Although I personally started trekking from Mahuli near Asangaon, I have taken few groups to Karnala as their first trek. If you are in Mumbai, this trek can be done in a single day. Very less travelling required, and you can club this trek with karnala forest resort or trip to Alibaug, Kihim etc.
Karnala base is just 14 kms from Panvel as you can see in this map.
I have mentioned it as best place to start trekking because, its comparatively easy and small trek. You can reach to the top in 1.5 to 2 hours easily. Apart from one small rock patch, I dont remember any tricky portion enroute.
You can travel to base by your own car / bike, then park it in any of the restaurant and start climbing. Else you can also travel easily by state transport buses.
You will easily get a bus from Panvel ST depot, as all buses going to Konkan pass through Karnala.
Apart from Karnala fort its a bird sanctuary and if you are lucky and interested, you can spot few nice birds around.
Once you reach at the top, there are around 50 stairs which take you to the entrance of the fort. The fort is not in very good conditions but you can see some bastions and protection wall which will give you glimpses of what it was in past.
If you are climbing enthusiast. Then the image shown below will surely attract you. A thumb shaped peak is a good challenge for climbers and many groups plan climbing expeditions at karnala.
There are two water reservoirs, carved beneath this thumb. They have very sweet water and most importantly the water always remains cooler compared to the water you have carried with you. You can safely drink this water, provided groups before you have not thrown garbage in it.
You can prepare, or unpack your meal at the top, enjoy it and then start your descend. You can come down to base in an hour or so.
If you have additional day in hand, you can either enjoy at karnala forest resort, or travel to alibag / kihim for spending remaining time.
So, if you reach karnala base by 8 am on saturday, you can easily come back to base by 4pm.
If you have your own vehicle, you will reach Alibag, kihim by 5:30pm. Then enjoy sunset on alibaug beach. Spend night at Alibag / kihim. And come back on next day post lunch after enjoying your dip in the morning.
So when are you planning your first trek? Its not too hot yet.
but, Please dont leave any plastic behind when you come back.
If you need any help, dont hesitate to write to me at kaustubhkhare@gmail.com or contact me @ 9820031162.
Karnala base is just 14 kms from Panvel as you can see in this map.
 |
| Panvel - Karnala Map |
I have mentioned it as best place to start trekking because, its comparatively easy and small trek. You can reach to the top in 1.5 to 2 hours easily. Apart from one small rock patch, I dont remember any tricky portion enroute.
You can travel to base by your own car / bike, then park it in any of the restaurant and start climbing. Else you can also travel easily by state transport buses.
You will easily get a bus from Panvel ST depot, as all buses going to Konkan pass through Karnala.
Apart from Karnala fort its a bird sanctuary and if you are lucky and interested, you can spot few nice birds around.
Once you reach at the top, there are around 50 stairs which take you to the entrance of the fort. The fort is not in very good conditions but you can see some bastions and protection wall which will give you glimpses of what it was in past.
If you are climbing enthusiast. Then the image shown below will surely attract you. A thumb shaped peak is a good challenge for climbers and many groups plan climbing expeditions at karnala.
There are two water reservoirs, carved beneath this thumb. They have very sweet water and most importantly the water always remains cooler compared to the water you have carried with you. You can safely drink this water, provided groups before you have not thrown garbage in it.
You can prepare, or unpack your meal at the top, enjoy it and then start your descend. You can come down to base in an hour or so.
If you have additional day in hand, you can either enjoy at karnala forest resort, or travel to alibag / kihim for spending remaining time.
 |
| Kihim Beach |
So, if you reach karnala base by 8 am on saturday, you can easily come back to base by 4pm.
If you have your own vehicle, you will reach Alibag, kihim by 5:30pm. Then enjoy sunset on alibaug beach. Spend night at Alibag / kihim. And come back on next day post lunch after enjoying your dip in the morning.
So when are you planning your first trek? Its not too hot yet.
but, Please dont leave any plastic behind when you come back.
If you need any help, dont hesitate to write to me at kaustubhkhare@gmail.com or contact me @ 9820031162.
