Karnala: Places to Visit on Your Weekend Getaway

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Distance from Mumbai: 66 kilometers

One of the most popular weekend getaways for Mumbaikars, Karnala is a paradise for nature lovers. Just 47 kilometres from Mumbai, Karnala boasts of a historic fort, a bird sanctuary and breathtaking natural vistas.

Places to Visit in Karnala

Karnala Fort - A favourite among trekkers, this hill fort overlooks Bor pass, the gateway from Konkan coast to the interiors. Pandu Tower inside the fort is a 125 feet-high basalt rock and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary - Popular among birdwatchers, this bird sanctuary is spread over 12 square kilometres around the Karnala Fort. Home to more than 150 resident bird species and 35 migratory ones, this avian haven offers the rare chance to see the endangered Malabar Trogon and Ashy Minivet.

Ambarnath Shiva Temple - About 50 kilometres from Karnala, this 1,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts devotees from far, especially during Shivaratri. It is said that Guru Nanak, during his tour of the country, visited this temple in 1415 AD. The dargah of Baba Gaiban Shah is also located nearby.

Karnala-Ambarnath-Shiva-temple — Visit the famous Ambarnath Shiva Temple | Photo Credit: Mony Panicker/Wikimedia

Matheran Hill Station - If you are in the mood to explore further, Matheran a well-known hill station with many lookout points, salubrious climate and relics of the Raj is sure to charm you. The added attraction is the toy train ride that takes you from Neral to Matheran.

Elephanta Caves - This group of caves, situated on the Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea, is about 35 kilometres from Karnala. This UNESCO Heritage Site contains stunning sculptures carved out of basalt rock more than 1,000 years ago.