Karjat’s Sondai fort is a real gem. It is not a well-known place, but it will undoubtedly wow you! The Matheran range includes this Fort. It is one of the nicest treks to go on near Mumbai during the monsoon season. It takes 15-20 minutes to go to the plateau from Sonewadi base settlement. Water is stored in two adjacent cisterns. From here, we have a good view of Gavari Hill. After ascending the carved stairs, one can observe a dried cistern, as well as a ladder on the right side. Because the Sondai temple is considered sacred, visitors must remove their shoes before continuing their journey. Two cisterns can be seen after ascending the rock patch. After ascending the carved stairs, one can observe a dried cistern, as well as a ladder on the right side. Because the Sondai temple is considered sacred, visitors must remove their shoes before continuing their journey. After scaling the granite patch, one can see two cisterns, each with a massive pillar. The Matheran Mountain range may be seen clearly from the top. During the monsoon, expect green sceneries and even misty peaks!
Near Karjat Chowk Phata, Sondai is not a well-known fort. Karjat railway station is nine kilometres from Sondai Fort Trek. Morbe Dam, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, Songiri forts, Karnala Fort, and the Matheran mountain range can all be seen from here. To protect trade routes, Sondai Fort Karjat was utilised as a watchtower. The Sondai fort’s base villages are Sondewadi and Wavarle. The village of Sondewadi is located at a quarter of the height of the Fort.
On the uppermost point, where a statue of Sondai Devi stands, there’s many water cisterns and steps fashioned out of rocks. Two more freshwater cisterns with potable water are on the way. Waverle is another settlement from where the approach towards the fort is a bit difficult due to the extensive woodland. An iron ladder, Sondai hike, has been installed. It has made the ascent to the summit to seek Sondai Devi temple’s blessing safer for both hikers and pilgrims.
Details on the Sondai Trek:
Difficulty level of the Sondai trek: medium
Sondewadi Region: Karjat, Sondai’s base village
Sondai Fort takes a maximum of two hours to climb.
1 day’s duration
Sondai Trekking Fees:
Without transportation, the cost is Rs. 599/- per person.
The total cost, including transportation, is Rs. 1199/- per person.
Highlights
Water is held in three to four cisterns.
Sondai Devi Statue and a couple of carved idols put under a tree.
Beautiful and massive Matheran Mountain Range, which is a sight to behold during the monsoon season!
During the monsoons, the Morbe Dam provides an incredible vista.
The Vavarle Dam, which is retaining the monsoon rain water, is a sight to behold.
The following are the main attractions:
Sondai Devi Temple on Top Ladders to reach the peak Water Cisterns at the fort. Mesmerizing viewpoints of Morbe Dam and Matheran Distance Sondai Devi Temple on Top Ladders to reach the peak Water Cisterns at the fort.
Route to Sondai Fort
Small Plateau – Rock Patches – Small Plateau – First Iron Ladder – Second Iron Ladder – Sondai Fort Top Sondewadi village – Small Plateau – First Iron Ladder – Second Iron Ladder – Sondai Fort Top.
Itenary schedule which you can follow to enjoy the trek:
05:45 Meet at the main gate of the SGNP.
Leave at 05:55 for the Sondai walk.
06:15 Meet at the Andheri metro station stop WEH.
06:30 devour in Bandra’s Kalanagar stop (on the highway).
In 06:45 p.m., eat at the Sion station circle.
07:00 devour at Chembur’s Diamond Garden.
07:20 devour in Vashi, at Vashi Plaza, below the most bridge.
At 7:45 p.m., eat at McDonald’s in Kalamboli.
08:15 Karjat phata karjat phata karjat phata (Chowk)
09:00 Arrive at the base village for breakfast.
Start ascending at 09:30.
11:30 Climb to the highest point and explore.
Start descending at 13:00.
15:00 Arrive in the base village for lunch.
16:00 Begin the return journey to Mumbai.
Arrival in Andheri is expected to be about 20:00.
