Overview

Join us for the Karnala Fort Trek and visit to Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Located 48km from Mumbai it's an easy grade trek suitable for solo, group, and kids. The Karnala fort is located in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Mumbai, it use to guard the crucial boarder pass which use to link Konkan coast and Deccan Plateau. It now stands as a picturesque trekking spot, it's well known for it's strategic location in trade and defense. The trek to the fort is easily accessible and takes around 2 hours from the base to reach the top. The trek route is beautiful and the dense forest of the sanctuary adds to the beauty of it, the final steps of fort's entrance are equipped with iron railings. Monsoon is one of the best time to visit this location.

Other recommend One-Day Treks are as follows:

Did you know ?
At Mischief Treks, our treks are exclusive. We don’t buy bookings from cheaper entities, not do we sell your booking to cheaper organisers. Every participant is genuinely part of Mischief Treks. This ensures having a group of like-minded people in every batch, which in turn makes the experience much better for everyone. Yes, we do filter out unwanted people during enquiry phase itself.

Karnala Fort Trek Summary

Height/Altitude 944 meters (3100 ft)
Base Village Karnala, Panvel
Best time to visit June-October
Difficulty Level Easy ( Click Here )
Eligibility Click Here
Distance from Mumbai 1 hr 8 min (48 km)
Batch Size 20 Participants
Organizer Mischief Treks
Fees INR 750.00 onwards
Transport/Travel Mumbai pickup available

 

One Day Trek Available on request Karnala, Maharashtra
Highlights
What makes this event special
  • The thrill of walking through a forest  
  • View the early morning bliss from the top.  
  • Pandu's tower
  • Water cisterns built in ancient times
  • Majestic view of  the forts of Prabalgad, Manikgad, Haji Malang, Chanderi fort, Matheran, Sankshi fort, Dronagiri fort, and Rajmachi are clearly visible.
Images

Karnala Fort Trek from Mumbai

Karnala Fort Trek from Mumbai, Copyright: Mischief Treks. Source: www.mischieftreks.com


Charges and Travel Options

Option A: INR 750.00
Participants need to reach the base village in their own vehicle. We will be sharing GPS locations and directions/instructions on the WhatsApp group.

Option B: INR 1200.00
Bus Pickup/Drop from Mumbai included. 

Explanation of Charges: 
The above charges are per person charges for this trek, please check inclusions section for details of things included and excluded in these charges. 


⚠️  Eligibility condition 

If you wish to apply for being part of our group, you need to "Read" and "Understand" the details such as About-us, FAQ's, Important Note section etc... and be "Aware". Each participant needs to be physically and mentally fit to participate. Do not book this event if the details mentioned on this page are not agreeable to you. Mischief Treks does not accept ignorant people.

Booking closes once slots are sold out.

Whatsapp Updates Channel
WhatsApp Updates

Itinerary
Timeline of the event.

Meeting Point:
Bus Pickup: Borivali (SNGP) - 05:15 am
Self Drive: 
Those coming by own car need to reach Kharghar by 07:10 am and follow our vehicle till trek location (Those travelling by own vehicle to the base village).  
Three hours prior to the event date and time, we will be creating a WhatsApp group for coordination purposes. Exact GPS locations for each pickup point, coordinator contact, Live location of bus, etc will be shared in the group.

Bus Pickup points

  • 05:30 am Start journey from Borivali to Korigad fort.
  • 05:40 am Goregaon Oberoi Mall
  • 05:50 am Andheri - Start of flyover 
  • 06:10 am Bandra - Kalanagar bus stop WEH 
  • 06:30 am Sion - station gate
  • 06:45 am Chembur - Shivaji Maharaj Statue
  • 07:10 am Vashi - Opp Center one mall
  • 07:20 Kharghar- Hotel Three star

Karnala Fort Trek Schedule:

  • Reach base village approximately by 08:15 am and have breakfast.
  • 09:00 am: Start trek
  • 11:00 am: Reach the top and explore the fort 
  • 12:00 pm: Start descending
  • 02:00 pm: Reach base and have Lunch
  • 03:00 pm: Start return journey
  • 06:00 pm: Tentatively reach Mumbai (depending on traffic)

