10 Places to Visit in Panvel, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Tourist Places in Panvel

Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Beth El Synagogue, Ballaleshwar Mandir, Adai Waterfalls, Khandeshwar Shiva Temple, Shivganga Waterpark and Resort and Kalavantin Durg.

Thinking of places to visit in Panvel? You will be amazed at the surprises that this unassuming place can throw at you. Panvel has an underrated but extremely interesting roadmap for travel enthusiasts with endless options to choose from. From the ancient 400-year-old Ballaleshwar Hindu Temple to one of the few Jewish synagogues in the country, the place is dotted with magnificent architecture.

Surrounded by the majestic Sahyadri mountain ranges, you will find an amazing bird sanctuary and a 12th-century fort. Panvel houses Kalavantin Durg, which is one of the most intriguing and challenging trekking locations in the country. There are plenty of natural escapades like Adai waterfalls to let you take a break from the crowds and noise of the city. For those travelling with children, there is the famous Shivganga Waterpark with exciting rides and fun for the whole family. Here is a list of some of the best places that you can visit on your next trip to Panvel to come back with unforgettable memories.

Here is the list of best places to visit in Panvel:

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If you are a nature lover, this bird sanctuary will be the best Panvel tourist place for you for its admirable assortment of exotic plants and over 200 species of native & migratory birds. You can choose from interesting trails like Hariyal and Mortaka nature trails to sight birds like Malabar Lark, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Slaty Legged Crake, etc. Over 30 varieties of migratory birds like Bluethroat, Ashy Minivet, and Red-breasted Flycatcher visit the sanctuary each year.

Don’t miss to see the colourful butterflies as you walk amidst the beautiful wilderness. If you visit during the monsoons, you can see many small ravines bubbling over with water accentuating the beauty of the sanctuary much more. The sanctuary also houses the ancient 12th-century Karnala Fort, which is a must-visit.

Essential information:


Location: Karnala Village, Raigad District, Maharashtra.

Best time: July- August, and October- February.

Timings: Every day 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: Entry fee per person: Rs. 35, Camera charges: Rs. 100
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This 12th-century monument, also known as the Funnel Fort due to its intriguing shape, is located inside the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The two-level fort is historically important and has passed hands between Gujarat forces, Portuguese, Shivaji Maharaj, and the British. Being surrounded by lush hills and dense foliage, the place is a very popular trekking location and also one of the best places to visit in Panvel.

You can sight birds like Racket-tailed Drongo, Magpie Robin, and Malabar Whistling Thrush, Cattle Egret, etc. as you trek right inside the forest. Once you reach the summit at around 1500 ft above the sea level, don’t miss to see the 125 feet high watchtower, albeit in ruins now. There are beautiful Persian, Marathi, and Mughal era inscriptions on the walls and gates of the fort. There is also an ancient Bhavani Temple at the bottom of the fort, which should not be missed. 

Essential information:


Location: The fort is located inside Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Village, Raigad District, Maharashtra.

Best Time: October- April.

Timings: Every day 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Entry fee per adult: Rs. 30, Camera charges: Rs. 100.
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What  seems to be an unassuming place from the outside, is actually an iconic 18th-century worship place for the Jewish community in the area. One of the few places in the country credited for keeping the Jewish traditions alive, it is one of the best places to visit in Panvel. Stepping inside the synagogue is like taking a step back in time.

The halls are adorned with antique hanging oil lamps, long wooden benches, high ceilings, marble slabs, and Mangalore tiles. This is one of the few places where the rabbi reads out the holy Torah in Hebrew, the native language of the Jews. People also like to visit an old cemetery with walking distance with tombstones dating back to the early 18th century.

Essential information:


Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mominpada, Old Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Best Time: Can be visited any time of the year.

Timings: Open every day.

Price: No entry fee.
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Built more than 400 years ago, Ballaleshwar Temple is an important religious landmark for Hindus. This is the only temple in the country dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which is named after his devotee Ballaleshwar and houses his statue. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra. The architecture and design of the temple is extremely unique and ensures that the rising sun’s rays fall directly on the main idol each day. 

There are two sanctums, eight pillars signifying the eight directions, a mountain-shaped idol of Lord Ballaleshwar, and those of Riddhi and Siddhi inside the temple. Don’t miss to see the churning wheel that was used in the initial construction, bells specially made in Europe, and bathing utensils like Ghanghal, Chaurang, and Zumber. There are beautiful lakes at a walking distance from the temple. The temple comes alive during the festivals of Holi, Shravan, Magh, and Bhadrapad. 

Essential information:


Location: Near Dhootpapeshwar, HOC Colony, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Best Time: The temple can be visited anytime between 5:30 am to 10:00 pm. 

