Sondai Fort Trek, Karjat, Maharashtra

Sondai Trek is an easy level as well as small and beautiful trek near Karjat in Matheran range. Sondai is a short trek about 1.5km hike but surrounded by beautiful landscapes and waterfall as well as the massive Matheran mountain. The Sondai is named after the goddess Sondai on the top of the mountain followed by local people. The Sondai is mainly referred to as Sondai fort but there are no fortifications. There are only few rockcut water tanks indicating it was occupied by people either to keep guard of area or stopping point. Sondai is a mountain having an altitude around 440m asl. It can be easily climbed within 2 hrs. Route is well laid and starts from Sondewadi which is base village itself. One can also see the Vavarle and Morbe dam from Sondai clearly. There are initially rock cut stairs at regular intervals. The route is straight forward. The climb is very safe. Only in monsoon rocks might be slippery. The top part is steep but iron ladders are placed at top to overcome it. The top part of Sondai is small but peaceful place. Matheran can be seen clearly from Garbett point to Chowk Point.

Sondewadi is the base village which can be accessed easily by private vehicle or shared tum tum from karjat or panvel. The village is small and connected by tar road. However parking space is limited for 4 wheelers. The trek starts from the village level itself. The route goes from the river route to forest.

The route is simple and wide and well marked. It is initially gradual until a small plateau after which it passes along the mountain side with beautiful views. At some points there are ancient rock cut stairs. The route can be quite slippery during monsoon.

After the climb and along the mountain side one reaches an open plateau which provides mesmerising views of surrounding. After this point it is a climb upwards where 3 iron ladders are placed to aid the climb of rockpatch.

The view at mid point of the trek provides beautiful views of the surrounding region. 

The iron ladders are exciting to climb as without it, it is not possible to climb the rock patch. The second ladder being the longest and provides beautiful views of the other side of the mountain.

There are three tanks before the ladder climb. and after the second ladder climb there is another two water tanks which is big of which one is connected to other side but contains no water and must be used as shelter or store room.

Two tanks side by side of which one is dry 

 Top of Sondai provides beautiful views of all regions like Matheran, Morbe, Vavarle.

On top of the mountain is the stone idols of Sondai which locals worship. It is very important diety of the local people.

Sondai Trek Map Route

Sondai Trek Summary

Sondai Trek Video