Karnala Fort Hike
A one-day trek into history & nature — just outside Mumbai.
Age group
7-17 Years
Duration
1 Day
Distance
7 Km
Location
Maharashtra
Fee
On Enquiry
Overview
Step Into the Wild: History, Birds & Bold Adventures Await
Just 90 minutes from Mumbai, nestled in the lush Western Ghats, lies Karnala Bird Sanctuary — a hidden ecological and historical gem that’s perfect for a one-day adventure. Towering trees, winding forest trails, and over 200 species of birds set the stage for an unforgettable journey into nature. Rising above the canopy is the ancient Karnala Fort, whose quiet ruins whisper tales of Maratha valor, colonial intrigue, and centuries past.
But this isn’t just a sightseeing trip — it’s an experiential journey designed for students and their parents. The trek offers more than just scenic beauty; it opens doors to learning, bonding, and discovery. Along the 7 km round-trip hike, participants get to observe native birds, explore rugged terrain, and reflect on the stories etched in stone. Every step is guided by outdoor educators who bring geography, history, and ecology alive — right in the middle of the forest.
Whether it’s your first time on a trail or you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this outing challenges the body, stimulates the mind, and connects you with the spirit of the outdoors. This is your chance to escape screen-time and comfort zones — and instead, embrace the real classroom of life: nature.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:00 am | Departure from Avalon Heights School (AC bus transport provided) |
| 08:00 am | Arrival at Karnala Bird Sanctuary + Light breakfast |
| 08:30 am | Equipment check, group circle, trek briefing, trail instructions |
| 09:00 am | Begin trek through the sanctuary → Enroute to Karnala Fort |
| 09:00–12:30 | Guided hike with group and individual experiences, birdwatching, storytelling |
| 12:30 pm | Packed lunch + refreshments in nature |
| 01:30 pm | Begin descent, wind down trek |
| 03:00 pm | End of hike + Reflection and debriefing session |
| 04:00 pm | Depart from Karnala |
| 05:00 pm | Return to school, full circle of the experience |
Learning Beyond Classrooms
At Karnala, the trail is the teacher, and every step is a lesson in awareness, resilience, and curiosity. Our program intentionally blends physical exploration with intellectual and emotional growth — across disciplines.
This isn’t just a hike — it’s a living classroom where history, geography, ecology, and psychology come alive through real-world observation, interaction, and reflection.
What Children Learn During the Day
Indian & Maharashtrian History
Explore the ruins of Karnala Fort, a sentinel from the era of the Maratha Empire.
Trace its role in the Indus Valley to British era, understanding shifts in power and architecture.
Connect historical narratives to real physical locations.
Geography & Earth Sciences
Read topographic maps and contour lines to understand elevation and terrain.
Learn about Western Ghats geology — from basalt rock formations to natural landforms.
Observe how monsoons shape ecology and trail conditions.
Ornithology (Study of Birds)
Spot native and migratory bird species within one of Maharashtra’s richest avian habitats.
Learn about bird behavior, habitats, and seasonal patterns.
Explore how human activity impacts natural ecosystems.
Psychological & Social Growth
Build leadership and teamwork through shared group responsibilities.
Foster self-reliance and resilience through physical exertion.
Strengthen empathy, camaraderie, and reflective thinking in nature.
Why It Matters
Studies have shown that outdoor education boosts confidence, enhances memory retention, and builds life-long learning skills. At Karnala, students don’t just read history or science — they live it.
Inclusions
Transportation to and from School in an air-conditioned bus
Breakfast, snacks, and lunch (nutritious, child-friendly meals)
Filtered drinking water refills (participants must bring their own bottles)
Services of certified mountaineering and trekking instructors
Presence of experiential learning facilitators and local guides
Entry fees to Karnala Bird Sanctuary
First aid support and safety equipment
Structured reflection and debrief sessions during the program
Exclusions
Personal trekking gear (e.g., shoes, clothing, cap, sunglasses)
Water bottles, tiffin boxes, and backpacks
Any purchases outside of the provided meals or program
Personal medications, if any
Mobile phone usage or digital entertainment (we recommend disconnecting to fully engage)
Our 3 Pillars of Outdoor Safety
1. People
All programs are led by certified mountaineers and wilderness educators.
Instructor-to-child ratio of 1:4, ensuring personal attention.
Team trained in high-altitude medicine, CPR, and rescue techniques.
Female instructors and mental health–sensitive facilitators always included.
2. Process
Pre-trek briefings on trail etiquette, hydration, sun protection, and wildlife awareness.
Group check-ins at regular intervals to monitor physical and emotional states.
Emergency evacuation plan in place with clear chain-of-command structure.
3. Equipment
Modern communication tools, first-aid kits, and backup provisions on every outing.
Strict checks on shoes, water, sun protection, and other gear before the trek.
Locally supported logistics and coordination with park authorities.
How To Register
Dates
This program is customised for schools and curated groups. Dates are flexible and can be tailored based on your academic calendar or travel window.
