Near Karjat Chowk Phata, Sondai Fort Trek 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 guard trade routes, Sondai Fort Karjat was utilised as a watchtower. The Sondai fort’s base villages are Sondewadi and Waverley.
The settlement of Sondewadi is located at a quarter of the height of the Fort. On the uppermost peak, where a statue of Sondai Devi sits, there are two water reservoirs and steps fashioned out of rocks. Two additional water cisterns with potable water are on the way. Waverle is another settlement from where the access to the fort is a bit difficult due to the extensive woodland. An iron ladder, Sondai hike, has been erected. It has made the ascent to the peak to seek Sondai Devi temple’s blessing safer for both hikers and pilgrims.
EXTRA INFORMATION–
The Sondai hike is somewhat challenging. Sondai’s base village is Sondewadi in the Karjat region. Sondai Fort may be climbed in as little as 2 hours. 1 day duration HISTORY- The Sondai Fort was created as a watchtower to keep an eye on the surrounding lands. The location of a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Sondai at the peak of the mountain gives it its name. Because the temple has no structural construction, the tree above it is considered its wall.
GEOGRAPHY–
The Sondai fort walk is a modest hill fort excursion that is more of a watchtower, situated at a height of 365 metres. Sondewadi and Wavarle, two villages, are located near the fort. The settlement of Sondewadi is about a quarter of a mile from the fort. The Morba Dam, Prabalgad, Songiri, Rajmachi, and Irshal forts, as well as the Matheran mountain range, may all be seen from the peak of the Sondai Fort. On the fort, there are four water tanks, two of which offer drinkable water. On the summit of the fort, there is even an idol of Sondai Devi, and the stairs to get there are carved out of stones. To make the ascent simpler, the people have erected two ladders. The first ladder leads to two cisterns, while the second leads straight to the summit.
THE TRAIL–
The Sondai fort walk is a moderately difficult path that takes around an hour to complete. During the monsoon, the route gets a little more difficult since the rock steps become slick. The fort may be reached by two paths. One is from Sondewadi is preferred since the one from Wavarle has a more challenging approach because it travels through deep forested terrain.
HOW TO REACH–
When travelling by vehicle from Mumbai, take the Sion-Panvel Freeway or the Eastern Express Highway. Take the Mumbai-Pune Freeway from Pune to Khopoli, and then follow the Khopoli-Karjat route to Talawani. Trains are more convenient because direct trains run from Mumbai and Pune to Karjat. To go to Sondewadi’s base village, one may either take a 7-seater rickshaw called a tumtum or a ST bus.
THINGS TO SEE ON SONDAI FORT TREK–
Multiple Water Tanks are among the sights to be seen during the Sondai Fort Trek. Sondai Temple is dedicated to the goddess Sondai. There are two iron ladders. The Matheran Mountain Range may be seen in the distance. Morbe Dam is a dam in Morbe, Germany.
THINGS TO CARRY–
A third of a litre of water
Face mask or screen that fits properly.
Sanitizer. For the trek, I packed a lunch.
Trekking On a journey, shoes give additional traction and comfort.
20 to 30 litres for a one-day backpack
A good torch should come with an additional battery.
Dry fruits, dry snacks, and energy bars Sachets of Glucon D, ORS, Tang, and Gatorade.
Sunglasses and a hat. Personal First Aid and Personal Medicine are two things that you may do on your own.
Proof of your identity.
Please dress in full sleeves and track pants to protect yourself from the sun, thorns, insects, and prickles.
Rain is forecast, so prepare your luggage properly to avoid getting wet.
Plastic bags should be used to double-pack your valuables and phones.
If you don’t want to get wet, bring rainwear, ponchos, and waterproof jackets.
COVID GUIDELINES-
Please enhance your minimal physical fitness before arranging any adventure activity.
The majority of us have been confined to our homes during a lockdown.
Please inform Treks & Trails India about your current medical problems before registering for the event.
N95, please wear three-layered masks.
Keep an additional disposable mask on you at all times.
Before engaging with anyone, please make sure that all participants, leaders, employees, and general people are wearing masks.
Carry a hand wash and a sanitizer bottle with you, and wash your hands before touching food or items.
Wear full-sleeved shirts and slacks, hiking boots, hats, and a face bandana over your mask as a cover-up.
Exposure to the Covid19 virus can be reduced by covering up.
Bring food and drink, as well as utensils such as a utility cup, fork, and spoon.
Cooking, dining, and drinking water are all possible with your cup.
Please keep your reusable water bottles with you and do not share them with others.