Timings: Every day 5:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Price: There is no entry fee.
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One of the best places to visit in Panvel for a day of thrill, action, and nonstop fun for the entire family, Shivganga Waterpark and Resort has something for everybody. Enjoy rides like Swing Chair, Breakdance, Sun Moon, Wavepool, Tube slide, etc. Cool off as you rain dance at the waterpark or take a relaxing dip in the huge swimming pool here. 

There is a beautiful garden here popular for its grass sculptures and colourful flowering beds. The Shiv Temple inside the waterpark is quite popular and visited by people from all over Maharashtra. The resort has luxurious rooms to let you spend time away from the chaos of the city as you enjoy your time here. 

Essential information:


Location: Shiv Mandir, Somatne, Panvel, Mumbai.

Best Time: Can be visited any time of the year. 

Timings: Every day 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Rs. 1003/- per person.
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This temple occupies an important place in Hindu worship and has been revered by people since decades. People visit from all over Maharashtra to ask for blessings and thanksgiving. The stone-built temple has beautiful architecture and peacefully serene environs seeped in prayers and soothing bell tinkles. 

It is just a stone’s throw away from the Khandeshwar Lake and is surrounded by luxuriant greenery. This temple is one of the best places to visit in Panvel on a weekend to spend a day with the family away from the busy city life. 

Essential information:


Location: Khandeshwar Lake Road, New Panvel East, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. 

Best Time: Can be visited anytime of the year. 

Timings: Every day 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: There is no entry fee.
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One of the best places to let you escape from the crowded cities, Adai Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Panvel. It is a great place to spend the day surrounded by sounds of rushing water, lush greenery, and birdsong. 

The falls are reachable after a short hike, which is quite enjoyable in itself. There is a plunge pool at the bottom of the falls perfect for a cool relaxing dip after the hike. The temperatures here are said to be a couple of degrees lower than the rest of the city due to the greenery around. The waterfalls are at their voluminous best during the monsoon season enveloped in silvery mist and the earthy fragrance of wet mud. 

Essential information:


Location: Adai, New Panvel, Maharashtra. 

Best Time: July to August.

Timings: Accessible at all times.

Price: There is no entry fee. 
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Located next to Prabalgad Fort, Kalavantin Durg was used as a watchtower during the 18th century to protect the fort from attacks. Located at around 2000 ft. above sea level, it is a popular trekking location and amongst the most intriguing places to visit in Panvel.

The trek to the fortress is considered to be amongst one of the most dangerous in the country. This is beacuse the steep gradient, almost at an angle of 90-degrees, has no guardrails to hold onto while trekking up, and rocky terrain, it is often referred to as one of the most dangerous fortresses in the country. 

Once you reach the summit after the ‘Climb to Heaven’, as the trek is called you will be treated to breath-taking views of surrounding Sahyadri mountain ranges enveloped in misty greenery and cool crisp air. However, make sure to trek only with experienced people and avoid trekking during rains, which make the steps slippery. 

Essential information:


Location: Prabalmachi, Raigad District, Maharashtra. 

Best Time: October-May.

Timings: 5:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Price: Trek cost per person: Rs. 820.
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People Also Ask About Panvel

  1. Which are the best forts near panvel?

    1. Kalavantin Durg: The Kalavantin Durg is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Panvel as this fortress used to be an 18th century watchtower. The fortress is a dangerous one as there are no guardrails to hold during treks and has a steep gradient. However the trek to reach the summit is called “Climb to heaven” because you are treated to breathtaking views of the misty greens and surrounding Sahyadri Mountains.

    2. Prabalgad: Located at an elevation of 700 meters above the sea-level on a plateau, the Prabalgad Fort is one of the remarkable places to visit in Panvel as it is covered in a blanket of green thickets. The fort has great historical significance as it served as a watchtower providing sights of the Kalyan and Irshalgad forts.

    3. Karnala: Also known as the Funnel Fort because of its intriguing shape, this 12th century monument is nestled within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Therefore, you can catch the sightings of birds like Cattle egret, racket-tailed Drongo, and Magpie Robin. This two-level fort is a popular location for trekking being surrounded by dense foliage and lush hills.

    4. Manikgad: Located atop a hill in the village of Manikgad, the Manikgad fort is one of the notable places to visit near Panvel. With a height of 1878 feet this fort is impregnable from three sides. On reaching the fort you will find a Ganesha carving on the gate and commanding views of the surrounding valley with Prabalgad and Karnala forts.

    5. Sanksi: Sanksi Fort located within the Nandivali Village is one of the iconic places to visit near Panvel. It is the mind boggling history of the fort that makes tourists frequent it. Legend has it that a Sank king built the fort and after he died in the battle his daughter jumped from the fort committing suicide. Reaching the top of the fort is tiresome because there are no proper steps or gate on the fort. However the panoramic view of the greenery around on reaching the fort’s top, is spectacular.
  2. Which are the best places to visit near Panvel?