Note: Even the most "Easiest" trek is basically a TREK and not a tour or picnic. Its impossible for an Unfit person to complete even 50 percent of the easy trek. He/she may feel that the easy grade trek is actually words most "Difficult " trek. Please make sure you are fit to trek before booking. To understand What is Trek ( click here)

    Inclusions/Exclusions
    What we'll give. What we won't

    What is included in the tour

    • Pickup and Drop from Mumbai 
      (If opted for)
    • Breakfast and Tea
    • Lunch Veg and Jain
    • Basic First Aid 
    • Trek Expertise charges
    • Safety Equipment charges
    • Govt / Local Body Charges as applicable

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Bottled water.
    • Any other expenses that are not mentioned above in inclusion section.
    Things to Carry
    • Identity proof.
    • Reliable shoes with Good grip and extra pair of floaters.
    • Water (minimum 2 Ltrs) Compulsory.
    • Rain gear - windcheater/raincoat/poncho.
    • Extra pair of Clothes.
    • Keep your phone fully charged.
    • Mosquito repellent (optional)
    • Some ready-to-eat food like biscuits, plum cake, etc to keep your tummy happy.
    • Medicines (if you need any), Glucon D / Electrol / Enerzyl Powder (We will have a basic first aid kit with us).
    • A haversack to put all your things. Your hands need to be free while trekking. 
    • And most imp thing, carry lot of enthusiasm and team spirit.
    Note
    Important Note

    Please do not apply to join our group if the terms and details mentioned on this page are not agreeable to you.

    Fitness:
    Please make sure you are Physically Fit to complete the event and BEFORE Booking you have gone through all the details, FAQ, Points to note, About Us, and Disclaimer.

    Food: 
    The food during the event is home cooked food provided by local villagers living in tribal (Aadivasi) region. If you are choosy, cranky and grumpy about food, please avoid joining this event.

    Transport: 
    Mischief treks does not own busses, Jeeps, Trains, or Flight. The transport options are hired by us just like people hire Ola/Uber/Auto/Taxi/Train. Any issues regarding the transport vehicles need to be addressed to concerned transport service provider. Pickup-and-Drop for the event is arranged only as "help"  towards common means to travel together, Mischief Treks does not provide transport services or takes any liability regarding the same. Our role and responsibility starts from base village where the trek conducted by us begins. 

    Trekking Shoes: 
    Wear reliable shoes with good grip, the sole of the shoe gets ripped off if the shoe is not in good condition. 

    About us: 
    Don't forget to check the About-Us page if you are new to trekking in Maharashtra. 

    Punctuality: 
    In any adventure or sport event punctuality and discipline is utmost important. If you are late in catching the train/bus/cab, you will miss-out the pickup and will be considered dropout. If you are travelling in your vehicle, you may miss joining the group you are late. This is a group event and will not be personalized as per your timing.

    Discounts: 
    To be honest, Discounts and coupon codes are just a marketing trick to fool people. No one offers something below the pre-decided rate slab. The charges on website haven't yet been adjusted (inflated) to provide for discounts. Mentioned amount is the lowest actual charges and hence discounts are currently not possible. Each organiser charges a certain amount based on his understanding  regarding 'Worth' of his own event.

    Weather: 
    This is a Monsoon Trek specially formulated according to past 10 years data of rainfall. This event is not suitable for Summer or Winter. The event is scheduled to be conducted unless road is blocked, train services are suspended, or Government issues a Ban for this location.

    Batch Size: 
    We Do-Not conduct trek with 100-150 people in the group. Our batch size is limited and we prefer to have a Non-Crowded group for safety reasons.

