Sondai fort is a hidden gem in Maharashtra which will undoubtedly blow your mind. Though it is not very well-known, it mesmerises the travellers who come across it and is bound to make you fall in love with it. Sondai is a little hill fort in the Sahyadri Hills, close to Karjat in India’s Raigad District. It is one of the better beginner-level hikes and often lasts an hour or, at most, two. The distance from the village Sondewadi to the top of the fort is about 1.7 kilometres.
It is the perfect trek for someone to start their trekking journey. It offers the most breathtaking 360° mountain views and provides a stunning view of the Matheran mountain range, More Dam, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, and Songiri forts, as well as Karnala Fort. The lush sceneries and hazy ambiance during the monsoon season make this walk one not to be missed.
Originally, it was a guard tower at a height of 1200 feet, and the Sondai goddess shrine at the top gave it its name.In order to safeguard the trade routes, Sondai Fort served as a watchtower. The temple of Sondai Devi stills attracts a number of devotees from the neighbouring villages of Sondewadi during festivals and otherwise. Nine kilometres separate the Karjat railway station and Sondai Fort Trek which is usually the most convenient mode of transport.Also, one can easily drive to Sondewadi from Mumbai (about 2 hours) or Pune (about 3 hours). The road to Sondewadi follows the Karjat-Murbad road before turning right and ascending to pass a small bridge that provides one of the nicest views of the trip. The Karjat-Panvel railway line’s single track passes through the hills and beneath the road bridge, offering a breathtaking panorama.
While the Sondai Fort Trek can be done at any time of the year, it is recommended to be the best done during the monsoon season (June to September), when the hills are lush green and the waterfall near the fort’s base is in full flow. During the monsoon season, the gigantic Morbe Dam looks to be a vast sea surrounded by lush flora. The entire landscape appears to be so beautiful that you would not want to leave. Looking back after gaining some elevation, Morbe dam appears to run all the way to the horizon, creating the most beautiful backgrounds. On the nearby Gowari Hill, there are numerous waterfalls which provide the view many would love a look at. The summit of Sondai fort features a single tree beneath whose canopy countless idols have been put. Sondai devi, after whom the hill is called, is one of these idols. The tree is regarded as sacred by the people, and it is customary to remove one’s footwear before paying respects to the Goddess.
There are two trails – one from Sondewadi and another from Wavarle which merge into one at later stages. The trail from Sondewadi begins at the base village and climbs gradually for 10-15 minutes until it reaches the first plateau. The trail is flanked on each side by a dense forest, which ultimately gives way to a large clearing with an unobstructed view of the Sondai fort. A big tree stands in the heart of the clearing, and the trail from Wavarlegaon meets the Sondewadi trail here. This is the second section of the trail that takes you through a forest before reaching a spot where you must traverse two tricky rock sections, which leads to the third and last section of the walk. This third section includes staircases that lead to the peak of the Sondai fort. There are two ladders that make it convenient for hikers to reach the top. The first ladder leads to two cisterns, while the second leads directly to the summit. At the foot of the pinnacle, there are two water cisterns, and steps cut out of rocks lead to the topmost point, where a statue of Sondai Devi stands. Another couple of water cisterns with potable water can be seen on the way. Because of two missing steps in the rock, one must climb a tiny section of 15 feet, although suitable hand grips and foot steps are available, making it manageable even in rainy conditions.Throughout the hike, villagers run a number of stalls offering your favourite snacks and assortments like chips, drinks and chat along with water to quench your thirst.
So pack your bags for an ideal day trip with awe-inspiring landscapes and just the right amount of adventure along with a beautiful experience to remember throughout your life.
