• The trek to Karnala Fort in the monsoons was wow. A sudden heavy downpour changed the situation completely. Spiritual learnings from the trek. 

A sudden plan made by our dear friend Vikram, "Let's go for the trek," sparked excitement. We asked where? Karnala Fort, a very nearby destination from Mumbai. We immediately agreed to his plan as it was a sunny day. We started our journey, on Saturday, the 7th June from Worli in Mumbai with the usual stuff in our bag (raincoat, water, etc.). Rains had come early this year so Karnala day trek seemed perfect. 

We started the drive at 8:30 with a bright, clear blue sky and gentle breeze and took the bridge across the sea, Atal Setu, to enjoy the panoramic view. As we finished Atal Setu, we were very hungry and stopped at Shree Datta Snack Center for delicious Maharashtrian food with ginger tea; just right for rainy weather. Food at Datta Snacks is all wow.  

We reached Karnala Fort at around 10:30 am. Entrance fees into the bird sanctuary cum fort was Rs 60 per hear. Karnala Fort is within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, making it a perfect trek for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

At entrance.

But first a bit about Karnala Fort

According to Nomadsofindia.com, “Karnala Fort is located in Maharashtra. It was built in the 12th century and has a rich history. The fort changed hands several times over the centuries, with rulers such as the Devagiri Yadavas, the Tughlaq dynasty, and the Portuguese occupying it at various points in time.

In the 17th century, the fort came under the control of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, who strengthened its fortifications. The fort played an important role in protecting the trade route between the ports of Mumbai and the interior regions of Maharashtra.

In the 18th century, the fort was captured by the British, who used it as a strategic location to keep an eye on the surrounding area. Today, the Karnala Fort is a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to see its impressive ruins and enjoy the stunning views from the top of the fort.”

The fort is known for its distinctive pinnacle, offering stunning panoramic views of the Sahyadris.

Funnel Hill.

View from the road  

Karnala Fort Trek

Karnala Fort, also called Funnel Hill, is a historic hill fort located in Raigad district. It is just 10 km from Panvel and 65 km from Mumbai, along the Mumbai-Goa Highway and stands at 1,500 feet being.  

It is a great trek for starters, not so tough and an introduction to the Sahyadri ranges. The trail is well marked. Rainy season is good time to go. If it has rained whilst on your trek it can get slippery so having trekking shoes with a good grip will help. The trek distance is 3 to 3.5 kms. Depending on your speed it could take 2.5 to 3 hours.

Enjoy views enroute to the top and at the fort top. Do not be in a hurry to come down.

Once you enter the bird sanctuary, there are essentially two routes that wind through the forest and lead to the trail up the mountain. We began our trek through the main route, which goes straight through the center of the forest. The path, winding through lush greenery, seemed to beckon us towards adventure.

As we ascended, the air was filled with sounds of nature, and the sun painted the landscape in vibrant colors. Our steps were light, spirits high, and the world felt vast and welcoming. Though it is a short trek, it was taking time since the heat made is feel tired. Because of the heat we were sweating profusely and clothes drenched.

We sipping water regularly to keep us hydrated. To gain energy and to make our path easy, we chanted the mantra Digambara Digambara Sheepad Vallab Digambara. This mantra gave us strength. We felt the Divine was helping us reach the final destination.

While the chanting was on there was a sudden change in weather as if the Divine had taken pity on our drenched bodies. There was thunderstorm and lightning, accompanied by a very heavy downpour (nearly cloudburst). Dark clouds gathered, and a sudden downpour transformed the landscape.

The rain, initially a light shower, quickly intensified, and the sun gave way to a grey sky. We took refuge under a large tree, mesmerized by the rhythmic pattern of the rain against the foliage.

Sky post the heavy rains.

There was initial panic! It seemed like a cloudburst was eminent. Since the soil was getting loos and heavy water gushing down we decided to return to the base. All of us are 50 plus and cannot afford a single misstep.

Inspite of best efforts I slipped but gathered the courage to get up and move ahead.  However, a little ahead I had a sudden fall as my foot got trapped in a waterhole. Somehow, I lifted myself but got hurt on my knees and left shoulder and feel on my back.

On our downward journey. 

The downwards journey was quite dangerous as there were rocks, pebbles and loose soil that had become slippery due to the rains and water streams were gushing through them accompanied by heavy rain. The path had become treacherous. A slip could cause a broken limb. We were continuously chanting the Divine’s Name. 

We walked down with the faith that the Divine shall help us. They came in the form of two young boys and girls. They helped us all the way through the forest, navigating through gushing water to get down the hill. Every step was difficult due to the heavy rains, but when God holds your hand, everything is possible.

Thanks to the youngsters we reached the starting point safely i.e. around 1 pm. Ishwar sends help in different forms – it was these boys and girls. We thanked our Ishta Devata for seeing us through this. 

The unexpected rain taught us valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability. Even amidst life's storms, beauty and serenity can be found. The memory of that day, from bright sunshine to the sudden downpour, will forever be etched in our minds. 

Just like weather can change suddenly, from sunshine to heavy rain so also life can change from a high to a down. The challenge is to retain balance and live with faith in the Divine.

This short trek served as a testament to the unexpected beauty of nature and joy of exploration. 

Author is a spiritually inclined, adventurous and qualified aesthetician, cosmetologist, trichologist, and weight loss specialist. The intrinsic seed of reaching out to more people for coaching, mentoring, and wellness and providing these services under one roof to each and every individual became her priority.

Also read

1. All about Karnala Fort Trek

2. To see a 14 minute video on Karnala Fort Trek

Editor’s Experience Sharing

Each one comes with our karmic chart.

The trek to Mahavatar Babaji's cave in Dungairi, Kumaon is through dense forests. We saw a couple returning back because they found the climb never ending. It is advisable to take a guide. Luckily my driver, a local, came along. We did lose our way but turned back our approach being places of importance are not found easily so persevere.  

The Divine tests you by creating difficulties along the way. Thanks to my driver and Ishwar kripa we reached the cave.

Example 2 – At Dunagiri during same yatra met Yogiji who said he was going to Bhatkot (10,000 feet) pointing towards it and asked if I would go along. It is app a 10 kms trek. Without realizing what I was committing to said yes instantly.

U see Yogiji and me close to the top of Bhatkot.

From here the top point is app 30 minutes climb. By this time I was very tired and decided to stay back while Yogiji and Raju Guide went to the top. After a short while it started raining with snow balls falling. I was worried that if it did not stop raining we might not reach the ashram, have to spend the night here in probably zero temperature. I started chanting Om Namah Shivaya non-stop hoping the weather improves. It stopped raining after about 20 minutes.

Divine Intervention and Shivji ki kripa helped me reach the Ashram that evening.