Karnala Fort – Captured

Karnala is a bird sanctuary, about 15 Km from Panvel on the NH 17 (Bombay-Goa Highway). A myriad of birds can bee seen here, albeit with a powerful binocular. The sanctuary is dominated by a fort that’s at a height of about 500 meters. The fort looks like a giant thums-up from the highway. It takes a 3 km steep trek to get up to the fort and steep rocks just short of the fort are a challenge to any avid trekker.

Perhaps someone who’s traveled from afar could put up at the rest house in the Sanctuary. For people who are picnicking – Kamat’s just short of the Sanctuary is a decent place for a snack – and kokum sherbet makes for a nice sip.

Captains Log; Star Date 04032007

Early morning 630 hrs its chilly and I am missing my Bomber Jacket. But it’s a short smooth ride from where I stay. This section of the highway between Panvel and Pen is a biker’s paradise with its smooth asphalt and twisties. I tell myself to slow down just when I hit the Karnala ghat section lest I miss the sanctuary in the excitement of the ride. I look hard on the left for a nondescript ticket booth and a board that proclaims the entrance to the sanctuary.

The air’s fresh and mixed with a cacophony of chirps. I start my climb up to the fort. I can hear a tree rustle somewhere on my right. Guess it’s a langoor. After about half an hour it starts to get steepy. Stop to catch my breath, drink some water and down a Mc’Donald’s burger. Soon I am using my hands to latch on to rocks, roots and trees to haul me up.

This is what really makes the climb worthwhile.

I am going to make it point to get back here in the middle of the monsoons. I am sure it’s going to be nothing short of magical.