    1. Khandeshwar Shiva Temple: The famous Hindu shrine Khandeshwar Shiva Temple in Panvel is renowned for its unparalleled aura and is known to wipe out all miseries of its devotees. Every year during the Mahashivratri, the temple is intricately decorated and tourists come here to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

    2. Shivganga Waterpark and Resort: If you seek nonstop fun, action and thrill then you must come to the Shivganga Waterpark and Resort to have a whale of time enjoying rides like wave pool, sun moon, tube slides and swing chair.

    3. Adai Waterfalls: If you are looking forward to peaceful vibes galore and tranquility then leave your city hustles behind and head over to the Adai waterfalls nestled amidst nature’s lap. Take a plunge into the small pool under the fall, splash water and click pictures with your loved ones.

    4. Beth El Synagogue Panvel: Decorated with white marbles and Dholpuri tiles the Beth El Synagogue in Panvel is a 165 years old synagogue that is frequented by visitors from all over the world. On entering the synagogue you feel the sacredness, tranquility and peace of the place.

    5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary: Covered in deciduous trees the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to 134 species of birds of which 38 unique species of the birds migrate to the place during November to April. You can come here to make the most of the jungle’s panoramic views and witness the different kinds of medicinal plants and vegetation growing here.
  3. Which are the best places to visit in Panvel in monsoon?

    1. Karnala Bird Sanctuary: Located within the confines of the Karnala Fort, this popular destination for hikers and bird watchers is a delight to visit during monsoons. You can spot the sightings of several bird species like small sunbird, blue-winged Malabar Parakeet and Malabar Lark.

    2. Manikgad Fort: Located atop a hill in the Manikgad village, the Manikgad fort offers majestic views of the beautiful valley surrounding the fortress, during monsoons.

    3. Prabalgad Fort: To forget the exhausting city-life you must head to this offbeat retreat of Prabalgad Fort in monsoons only to witness the lush greenery of the Prabalgad terrain and the vivid sights of the drenched forts of Kalyan and Irshalgad.

    4. Karnala Fort: Surrounded by dense foliage and lush hills the historically significant Funnel Fort ought to be on your list of must-visit places during monsoons. During the rainy season you can catch the sightings of birds like Malabar Whistling Thrush and many more.
  4. How far is Karnala bird sanctuary from Panvel?

    The Karnala bird Sanctuary is 12.2 kilometers away from Panvel if you are traveling via NH66. It will take around 17-20 minutes to reach the sanctuary via the NH-66 highway.
  5. How far is Lonavala from Panvel?

    Lonavla is 50 kilometers away from Panvel. If you are travelling via Bengaluru - Mumbai Highway - Pandharpur Road/Mumbai - Pune Highway /Mumbai - Pune Expressway then it will take 1 hour 5 minutes to reach Lonavala from Panvel.
  6. What are the best activities and attractions in Australia that you can book via Thrillophilia?

Newly Added Panvel Experience

Panvel Travel Guides

Excellent
Amazing experience.. Must visit
04 December 2020
Excellent
Well organised trek. The trek can be taken up by beginners as well as long time trekkers, and the view is really beautiful. Food was tasty and authentic. The rock climb at the end was awesome. ????????
22 March 2020
Excellent
Best Trekking experience in Maharashtra till date. Prabalmachi is a beautiful place and we suggest all our friends go there once. It had everything a photographer, adventure lover or natural lover wishes for. We had recorded the entire journey and people loved it. Amazing views of the greenery, mountains and flora and fauna. The star looks amazing in a clear environment. Highly recommended!!!
13 January 2020
Excellent
Our experience of trekking till Pinnacle was exciting and we had so much fun. The views from the Pinnacle are worth the efforts we put to climb till there. The panoramic views of the mountains are breathtaking and we had captured so many pictures of the place.
07 January 2020
Excellent
I am thankful to the thrillophilia team for arranging such a beautiful trekking experience to the abandoned place of Maharashtra. The views of the mountains are breathtaking from the top and the campsite was in a wide open area for stargazing.
02 March 2021
Excellent
Excellent trek. Organised well
27 February 2021
Superb
Great experience.
19 January 2021
Excellent
Small campsite with big welcome!.I have never been to a campsite before and loved the enduring charm.It is relaxed site, where nothing is too much trouble for the hosts, who make you feel the part of the family.The setting is stunning with views to the Pyrenees and campfire stage set for a fun and memorable night.
29 December 2020
Excellent
It was an experience for a life time, our trek guides were very professional and took great care of the group. For anybody planning next, you are definitely in for memories that will always bring a smile on your face. Thank you for making it happen.
07 December 2020
Superb
I had a wonder experience with my family. I especially liked the arrangements that were made. The food that was served was one of the best though from a local vendor. Punctuality is one thing that the guides can focus on. Because we got up late, there was a lot of rush on the top. But overall it was an amazing experience. Thoroughly enjoyed.

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