Karnala fort (also called Funnel Hill) is a hill fort in Raigad district about 12 km from Panvel city. Karnala is famous for its pinnacle at an approximate altitude of 1400 feet above mean sea level which attract many people.
The region surrounding the fort of about 12 Sq Km was declared as Bird sanctuary in 1968. It is now under forest conservation. We can spot over 120 bird species out of which over 30 are migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia etc.
History & Timeline:-
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It is understood that the fort might be from Satvahana era, looking at the construction of cisterns, however it is found to have references in Yadava era.
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Till 15th Century it is believed that fort was under Nizam & Tughlaq before the 14th century.
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In 1657 fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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In 1665 fort lost to Mughals as per Purandar treaty between the Rajput ruler Jai Singh, who was commander of the Mughal Empire, and Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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1670 fort recaptured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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Fort was not in Swarajya during Sambhaji Maharaj regime.
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Fort was recaptured in Peshwa regime.
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In 1818 it was captured by Britisher General Brother.
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It was a fort of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor ghat which connected the Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra and was the main trade route between these areas.
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Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu's tower. This structure was used as a watch tower when the fort was occupied.
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Location: Near Panvel
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District: Raigad
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Base Village: Shirdhon
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Trek Difficulty - Easy to Moderate
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Trek Distance - 3 km
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Karnala Fort Altitude - approx 1400 ft above mean sea level
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Karnala Fort - Hill Fort
- A unique fort in Konkan region.
- Also famous for its Bird Sanctuary.
- Scenic view of the mighty Sahyadris.
0545 hrs: Reporting at Kothrud Office, Karve Road, Near McDonalds (Opp Karishma Society)
0600 hrs: Departure - Breakfast En-route
1000 hrs: Reach Karnala Fort Base
1000 - 1500 hrs: Start Hike - Summit - Explore - Have Snacks - Hike Down - Reach Base
1500 - 1600 hrs: Lunch or Snacks
1600 - 1900 hrs: Travel back - Reach Pune - Contribution Settlement - End of Trip
Deadline for Registration :- 30th August 2019, 1800 hr
Age Limit:- 8 to 60 years with reasonable fitness.
Here are some tips for a Happy and Safe Excursion!
✦ Keep this list handy while Packing the Bag ✦
Things to Carry : (of course along with your ‘Energy and Enthusiasm’)
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Minimum 3 ltr water bottle(s) (to keep yourself hydrated)(Compulsory)
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Sports / Trekking shoes (compulsory) (Avoid Woodland / Canvas / Converse/Sandals)
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Small Sack / Backpack with rain cover.
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Wear dry fit track pant and T-shirt (full sleeves)
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Rain wear (jacket / poncho)
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Extra set of Clothes (for changing purpose as per personal requirement)
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Sun Cap / Hat / Sunglasses
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Windcheater
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Trekking Pole & Knee Cap (as per personal requirement)
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Floaters / Sports Loafers / Crocs (useful while return bus journey)
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Light Snacks helpful during the trek (Fruits / Energy Bars / Chocolates / Dry Fruits etc)
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Covers for Electronic gadgets (camera, mobiles etc.)
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Provisional cash @ Rs.1200/- per person OR Debit/Credit Card for digital payment.
However approximate cost per person would be ₹800 Please note this is tentative cost
(At actual expense will be shared and contribution will be collected at the end of the trek)
Optional Kit :
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Personal Medication if any.
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Camera, Binoculars (Also bring a bag to protect this equipment from dust and Moisture).
Please Note : - Extra Entry fees for Camera -
Small torch with extra batteries.
Things NOT to be brought :
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Avoid Wearing Denim wear . (Full track pants are suggested as it avoids injury)
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Large amount of cash and costly ornaments.
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Loud Music Instruments.
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Liquor and any of the tobacco items. (Consumption of these items) is NOT ALLOWED on FOLIAGE OUTDOORS EXCURSION.
We will be going to the fort by a Pvt Bus (Tempo traveller or similar arrangement)
After Registration you will be added to the *temporary Whats App group "Karnala 010919".
In case of any emergency (at your end) please contact numbers given below:
Trek Leader : 9822763638 (Aditya Joshi) / 96736 32374 (Prasad Danve)
Back-up contact : 020–66447777
