Karnala Bird Sanctuary is situated almost 12kms from Panvel off the Mumbai-Pune Highway towards Goa. This is a popular destination for bird watchers and hikers as it houses an old Karnala Fort. it is estimated that the sanctuary is home to over 222 species birds of which 161 are resident species, with the rest being either migrant or vagrant species of birds that can be seen at only select times of the year.

It is the first bird sanctuary in Maharashtra. The sanctuary is quite small with an area of 12.11 square kilometres but along with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries to be within reach of the city of Mumbai.

Where to Stay: There are many hotels and resorts located near the sanctuary. There are two government rest houses inside the sanctuary area.

How to Reach: The sanctuary is centered on the historic Karnala Fort and lies just off the Mumbai-Pune national highway to Goa. It is located 12 km from Panvel. The nearest railhead is Panvel. Regular buses at an interval of 30 minutes are available from Panvel Bus Stand from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm

Timings: 06:30 AM to 18:30 PM Weekdays only.