    KYC Form: 
    Once you have paid for the event you will receive a KYC form on WhatsApp as soon as your payment is verified by system. You need to submit this form within 3 hours of receiving the form. If you have booked for your friends too, you need to ask each of your friend to get this done. If you are booking just 1 day prior to event, the form needs to be submitted immediately to avoid any inconvenience (Refer FAQ section below) 

    CAUTION: 
    Please be aware that even the easiest trek is fundamentally a "Trek," not a Tour, Hike, or Picnic. It's crucial to understand that an unfit individual might struggle to complete even half of an easy trek. Based on our prior experiences, an unfit person might perceive an easy-grade trek as the most difficult trek. Prior to making a booking for the event, ensure that you are in good physical and mental condition for trekking.
    ​To understand What is Trek ( click here )

    Beware of crooked boys on Instagram, luring people using cheap-tricks like discounts or offers tailored to mislead a specific gender for obvious reasons. These inexperienced scammers have no clue about trekking and are posing as trek organizations. These people generally use stolen, unauthorized, or reposted images/videos/text to make their Instagram handle look genuine. 

    Always research about "compatibility" and "category" of the trek group you plan to join.  After all, you will be spending entire duration of the trek in company of the group You choose.

    How to Reach

    How to Reach Karnala Bird Sanctuary from Mumbai

    • By Car: Drive along the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) towards Panvel. From Panvel, continue on NH-66 towards Pen. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located approximately 12 km from Panvel on this route. The journey by car typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and starting point within Mumbai. This route offers convenience and the flexibility to stop at various points of interest along the way.
    • By Train: Catch a train from Mumbai to Panvel Railway Station. Trains are available frequently from Mumbai CST, Dadar, or Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The journey by train takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Upon reaching Panvel Railway Station, hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Pen. The sanctuary is located about 12 km from Panvel, and the journey from Panvel to Karnala Bird Sanctuary takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
    • By Bus: Board a bus from Mumbai to Panvel. Buses ply regularly from Mumbai Central, Dadar, or Borivali to Panvel. The journey by bus typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and starting point within Mumbai. From Panvel, hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Pen. The sanctuary is located about 12 km from Panvel, and the journey from Panvel to Karnala Bird Sanctuary takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

    Experts recommend opting for the travel option provided by Mischief Treks for a hassle-free journey and a memorable experience at Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

    FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. How many people will be coming for the Trek?

    Ans. Depends on the number of people booking the event. Generally, the batch size is approximately 20 - 25 participants. 

    Q. Is Trek safe for solo participants? 

    Ans. Yes is safe and comfortable. Mostly 40% of the participants come solo and blend in with the leaders and the rest of the group.  

    Q. Is this Trek safe for girls? 

    Ans. Mischief Treks has a track record of making our events extremely safe for girls. Normally 60 – 75 % of our participants are females.

    Q. Can we pay in cash?

    Ans. Sorry we do not accept cash payments.

    Q. What is the last date of booking the event?

    Ans. Bookings close once tickets are sold out. Ideally you need to book at least 1 month advance. 

    Q. How do we get in touch after reaching meeting point? 

    Ans. We will be creating a whatsapp group for coordination where you will be provided all the necessary information regarding contact person, exact point to meet etc.

    Q.  Can someone read out details for me on phone?

    Ans. We understand that you may have questions about the event, and we're here to help. However, we want to ensure that you have the most accurate and clear information. That's why we encourage you to at least once Read the details on this page. You'll find all the information you need to know, right on your screen.

    If you find something on this page that is confusing, or not mentioned on the page, Click on the "WhatsApp icon on this page" and our team will be happy to provide clarification in writing.
    We don't provide details over the phone because doing so can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. It's crucial to have a complete understanding of all the aspects of this event before making a booking to ensure you have absolute clarity. 

    For any questions or concerns that aren't covered on this website, we can arrange a callback from one of our experienced Trek leaders. All you need to do is, let us know your query (which is not already clarified on this page) and we shall get a callback arranged.

