, you can avail the state buses to the fort. As for the air transport, the nearest airport to the fort is the Chatrapati Shivaji International airport and from here tourists get buses and taxis to reach the desired location.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

The Karnala fort apart from trekking also has some interesting places to visit for the travelers. The Karnala Bird sanctuary is must visit place for the bird lovers. The other attractions here include the Ram Mandir, Ganesh Mandir, Bot lake and the Gaodevi Mandir.

 

OPENING/CLOSING TIMINGS AND DAYS

The Karnala fort is open from 10am to 6pm and closes at night.

 

ENTRY FEES

For adults the entry fee is rupees 20.

For children the entry fee is rupees 15.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

It is our advice to the tourists to avoid the monsoon season for planning holidays here as the place experiences heavy rainfall which would not favor your sightseeing program here. It would be best to visit the place round the months of October to April.