Dinesh Kamath's news 'Karnala Bird Sanctuary to be made more attractive to draw more tourists' that was published in Newsband

Karnala Bird Sanctuary to be made more attractive to draw more tourists

By Dinesh Kamath

(Above) Karnala Fort

(Above) Signboard for the benefit of visitors

(Above) Tourists exploring Karnala Bird Sanctuary

PANVEL: Thane Wildlife Division and NGO called Go Green Nuresery have taken an initiative to give a new look to Karnala Bird Sanctuary which is located near Panvel city and the Mumbai-Goa highway. The nearest Rail head is Panvel. Regular Buses are available from Panvel Bus Stand. The main aim for taking this initiative is to make the sanctuary look so attractive that it should not fail to attract tourists from all over the country as well as the world.

A look-alike or replica of the Karnala Fort was also constructed and it was inaugurated. The sanctuary has also been provided with a medical care centre. For the convenience of the tourists, who visit this place, signboards have been put up. These tourists will be charged a nominal fee of Rs 30 after which they can enter the sanctuary and explore it fully.

This sanctuary is one of the most important tourist spots in the city which was founded by the ardent lover of birds Dr Salim Ali whose statue will also be constructed at this spot.

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located in Panvel Taluka of Raigad District, outside Mumbai, India near Matheran and Karjat. The sanctuary is quite small with an area of 12.11 square kilometres but along with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries to be within reach of the city of Mumbai.

The sanctuary is open for the visitors from sunrise to sunset. There are many hotels and resorts located near the sanctuary. There are two Government rest houses inside the sanctuary area.

The bird sanctuary is a popular destination for avid bird-watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area. The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds who visit the sanctuary during winter. Three rare birds i.e. Ashy Minivet, three toed kingfisher and Malabar Trogon have been sighted here.