    Q. What are the different ways to participate in Mischief Treks events?

    Ans: Participation in Mischief Treks events/activities establishes a participatory relationship rather than a consumer relationship, because it involves engaging in group activities and the participation does not constitute to purchase of goods or services. Here are the detailed participation options:
    As a Participant: You can join specific activities/events by carefully reading and understanding the event details carefully and registering through the event page, where a payment will be required. This option is for those who wish to join individual events without long-term commitments.
    As a Permanent Member: After participating in 20 or more activities/events, a participant will qualify for permanent membership, which comes with distinct payment terms communicated directly to members. This status recognizes your continued engagement and offers benefits accordingly.
    As a Volunteer: If you're interested in supporting the events without participating financially, you can apply to be a volunteer with Mischief Treks. The volunteers are selected based on the needs of each event and they can join without making a payment, emphasizing the communal and supportive aspect of participation.
    As an Affiliate Referral: Through this program, affiliates can refer individuals to participate in activities/events, supporting the community's growth. This option highlights the collaborative nature of Mischief Treks' activities.
    Note: Customization of activities/events is available upon request, requiring separate registration. This ensures that all participants' unique needs and interests are accommodated, further underlining the participatory essence of Mischief Treks' operations.

    Q. I have booked/paid for the event, is my booking confirmed? 

    Ans. No !, your booking can become invalid if you do not submit the "Most Important Details" required for emergency situations. For any Trek/Adventure event the organizers need to have your details at least 24 hours prior to the event. We do not allow anyone to the campsite until we have complete and authentic details of the person. This info is crucial in case of an emergency and is a mandatory KYC parameter. The link for the "personal details form" will be sent on WhatsApp immediately after you complete the booking instructions mentioned on the website. Submitting incomplete/incorrect/fake details in the form will make your booking invalid and no refund will be provided in such case. 

    Q. Why is submitting emergency contact details and KYC information mandatory?

    Ans. Its a standard protocol and also a guideline by Govt of India. We are accountable for every "Human-Body" present at our campsite or trek is our responsibility and in case of any unfortunate event we will be asked by authorities to provide all relevant information about you. In order to comply with the authorities we have to take authentic information from you. Fake/Incomplete information or non-submission of the details will make your ticket (paid amount) invalid and no refund will be provided in such case. You will not be allowed to participate in the event.

    Q. Does the cancellation policy/rescheduling policy apply if I book on last day?

    Ans:  Yes, the policy is applicable irrespective of the booking date. The cancellation / reschedule policy is applicable to everyone with immediate effect from the date and time of booking. The refunds/rescheduling requests will be processed based on the date and time of cancellation/reschedule request sent to us and the date and time of booking the event are irrelevant. 

    Q. What is the basis of cancellation/reschedule policy ?

    Ans:  The cancellation policy is based on fairness towards the participant and the organizing team. In case of medical/personal emergency, the loss arising out of cancellation/reschedule will be borne by the respective person. i.e. if the organizing team faces an emergency situation and the event gets canceled, the participant will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if the participant faces an emergency situation, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss. The cancellation policy is designed with a completely unbiased approach towards the participant and organizing team and is aimed at fairness towards both.

    Q. Will we be returning at exact time mentioned in the itinerary?

    Ans. The Itinerary is for reference purpose only, it is based on average time taken during our previous events. Actual timeline for a particular date depends on Weather conditions, Traffic Conditions, Participants speed and endurance.  

    Q. Which are the best waterfalls near Mumbai?

    Ans. There are several waterfalls at close proximity to Mumbai, these are best suited for one day visit, and are part of One-Day Trek by Mischief Treks. The most popular waterfalls are as follows:

    • Devkund waterfall
    • Nanemachi Reverse waterfall
    • Naneghat Waterfall
    • Aadrai waterfall
    • Kalu Waterfall
    • God Valley waterfall
    • Bhandardara Reverse Waterfall
    • Adoshi Waterfall Khopoli
    • Bendewadi Waterfall
    • Dabhosa Waterfalls
    • Dugarwadi Waterfall
    • Hidden Waterfall Cliff Jumping
    • Hidden Waterfall Rappelling
    • Hiradpada Waterfall
    • Juinagar Waterfall
    • Kalmandavi Waterfall
    • Kataldhaar waterfall
    • Kumbhe Waterfall
    • Kundmala Waterfall
    • Kune Falls
    • Lingya Ghat Waterfall
    • Milkybar Waterfall
    • Reverse Waterfall Lonavala
    • Secret Waterfall Cliff Jumping
    • Secret Waterfall Jungle Trail
    • Secret Waterfall Trek
    • Vihigaon Ashoka Water Falls
    • Waghoba Waterfall

