Experiencing an apocalyptic aura is
something that everyone wishes, when sad. There are times when one just wants
to go through a feeling that just makes it novelty, artistic and yet humane.
Inspiration is a soft drug which needs to be smoked time and again to keep the
fire alive. Intoxication at its panoramic best, one constantly thinks to
reinvent himself to maintain the freshness. Often the dull monotonous life
becomes a tad boring and escapism is sort in emergency. Hiking proved to be one
such escape for me, this time.
I have never tried to be associated with any
forms of labels. Urban dude, weird anomaly or being just an uncivilized street
hippie, I can do it all with élan. Sometimes, I believe it is just one of my
alter egos; waiting to cracking out of his shell, one at a time. Being close
with someone closer to nature, innocent souls who are now at the mercy of human
pitying of not invasion - enters Karnala
Bird Sanctuary.
The said sanctuary is quite sarcastic with its
name for save for a few captive peahens and parrots there are no birds at this
sanctuary. But even though this was quite public, I still did not want to lose
the chance of experiencing the pitiful state of the peahens, let alone peeking
their feathers on full regalia (which I did experience). Located at a distance
of 12 kilometres from Panvel railway
station, it is just fitting to set tiny signboard warnings that state,
"this is not just more than your eyes can see." Hiking on a Republic
Day of India, does have its perks. For starters, the police officers greeted us
with a smile and warmth at the entrance, proclaiming to be entry-free on this
eve. Bless his soul. For real.
Trekking, I started and yes, it takes a good
stamina to hike up the Karnala Fort.
Well, a helpful advice. If you wish to lacerate yourself with the scorching
never dying spirit of Sun, you more than welcome to initiate hiking after 10.00
a.m. Yeah, right. No biggie. What Karnala
Bird Sanctuary lacks in animal presence, sure makes up with the picturesque
still like views and yes, this is a great jumpstart for a fresh batch of new
selfie pictures. You welcome. While there is a snack shack near the base of Karnala Fort trek, once inside the sanctuary, it is not scrumptious and
considering the elevated cravings for spices due to physical exhaustion, this
turns out to be a huge disappointment. Water jugs if needs to be recharged,
should be done here at the snack shack for there is no human soul present once
you initiate your Karnala Fort trek.
Overall the experience is quite uplifting for it makes one contemplate how easy
it would have been if we were not caught up with daily human jargon. It does
make one realize that it is acceptable to let the clock tick slowly, for a
change. Our priorities are just based on luxuries, and unlike Nature we never
let things go in the flow.
Just keep walking, and the answers will
eventually follow.
Best way to go to Karnala Bird Sanctuary:
1. Trains available
from Wadala Road to Panvel railway station. Once at Panvel station, walk out towards Panvel West and once in the main road,
ask for "Chinchwan" sharing.
2. There are plenty of
six seated auto rickshaws for Chinchwan
which allow sharing for a maximum of 10 rupees per person. Once at Chinchwan main road, there are frequent
six seated auto rickshaws who will drop you at Karnala Bird Sanctuary for 20 rupees per person.
3. You can directly
book six seated auto rickshaw to Karnala
Bird Sanctuary for 250 rupees from Panvel.
4. It is highly
advisable to leave the sanctuary premises at the best before 3 p.m.. Six seated
sharing auto rickshaws are not frequent after 3 p.m..
5. Alternative is to
have a private vehicle which is a viable option.
- @siddheshgarg
