When Is The Best Time To Do Beautiful Sondai Fort Trek?

Iron ladder view from the top 

When Is The Best Time To Do the Beautiful Sondai Fort Trek?

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, encompass a vast mountain range. Sondai Fort is one of the notable locations within this area, and the Sondai Fort trek is a popular activity for adventurers. Situated in the hill range of Matheran, Karjat, in Maharashtra, India, Sondai derives its name from the goddess Sondai Devi, who is believed to be enshrined at the top of the mountain. 

The base village for this trek is Sondewadi. It is important to note that Sondai is not actually a fort, but rather was used as a watchtower to oversee the surrounding area. While it is a lesser-known location in the Sahyadri range, its beauty is magnified by its proximity to several other forts, including Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, and Karnala, as well as the stunning Matheran hill range. 

The view of the breathtaking Morbe Dam from the summit is an additional highlight of the Sondai Fort trek. Although this trek is considered easy for beginners, it offers its own adventures and, like other forts, has a story to share. How to Reach Sondai Fort

One can manage to reach Sondewadi village, which is the base village to reach the summit point.

By Air

There is no direct connectivity to reach this place. The nearest airports are Mumbai International and Pune Airport. From the airport, one can take a self-driving car or opt for taking local transport like a bus or train to reach the base village.

By Train

Karjat railway station on the central line of Mumbai is the nearest railhead to reach the base village of Sondewadi. If you are coming from the Pune side, then alight at Karjat, Sondewadi is 9 km further from Karjat station. Pune-Karjat connectivity is easily accessible. After alighting at Karjat station, walk further for 5 min and take 6 6-seater auto till the base village. Auto is preferable when you are in a group. If you are on a budget to travel, then take a bus from Karjat Chowk to Borgaon Phata. Sondewadi is a further 3 km walk along the side of Morbe Dam.

By Road

A self-driving vehicle is always preferable when it comes to trekking to any fort in Maharashtra. One can take own car or bike to Sondewadi village. Enough parking space is available at the base. From Mumbai to Pune old highway, one has to take a left towards Karjat, next to Chowk Phata. Village roads are in bad condition that driving, but still you can manage to reach here.

My Trekking Experience

It all began in Mumbai when my friend and I were discussing the need to take a break from our routine lives. The stress of our jobs pushed me to plan an adventure—something that would allow me to immerse myself in the beauty of a new place and experience what I truly enjoy. With limited time available, I searched for a location that wasn’t too far from home, and Sondai Fort Trek emerged as the best option. I had heard of this place before, and it was already on my bucket list.

As I scrolled through Google for more information about Sondai Fort, I discovered it was less about the fort itself and more about the adventure of trekking; thankfully, it was an easy trek. Nestled in the Matheran Mountain range, the magnificent structure of the fort was simply breathtaking. Since I live in Navi Mumbai, the distance to Sondai Fort was no more than 35 km, making it an accessible getaway for me.

I must thank Google Maps for directing me towards an exquisite hidden trek. Like other treks, I preferred to travel on my bike, because it not only gives a comfort level but also saves time. As decided along with my friend Mady reached the village of Sondewadi at 11 am and parked the bike near the entrance point of the fort. Driving towards the base village, the view of the beautiful Morbe Dam will leave you wandering. The Dam view here magnetizes all travelers. One can get engaged in clicking some pictures and making some videos of it. Drive further 3 minutes ahead of Sondewadi village, there is a small opening on the right side that starts through the rocks. This narrow opening is the starting point of the Sondai fort trek. Once you reach near to Dam, take the help of locals to find the starting point of the trek. Remember, there is no marking on the road; one has to take the help of locals for the initial route.

Morbe Dam view on the route to Sondewadi village. It also has enough space for camping.

Road to Sondai Fort trek from Sondewadi village

Once you reach the starting point, cross small water streams and follow the same route. The trail is narrow and straight, with small rocks scattered throughout. During the monsoon season in the Sahyadri Mountains, a variety of colorful flowers bloom, creating a beautiful landscape. Dense trees line both sides of the route. You can get your first glimpse of the fort right from the starting point. After a 20-minute walk, a small flat plateau opens up, and the summit becomes clearly visible from there.

Sondai Fort view from the base of the trekking route

One has to cross this rocky terrain with lush greenery on both sides. 

Trekking trail at Sondai Fort trek

The left direction from the plateau leads towards your destination. The path is a steep ascent that takes you through the forest. The routes are straightforward and easy to navigate. A jungle trek and hiking through the forest always sounds like the ultimate adventure. These natural terrains should be preserved and kept free of litter. 