    Mischief Treks Secret waterfall is also one of the most desired locations in Monsoon. Rappelling activities are also done during monsoons in most of the waterfalls near Mumbai. 

    Reviews and Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Aggregate Rating: 4.85 out of 5

    Rating count: 2431

    Detailed information

    Update as on August 03, 2024 

    The Monsoon rains have been a blessing this year, the weather is currently perfect for this Trek. Monsoon treks are designed for heavy rains. So, unless there is a ban by Govt, or the roads are completely blocked, the event is good to go. The batch conducted in July 28, 2024 has a great experience in the rains.
    Beware! Low-Cost trek groups often have large batch-size, this results in unsafe over-crowded trek experience which is not at all worth. Mischief Treks is renowned for conducting treks with a limited number of participants in each batch, this helps having a much better trekking experience.


    ​Events by Mischief Treks 

    • Group Tours and Trips starting from Mumbai. Tours include option to book train tickets from Mumbai to the desired destination. Link: Click here
    • One Day Treks in/near Mumbai. Morning to evening treks and Night Treks are scheduled every weekend based on weather conditions and on the basis of Best-Time to Visit. Link: Click here
    • Kaas - Valley of Flowers from Mumbai, also known as Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau. Explore the valley of flowers with one night and two night tour options. Link: Click here 
    • Rann of Kutch and Dholavira Tour. Explore the white desert of Gujrat with stay options for one / two / three night stay in tent or resort. Link: Click here
    • Statue of Unity Tour. Get a tour planned to visit Statue of Unity in Gujarat as per your budget and travel dates. Link: Click here
    • Customised Tour Packages from Mumbai. If you are looking to get a tour package customised as per your dates and budget this option provides you an opportunity to get the entire plan made as per your need. Link: Click here
    • Camping and Stargazing. If you are looking for Bhandardara lakeside camping or wish to experience watersports like Rafting, Kayaking and lot more, Check out our camping options on this link. LinkClick here  
    • Waterfalls near Mumbai. If you are looking for exploring waterfalls near Mumbai for weekend trekking and adventure, we have the right set of waterfalls listed. LinkClick here
    Location
    Karnala Fort, Foot Path, Karnala, Maharashtra 410221, India View on Map
    Cancellation, Rescheduling And Refund Policy
    • 90% will be refunded if canceled 15 days (360+ hrs) in advance.
    • 75% will be refunded if canceled 10 days (240+ hrs) in advance.
    • 50% will be refunded if canceled 05 days (120+ hrs) in advance.
    • 0% refund if canceled in less than 05 days (120 hours) of the event date and time.
    • 0% refund if the participant drops out, misses bus pickup, or does not reach the meeting point on the scheduled date and time. 
    • Rescheduling can be done free of cost if the rescheduling request is sent to us 120 hours prior to event date and time. 

    If the event itself gets canceled, you will be given the option to switch to any other event or any other date, Or you can opt for a 100% refund. If you need to reschedule your booking to any other available date, it can be done free of cost if the rescheduling request is sent 120 hours prior to the trek. From 0hrs - 120 hours prior to the trek date and time free rescheduling is not permitted. It will be counted as cancellation done in less than 120hours of the event date and time. It's a humble request, please do not give medical reasons, crib, argue or try to blackmail us if you drop out or cancel/reschedule the trek in the last 5 days.
    The basis of the cancelation policy is to protect the participant and the organizers from undue financial losses arising out of unforeseen situations. If the event gets canceled due to the medical/personal emergency of the organising team member, the participants will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if there is a medical/personal emergency at the participant's end, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss.