Karnala

1. Karnala Fort: At an elevation of 1500 ft above sea level, the remnant of the 13th-century Karnala fort overlooks the dense green forests of the  Bor Pass of the Sahyadri. The 3 hrs long Karnala Fort trek through the winding trails hidden amidst trees, shrubs and small rocky stairs, is perfect for beginners. Basalt Pillars of the fort atop the hill is a very unique medieval era architectural design only visible in Karnala Fort.

2. Karnala Bird Sanctuary: An hour drive from the crowded city of Mumbai, is a heavenly paradise filled with green trails, chirping birds, occasional waterfalls, and much more explore-worthy sights. Currently protected by the Wildlife  Protection Act, it is home to some of the most beautiful and rare migrating birds as well as rare Indian resident species of birds. Covering a vast expanse of 12 sq km, the Bird Sanctuary has 222 bird species, in addition to numerous wild animals like bison, deers, elephants, ferrets, foxes, hare, and much more. The trail to the iconic Karnala Fort is through the bird sanctuary and takes approximately 90 minutes to reach.

- Location: NH 66, Karnala, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410206

3. Prabalgad Fort: The Prabalgad Fort is the proud example of the defeat of the Bahmani Sultanate in the hands of the mighty  Maratha Regime. Creating a natural boundary between Panvel and Matheran, the fort is over 2000 ft above sea level. Green forests, zigzag steps naturally curved on the rocks leads to the top of the hill where the fort is located. The Irshalgad Fort and the Kalyan Fort can be seen from Prabalgad. Surrounded by clouds, mist, and fog, the Prabalgad Fort is best explored between October and April.

- Location: Raigarh district, Maharashtra

4. Bot Lake: The Bot Lake is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in Karnala Region because of its wonderful scenic beauty that is just remarkable to behold. Coming over to this place, you will be welcomed by the sounds of the chirping birds, and tranquilising silence of the forests. It is one of the best places in Karnala for photography. You can visit this place with your loved ones during the weekends to have fun and spend some quality time. The best time to visit this place is in the course of the monsoon season as the overall beauty is amplified by the drizzles.

5. Ambarnath Shiva Temple: Located on the bank of Vedavati river, 50 km from Karnala is the ancient 11th-century. Probably built by King Chittaraja, the temple of Ambernath Shiva is a stone-built architectural beauty not worth missing out on. Protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the Hemadpanti style temple is believed to have great relevance to the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata era. Accessible through roads and rails alike, the temple authorities serve prasadam between noon and 2 pm every day for the devotees and tourists who visit the temple complex.

6. Bhavani Temple: The Bhavani Temple is yet another beautiful place of tourist interest in Karnala that you can visit to seek blessings of the almighty. The temple holds a beautiful idol of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is located on top of the hill and in the middle of alluring natural beauty. You will come across a number of water tanks which are believed to be existing since ages.

1. Take a trek to the Kalavantin Durg: The trek to reach the top of the cliff on which the beautiful ruins of Kalavantin Fort remains is regarded as one of the most treacherous treks in Maharashtra. Overlooking the Prabalgad fort on one side and the Irsalgod on the other side, the fort offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unlike any other.

Certainly not for the faint-hearted, the narrow steep 3km long climb through a huge number of stone stairs engraved on the side of the mountain is an adventure unlike any other.

- Location: Prabalmanchi, Panvel, Maharashtra 410206

2. Visit the Smart Eco-park: Created as an initiative to make people aware of the current environmental degradation, the Smart Eco Park in Panvel is a true learning experience for children and adults alike. Spread over acres of lush green undulating terrain, the Smart Eco Park is an experimental approach to what the next 50 yrs hold for us as we move towards a dystopian future.

The park is modeled around the experimental idea as to how to survive the upcoming years when scarcity of provisions like water, fuel, etc becomes an integral part of life. The Park is accessible on a prior booking basis for a large group of over 20 people. Best enjoyed during winter months, the Smart Eco Park is often referred to as an unforgettable learning experience all.

- Location: 18/1, Usarli Budruk, Panvel Dundra Road, New Panvel, 410206

3. View the sunset from Little Chowk Point: A splendidly beautiful and breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Sahyadri Range and the Karnala Fort, the Little Chowk Point in Matheran is one of the most visited hotspots to explore near Karnal. The beautiful and tall Ganesha Idol perched atop the viewpoint is an additional attraction here one cannot miss out on.

A short half a day is enough time to dedicate to visit the beautiful and verdant sunset spot located in the southernmost tip of Matheran in Maharashtra.

- Location: Dist Raigad, Matheran, Maharashtra 410102

4. Take a boat ride to the Khanderi Fort: Located on the Kanhoji Angre Island 5 km off the coast of Maharashtra is the ethereally beautiful Khanderi Fort. The uninhabited island on which the fort is located also has another fort on the opposite end known as Underi Fort.

Critical to the Maratha Empire as guard posts, these forts have their underground freshwater source which makes them self-reliant despite the isolated location. The 22 ft tall lighthouse in the fort can be seen from as far as 12 miles out in the sea.

- Location: Khandheri Island, Maharashtra

5. Explore the beauty of the Kharghar Hills: The 27 km long winding roads leading to the lush green Kharghar Hills is a beautiful drive worth exploring. A non-alcoholic zone, Kharghar Hills is the perfect explore worthy spot for families despite its secluded and densely forested location.

The green hillocks surrounding the area is surrounded by numerous creeks, waterfalls, and hiking trails that make it an enchanting yet perfect getaway for a weekend adventure. Most famous of all the small hotspots in Kharghar Hills is the stunning and cascading Pandavkada waterfall that plunges into the rocky terrain, thus creating a natural turquoise blue water pool.

- Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210

6. Spend some relaxing time at Sagar Vihar Garden: Offering a spectacular view of the vasi skyline and facing the natural forested area of the Panvel Creek, Sagar Vihar Garden is just 30 kms from Karnala. Beautiful flower gardens and shrubberies covering the acres of garden area offers travellers a chance to spend some time amidst greenery and pollution free zones.

Half a day tour of Sagar Vihar Garden does not need one to spend much money or tiring hours of uphill climb. Perfect for a quick break from the monotony of urban life, the garden is also one of the best picnic spots.

- Location: Sagar Vihar, Vashi, Maharashtra 400703

1. Karnala Fort Trek: Karnala Fort Trek is one of the most sought after trekking expeditions in Karnala which starts from the famous Karnala Bird Sanctuary and ends uphill. It is considered to be a bit challenging but it is truly enjoyable and comfortable.

2. Manikgad Fort Trek: Manikgad Fort Trek takes to the famous fort that was established in the year 1718 to guard and command the commerce route. The total distance covered in this trek is about 5 km and you will get to climb up to 1734 feet above the ground. You can however complete this trek in a single day.

3. Prabalgad Trek: Prabalgad Trek is one of the best treks in Karnala for those who wish to indulge in an offbeat adventure. The fort was constructed at a height of 2300 feet above the sea level on a plateau. Coming over to this place, you will be able to enjoy majestic views of the alluring nature and also witness a number of majestic waterfalls.