Karura

Karura is a name used for several different subjects in geographical and mythological contexts. The most prominent use is Karura Forest Reserve, an urban forest on the northern edge of Nairobi, Kenya. The reserve is a protected area with rich biodiversity, streams, and woodland that supports hiking, birdwatching, and nature conservation. It serves as a local green space and a source of water catchment for the city, drawing visitors and researchers interested in its flora and fauna.

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Karura is a legendary bird-like being that is often equated with Garuda, the swift mount of the god Vishnu. In these traditions, Karura/Garuda is revered as a powerful, protected, and virtuous creature, appearing in myths, iconography, and devotional art. The figure is commonly associated with strength, speed, and protection, and is depicted in various forms across temples and scriptures.

Because the name Karura appears in different languages and cultural spheres, it can refer to both a real geographic site and mythological subjects. The two uses described above represent its most widely recognized associations in contemporary references: a notable urban nature reserve in East Africa and a prominent legendary bird in South Asian religious traditions.