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Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad District
of Maharashtra State. The sanctuary is quite small with an area of 4.27
Sq.kms. Located 50 kms away from Mumbai, the sanctuary is one of the popular
destinations for aspirant bird watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area.
Blessed with lush green foliage and many hills, the sanctuary
is also a trekkers paradise. The sanctuary is situated at the bottom of
the famous Karnala Fort or the 'Funnel Hill'. The fort has been a witness
to many historic battles between Muslim, Portuguese and Maratha rulers.
Trek down to the Karnala fort can be a great experience for trekkers.
On the way one can find many species of birds. River Patalganga is towards
the east of the fort. Greenery covers and surrounds the fort of Karnala.
Besides, one can also visit Nature Interpretation Centre at the sanctuary.
Flora
Blessed with lush green foliage, the Sanctuary is also
known for the variety of trees found here mainly the species such as Koshimb,
mango, nana, kulu, kalam, asana, umbar and teak in the top canopy. Vegetation
typifies moist deciduous forest .
Fauna
The sanctuary has attracted many species of resident
and migratory birds. Among the 147 species of birds found here, more than
37 species of are of migratory birds. Migratory birds coming from Central
Asia, Europe, Uzbekistan, Siberia, among others are visible in the region
since many days. Some individual species of migratory birds are more than
15000 in number. Among the migratory birds, most common are the blackbird,
the blue-headed rock-thrush, the bluethroat, the red breasted flycatcher,
the ashy minivet, the black headed cuckoo-shrike etc.
A range of exotic species of birds can be seen here including
the Red Vented Bulbul, Horn Bill, Myna, Owls, Ashy Rain War Blur, Paradise
Fly Catcher, RobinMcPie, Egrets and Sunbirds. Two rare birds Ashy Minimet
and Spotted heart woodpeckers have been sighted here.
Eventhough the sanctuary is known for its numerous birds,
sometimes one may also spot wild boar, the four-horned antelope, the muntjak
and the common langur.
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Wildlife 
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