Hike to Sondai Fort: To release the lockdown stress

Hike to Sondai Fort: To release the lockdown stress 

HIKE TO SONDAI FORT

Sondai fort is less popular as compared to other hiking spots near the Karjat  region such as Peb fort, Irshalgad fort, Rajmachi, Kothaligad, etc. However, the fort offers 360-degree view of Matheran Hill ranges and an aerial view of the picturesque Morbe dam water reservoir. Sondai fort is a part of the Matheran hill ranges. There is no fortification on the top but it was used as a watchtower to protect the trade route. There is a small open temple where Goddess Sondai idols are placed under the tree. The name Sondai Fort derived its name from Sondai Devi. Local people worshiped the Sondai Devi and offer their prayers. There are three rock curved water cisterns at the fort. Sondai fort is a short hiking spot but it will give you a pleasant hiking experience for sure.

 

Trek Details:

 Type: Hill

Grade: Easy

Endurance level: Low

Climbing Time: 1 hr

Height: 1200 ft or 366 m

History: Watchtower

Best time: Monsoon & Winter

Base: Sondiwadi

Location: Raigad District of Maharashtra

 

               

                        Driving through the beautiful landscape

How to Reach Sondai Fort

Take early morning Karjat Fast local from Mumbai or Thane. There is no direct local Bus from Karjat to Sondiwadi(Base Village). However, there is ST bus or share Tum Tum available from Karjat to Borgoan Phata. (Rs 10 per head). You have to walk from Borgaon Phata to Sondiwadi station (5 Km). If you are in groups, I would suggest you book a vehicle till Sondewadi village in order to save your time and energy.  Sondiwadi is 9 km away from Karjat station. The most convenient way to reach Sondai fort is to come by private vehicle or motorcycle directly from Mumbai or Pune.

                      

                                              Sondiwadi Village

My Journey to Sondai Fort

I mostly prefer to Hike Sahyadri in Monsoon as the monsoon turns the Sahyadri Hills into lush green, as the whole biodiversity comes alive in rain. There are many seasonal sparkling waterfalls, new flowers bloom. Ascending the steep hill in rain never tires you, also the air is fragrant giving off an earthy aroma. Monsoon is the best time to explore Sahyadri hills.  Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. I could not do any monsoon trek this year. We are all on lockdown at our homes. Which is very frustrating and tiring? I have never ever stay indoors for such a long duration in my whole life but it became a necessity to stop the virus from spreading around. . However, unlock 5 has given us some hope to go back to hills before the green hill turns into brown. I desperately wanted to go back to the hills and spend some time in the lap of mother nature. This will only help me to rejuvenate myself. So I was looking for any groups or organizers to plan for any Sahyadri treks. Finally, one of my hiking partners has informed me about the Sondai Fort trek by Sahyadri Rangers. I immediately contact the trek organizer and confirm my seat. I did my most memorable and toughest Sahyadri Trek with them (AMK trek). Due to the termination of the local train service, the traveling becomes costly. So the best option is to join any group or trek organizers. We have around 21 hikers and organizers had arranged a minibus for us. I boarded the bus from Bhandup pumping station at 6.30 am. The organizer has checked my temperature and oxygen level. I was quite happy that they have some procedures in place to control the virus. The bus moved ahead towards Airoli to Vashi and finally to Karjat. We were served light breakfast on the way on the bus itself to save time.

Once we took the diversion from the Bourgeon Phata, we have to go off the main road. The road will take you through small villages and then have move parallel with the most picturesque Morbe dam. We can see Irshalgad and other Matheran hill ranges. The whole landscape was very beautiful and enchanting. Our plan is to spend some time near the Morbe Dam after the hike. So we went straight to Sondiwadi village. Always better to start your hike early to avoid the heat and the crowd.

               The roadside parking area and the actual hike start from here

There is no parking place in the base village. However, there is a roadside parking facility two miles away from the base village where the actual Sondai fort trek start. Our trek leader has bought the entry ticket for our group.  After the quick briefing round, we began our hike. Our group was well mixed with an experienced and novice hiker. But the majority of them were young.

                            The starting point of the Sondai  Fort Hike

The initial trail leads you to a pleasant walk of a muddy green forest route up to a plateau.

                      Diversion routes: Take a left route

 After a few minutes of walk from the starting point, the straight path is divided into two routes. One goes to the right side and one with the left. We have to take the Left route to reach the plateau. 

