Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Karnala Bird Sanctuary
IUCN category II (national park)

The Karnala fort pinnacle, around which the sanctuary is located
Map showing the location of Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Location Panvel taluka, Raigad District, Maharashtra, India
Nearest city Matheran and Karjat
Coordinates 18°54′31″N 73°6′9″E / 18.90861°N 73.10250°ECoordinates: 18°54′31″N 73°6′9″E / 18.90861°N 73.10250°E
Area 446 square kilometres (172 sq mi)
Governing body Maharashtra State Forest Department

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad District, outside Mumbai, India near Matheran and Karjat. The sanctuary is quite small with an area of 12.11 square kilometres but along with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries to be within reach of the city of Mumbai.

Location

The sanctuary is centered around the historic Karnala Fort and lies just off the Mumbai-Pune National highway to Goa. It is located 12 km from Panvel. The nearest Rail head is Panvel. Regular Buses at an interval of 30mins are available from Panvel Bus Stand from 5:00 am to 8:00pm. The sanctuary is open for the visitors from sunrise to sunset. There are many hotels and resorts located near the sanctuary. There are two Government rest houses inside the sanctuary area.

As free as a bird

The bird sanctuary is a popular destination for avid bird-watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area.The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the sanctuary during winter. Three rare birds i.e. Ashy Minivet, three toed kingfisher and Malabar Trogon have been sighted here.

Gallery

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