After another 30-minute ascent, you will reach a small plateau that offers stunning views of the Morbe Dam and Sondewadi village. This plateau also provides a beautiful panorama of the Matheran range. However, the trek doesn't end there; you must also navigate another small mountain that features an adventurous iron ladder. Yes, you heard that right! There is a steep ascent of nearly 100 feet, and the ladder is the only means to cross this distance. There are no other routes except for the iron ladder. Similar ladder treks can be found at Kalsubai and Sudhagad.

Steep ascending to climb towards the summit of Sondai.

Surrounding view of the Sondai Fort trek

Ladder route to climb the Sondai Fort

Adventurous Iron ladder at Sondai Fort 

This railing has been placed next to an Iron ladder for safety purposes. Beside this railing, there is a small water cistern (It is not advised to drink water)

The valley on the right side looks quite intimidating, so it's essential to exercise caution while ascending the ladder section. You need to cross a distance of 100 feet using this ladder. There's a small water body next to the ladder; however, the water is not drinkable. A key safety rule is that only one person should climb the iron ladder at a time—any mistake could be fatal.

After successfully crossing the first ladder, you will come across another water cistern, which has a small railing installed next to it for safety. An additional iron ladder, about 15 feet high, will then lead you closer to your destination. This spot offers a great opportunity for some scenic photos, as it provides a beautiful view.

The summit is still ahead. After about 5 more minutes of climbing, you will reach the final destination, which features a small, intricately carved temple dedicated to the lord. You'll be greeted by fresh air and stunning views of Morbe Dam and the surrounding mountain range. The entire trek takes approximately one and a half hours to reach the summit point. It's beginner-friendly, so there's no need to worry. Be sure to take a long break at the summit to truly appreciate the breathtaking view.

Lord idol carved in the stone at the summit of the Sondai Fort

Surrounding view of Sondai Fort

Glimpse of Morve Dam from the top of the Fort

Ideal Time to Do This Trek

Sondai Fort trek is one of the best one-day treks near Mumbai. The ideal time to embark on this trek is during the monsoon season, from mid-June to September. During this period, you can encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna along the route, as well as a wide variety of flowers. A shimmering waterfall adds to the adventure, making your trek truly memorable. However, it's important to exercise extra caution during the monsoon, as the rocks can become slippery.

Winter is also a pleasant time for trekking, especially for those who enjoy camping. The optimal months for trekking and camping are from October to February. Near Morbe Dam, there is a small plateau that offers ample opportunities for travelers looking to camp and enjoy a bonfire. There is enough space near the dam for pitching tents, and you can choose to camp on the plateau or at the summit point. Camping at the fort is completely safe, but you should bring your own camping equipment.

You will find very few trekkers between March and May. During these months, the sun heats up the rocks, causing rapid dehydration, so summer is not a preferred time for trekking.

Stay and Food Option at Trekking Point

There are no hotels or resorts near the base village, so individuals planning to stay overnight need to make their own arrangements. Tents can be pitched at the summit or along the route. For hotel accommodations, travelers can go 10 kilometers to Karjat, where a range of economical hotels and resorts are available. Camping is also permitted next to the dam.

Please note that there are no food counters in the village or on the fort, so it’s advisable to bring your own food.

Other Places to Visit around Sondai Fort

Karjat, being close to Mumbai, is a favorite hangout for many trekkers. 

- **Rajmachi**: This historical fort is located in the Sahyadri Mountain range. The trek to Rajmachi involves a steep yet adventurous ascent to the fort. 

- **Peb Fort**: Situated 19 km from Karjat, Peb Fort is known for being an easy trek that offers a stunning view of the Ganesh Idol, which is a statue of Lord Ganesh carved on the edge of a mountain. 

- **Dhak Bahiri**: This destination is more about exploring the caves carved into the mountains than a traditional fort trek. It is considered one of the toughest treks in the Sahyadri region.

Irshalgad- It is the pinnacle of the stone ruins of the fort. The summit of the fort offers a beautiful view of Morbe Dam.

Things to Know before You Visit Sondai Fort Trek

• Remember to carry your own water bottles and food, there are no sources at the village or on route.
• Trek is more into the rocks, so carry better gripping shoes that can support your ankle, too.
• You just need to follow human made trail that can take you to the summit.
• There is one more route to the Sondai Fort trek, but the Sondewadi village route is most easiest. 

•  If you are visiting for camping purposes, then better to carry your own. 

• Do not litter the area and do not drink on the fort.