The indication is that you can see the Sondai fort on the left side from that point. 

                                                                         Plateau 

                                Refreshment Corner: Limbu Pani under Tree

There are local women selling limbo Paani and water bottle under the tree at the plateau. It is a good place to rest. We paused here some time to rest and my group took a nice group photo. I missed the group photo as I had to go with other friends as they have come of their own.  We moved ahead after a good rest. 

                                                   Short ascending portion

The actual climbing started from the plateau to the hilltop. It takes almost 45 minutes to reach the top of the plateau. 

                                         Slippery rock patches

There are few difficult rock patches on the way up to the top. Especially, it becomes very slippery during the monsoon, and is really difficult to cross it. Otherwise, the trail is well defined and no steep climbing is required till the top. 

                                                   Hike in progress

My group was enjoying the breath-taking views while ascending.  After gaining a little height, we get to see the Airel view of the Morbe dam and the surrounding areas. 

                                                    Beautiful landscape

We then reached near the two connected rock curved water cistern on the top. We paused here for some time and soaked ourselves with the most amazing views of a surrounding areas and the picturesque Morbe Dam.

                                                       Almost there

We move ahead towards the final leg of our journey that is the summit point. A short climb. 

 

                                           

                                                         The base of Sondai Fort

                                        Rock curved Water Cistern

                                                           Breathtaking view

There are three huge iron ladders to climb to reach the top of the Fort. The villagers had installed those ladders. It seems that earlier it was difficult to reach to the top as there was hardly any path except few rough rock curved steps. Now it’s very easy to reach to the top.

 

Summit point 

 We took lots of pictures while climbing ladders. Right after we climbed the second ladder, there was a small water cistern at the end of the second ladder.

                                                              Photogenic ladder

 The water is not drinkable. Before you touch the summit point, there is a flat rock stand exactly at the edge of the hill. It is called as the viewpoint. 

What a view

The most photographed point of Sondai fort. It gives a stunning view of the surrounding hills and plains from that point. 

Open temple on the top: Sondai Devi idol placed under the tree

Then comes a third ladder which helps you to reach the summit point.  There is a small open temple where the Idole of Sondai Devi was placed under the tree. We have to remove our shoes to offer our prayers.

There is enough space on the top to sit and rest. I sat with my friends and had our refreshments. My group also joined us after some time. We look round and soaked ourselves with 360-degree views of the Matheran Hill ranges and the aerial view of the Morbe Dam and the surrounding areas.  Looking at such a beautiful landscape is a big relief to my eyes as my eyes were strained due to too much screen time. It was such a refreshing moment to be with nature and every fresh air that I breathe goes to every part of my body and gives me energy. It was a real treat to my eyes and peace to my mind. We spent almost one hour on the top and finally, we began our return journey. The return journey is always quicker and easier. We touched the base within 30 minutes and reached near the Morbe Dam. As per our plan,

Picturesque Morbe Dam

 we hold beside the Morbe Dam and spent some time near the water reservoirs peacefully.  Swimming is not allowed but we dip our sweaty feet in the water and enjoyed the cool breeze. Though I have tried to describe lucidly everything about the Sondai fort and its trail in my blog. But I must suggest you watch my video to know the place and trails better. Don’t forget to press the like button and you can subscribe to my channel too for more such hiking videos.

 TIPS:

•     Wear a comfortable Hiking shoe is a must.
• Cap, UV sunglass, and sunscreen lotion is a must when you are visiting post-monsoon or in winter.  
• A good rain jacket is a must to protect yourself and your backpack if you are visiting in Monsoon.
• Carry At least 2-liter water bottles and some ready to eat snacks.
• Leave the trail, not the trash. Bring your trash back to the city and dispose of it in a dustbin. 
• Be sensitive towards villagers when you are interacting with them
• Respect the culture and beliefs of the local people
•  It is a very good trek for beginners.
• The best time to visit is Monsoon and September month.
• Sondai villagers can arrange food and transportation (back to Karjat station)
• No direct Bus facility from Karjat to Sondewadi
• Strongly recommend to book a direct cab or Tum Tum from Karjat to Sondewadi village. That will save your time and energy.

·       NOTE:   Due to Pandemic, All the base village is not inviting hikers inside their home to serve the food. So you better carry your own pack lunch and snacks. Even if you order lunch, we have to eat outside in the open space.