Not too far away from Bombay, on the Bombay – Pune highway is Karnala Bird Sanctuary. If you drive from the airport, it takes about two hour to get there. It’s small in size, but because it is nested in the western Ghats, Karnala hosts an impressive line-up of around 150 birds.
But getting there is
not easy. Firstly, without a guide and someone to identify the spots, you will
end up walking around in no particular direction. Second, the local taxi union
is very strong and can be quite intimidating. Which is why getting to Karnala
in a Ola or an Uber is out of the question. There have been instances where the
locals have extorted a few thousand rupees for bringing in a ‘outside tax’. The
best way to get here is either your own car, or like I did, ask my birding
guide to organise a local taxi.
The entry to the park
can easily be missed, but once inside you will spot a large number of birders,
carrying their large ass cameras, to capture that one special bird. There is a 350
entry fee per person and the park opens from seven in the morning till five in
the evening.
From what I hear, if
you can, visit Karnala on a weekday as the crowds are less. On a weekend or on
holidays, the crowds are maddening and the noise they make drive the birds
away.
My visits to Karnala
have always been part of my work. A quick visit and back and so far, it has
always been worth it. So far, I have been to Karnala twice. Once during the
rains, when I saw the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher or ODK as everyone calls it and
the other time, in January when I saw a host of birds including the Indian
Paradise Flycatchers, Black Naped Monarch, Orange Thrush and the Heart Spotted
Woodpecker.
I would suggest the
only way to visit birding at Karnala is with a guide, because without one, you
will just end up walking around the lush forest, hearing all the bird calls,
but without getting any good pictures.
Karnala has never failed to disappoint, but one must
visit the park with a guide. I give Karnala a 10/10.
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