Karnala fort closer to Panvel and supposed to be a basic trek in nature was the final cut.
Devendra, Shailesh being the frequent trekker, at least once in a month. I, once in 6 months and for Nikhil and Pooja it was a maiden experience.
Four of us decided to meet at Matunga Bridge at 0530 hrs to begin our journey to Panvel where Shailesh was to join us. I started at 0400hrs to meet Nikhil at Goregaon and he drove us to Matunga, where we parked his car and joined Devendra in his car.
By 0615hrs we were with Shailesh to hit the road for Karnala Sanctuary. On our way we took a Tea Break just after Panvel, much needed one. It was relatively pleasant outside.
0645hrs, we were at the gates of Karnala Bird Sanctuary. There was nobody at the gates. We parked our car in the parking lot where ample parking was available. Apart from us one more couple from Vashi was there and it was the first ever trek for the lady.
It was quite dark outside. We started walking into the jungle! Not yet, the passage towards the base of the mountain was starting with cement road and the journey began.
After navigating thru the nature’s beauty, trees, rocks and of course monkeys we reached to a plane road of mud and stones to witness the sunrise thru bushes. The sunrays were warm and welcoming.
In a short while we reached towards the bottom of the fort. Now what needed is to climb the small but curvy patch followed by steps to enter the fort. The steps were having railing to hold the balance.
We entered the fort after clearing the hurdle and enjoyed the view from there. From top, we saw group of school children moving towards the base of the fort appeared as if an army of tiny soldiers is marching towards the fort.
We have freshened up ourselves with water from one of the ponds there. The natural water was clean and drinkable. After having our lunch we rested for some time and resumed our journey to the base but from a different and much easier road this time. (As told to us by other trekkers who came from that road).
The road was pretty straight with not many ups and downs. After reaching the base we rested for some time waiting for Shailesh and Pooja to join us. It was nice to see small children there enjoying lunch and tackling monkeys from stealing their food.
Though it was a sanctuary, there were hardly any birds seen, may be due to vehicle noise generated by passing highway.
We then headed to ‘Kshanabhar Vishranti’ hotel on our way back to eat Malvani Chicken Rassa and Bhakari with Solkadhi and Masala Pan. This was followed by nice and warm cup of tea- courtesy Shailesh’s family.
I was at home by 1700hrs with not much exertion and pain.
Facts: Pooja being the senior colleague with 25+ years of experience in the industry showed great courage to join us in her maiden trek with great fitness levels to conquer the Karnala Fort that has added one feather to her hat.
No doubt she was the inspiration for the girls who were following her on this trek to the Karnala fort.
Verdict: Doable trek by all, must do and enjoy.