Program Fee – Available on Enquiry
The fee includes everything — from guided activities and accommodation to all meals, local transport, facilitators, and safety support. Refer to the Inclusions section for full details of what’s covered.
To Register or Know More
Call or WhatsApp us on +91-9871320753 or +91-81420-01966. Our team will be happy to guide you through the next steps, answer any final questions, and help you customise the experience for your school or group.
Something Else In Mind?
We get it — adventures should feel personal. We’re here to co-create a version of this journey that feels right for you.
Start on your preferred dates
Custom inclusions & stay options
Tweak the itinerary or route
Plan a private group experience
Fill out the form or drop us an email at mail@outdoorwhisperer.com with your questions & requirements, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For a quicker response, feel free to reach us directly at +91-8285967537.
Send Us Your Query
Why Outdoor Whisperer?
We design outdoor learning journeys that go far beyond sightseeing or tourism. At Outdoor Whisperer, each experience is carefully built to support student growth, school values, and long-lasting learning outcomes — with emotional safety, professionalism, and educational clarity at the core.
Founder-led Journeys
Each journey is personally led by our founding team — ensuring consistent mentorship and on-ground presence throughout the program.
Flexible Group Size
Whether it’s a smaller group or large, we adapt structure, and facilitation to suit the size — while preserving quality of experience and personal attention.
Designed With Heart
Each program is paced to match student energy, with time for rest, journaling, quiet observation, and open sharing — not just back-to-back activity.
Safety Comes First
Our team is certified in first aid, safety, and mountaineering — equipped with calm leadership, essential gear, and field-tested experience.
Clear Communication
Pre-program briefings ensure parents and teachers are informed, prepared, and reassured — from logistics to learning goals.
Collaborative Approach
We work with schools as partners, not clients — offering honest communication, fair pricing, and programs aligned with your values.
What To Pack?
What to Bring for Two Days in the Wild
To help your child stay comfortable, safe, and fully engaged, please ensure the following essentials are packed. Avoid sending expensive or unnecessary items — the goal is to stay light, functional, and nature-ready.
Clothing
One dry-fit T-shirt (extra recommended during monsoons)
Trek/track/cargo pants (comfortable and suitable for movement)
High-ankle trekking shoes or sturdy running shoes (no sandals or slippers)
Lightweight raincoat or poncho (during monsoon season)
Cap or hat for sun protection
Personal Essentials
Two water bottles (1 liter each minimum)
Tiffin box (for packed lunch and snacks)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Small hand towel or napkin
Individual medications, if needed
Personal hygiene items (if required)
Bag
Small backpack (20–30 liters) with comfortable shoulder straps
Waterproof cover for bag (optional but recommended during monsoons)
Please Do Not Bring
Electronics (mobile phones, tablets, games)
Expensive items (watches, jewellery, etc.)
Junk food, fizzy drinks, or chocolates
Knives or sharp tools of any kind
Common Questions
Children aged 8 to 16 years can join. Activities are age-appropriate and designed to include a mix of physical engagement, culture, nature learning, and reflection.
The program is held in Kakkabe, Coorg, with participants staying in a scenic, forest-facing bungalow. It starts and ends in Mysore.
It runs from 4th June to 7th June — a 4-day, 3-night residential experience.
Each batch is capped at 12 to 15 children, ensuring small-group learning, focused attention, and a safe, community-driven environment.
The program is designed and led by Outdoor Whisperer’s trained facilitators, with experience in outdoor education, youth mentorship, and experiential learning.
Children are accompanied at all times by facilitators and support staff. Group sizes are small, allowing close observation and quick assistance when needed.
A vehicle is on standby 24/7 for emergencies. The team carries a well-equipped first aid kit and is trained in basic emergency response.
Yes. Female facilitators are present throughout the program, ensuring comfort and support for girl participants.
Where required, we use UIAA-certified gear and follow strict safety protocols. The environment is low-risk but managed professionally.
No swimming in deep water. All stream dips and water play are shallow, supervised, and risk-assessed.
Schools/Families can bring children to Mysore by bus, train, or flight. From there, Outdoor Whisperer handles all local transport.
You will receive a detailed reporting time and location upon registration. Generally, arrival is expected by mid-morning on Day 1.
Children stay at Blyton Bungalow, a comfortable, forest-facing home with clean rooms, neat bathrooms, and shared occupancy.
Participants are served fresh homestyle vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, plus fruits, snacks, and milk at regular intervals.
Yes — please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions. We will try our best to accommodate reasonable dietary needs.
Each day includes a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, hands-on tasks, and group reflection. The pace balances movement with downtime.
They’ll learn about self-reliance, teamwork, biodiversity, local cultures, and how to live mindfully in nature. The learning is subtle, powerful, and experience-driven.
Yes — it connects meaningfully with the NEP’s vision for experiential, integrated learning across history, environment, art, and life skills.
No. The program is completely screen-free. Children are encouraged to be fully present with their environment and peers.
That’s completely okay. The program is structured to support all temperaments. Small group sizes and gentle facilitation help every child feel included and respected.
Basic participant information, a medical declaration, and consent form will be required before the program begins.