Karjat is one of the favourite destinations for trekkers.

This is a central location for

trekkers to visit places like Rajmachi, Peth, Songir, Peb, Irshalgad, Bhivgad, Dhak and
Bhimashankar. Sondai, a relatively less known popular fort is also within reach. This fort
is a part of the Matheran range. Though it does not have any structural remnants, the
scenic views it offers and the final 15ft of rock patch makes it a thrilling experience. This
fort was supposedly built as a watch Tower.

Sondewadi and Vavarle are the base villages of Sondai fort. Sondewadi village is
situated at 1/4th height of this fort. The pathway from this village goes to the fort
which takes 15-20 minutes to reach to the plateau. Here we can see the route
coming from Vavarle village. From here we can see 2 flag posts at the top of the
fort (from one of this flag post, i.e. at the cliff of rock patch, one can reach to the
top with the help of ladder which is kept there). Further there is carved steps in
rock.
From Sondewadi, it takes 45mins to reach the second plateau.
Here exist the two adjoined cisterns which are carved in rock and hold water all
year round. But in summer the water level falls and we can pull out water using
rope. From here we can see neighboring Gavari hill which seems taller than this
fort.
At the upward side of the plateau carved steps are there. After climbing them, at
the left side we can see the dried cistern while at the right side, there has a ladder
to ascend. We should remove our footwear here and move forward to the summit.
(This is a sacred place dedicated to Sondai Devi and it is recommended to respect
the beliefs of the locals). There are footholds as well a ladder to climb to the
summit.
After climbing this rock patch, at the right side there are two cisterns, in which
one is a big with two rock pillars in it and its water is not potable. Second cistern
is small compare to the first one. There is not much place to move around at the
top of the fort. Here we can see two-three carved idols which are placed under the
tree. One of it is Sondai Devi’s idol/statue. From the top we can see the Matheran
Mountain Range, Morbe Dam, Vavarle Dam and nearby surroundings.
Ways To Reach :
      There are 2 routes to reach to the Sondai fort.
From Vavarle: :
      Alighting at the Karjat station, walk towards the Kalyan end and come out to
the East side. By taking 6 seater auto or S.T from Karjat-Chowk for around 4km we
can reach to the Vavarle village’s Phata, where we can see the arch at the entrance
of the village. The route under the arch entrance leads to Vavarle dam which comes
down from the Vavarle village. It takes half an hour to reach here. The pathway at
the right side of the dam’s wall goes to the Vavarle Thakarwadi. After crossing the
hillock in Thakarwadi and coming down from the hill, we have to cross a stream. It
takes almost 15 minutes from here to reach to the plateau. Here we meet the trail
from Sondewadi.
From here the way to reach to the fort is well described above.

One can avoid this route after November-December and take the other way along
the direction of stream flow. This will save the time by not making us to climb and
get down the Thakarwadi hill.

It takes 2-3 hours to climb the fort from this route(Vavarle village).The route goes
from the Vavarle village is more tiresome and tough than the route of Sondewadi
village, and also takes more time to summit.
One, who is having their own vehicle, can come to Chowk from Mumbai-Panvel
highway. On Karjat-Chowk road, Borgaon phata is of 6kms while Vavarle Phata is of
9kms.
From Sondewadi: :
      Alighting at the Karjat station, walk towards the Kalyan end and come out to
the East side. By taking auto from here we can reach to the Sondewadi village
which is about 9 km. Or take 6 seater auto or ST from Karjat Chowk and alight at
the Borgaon Phata. A walk of 3km on the road along Morbe Dam takes us towards
the Sondewadi village. The route from Sondewadi to the Sondai fort described
above. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hour to climb the fort from this route.
Accommodation Facility :
      No accommodation facility on the fort, but the arrangements can be done in
the schools of Vavarle Thakarwadi and Sondewadi by asking the villagers.
Food Facility :
      Food arrangements have to be made by our own or in Karjat village.
Drinking Water Facility :
      Cisterns on the fort are a source of drinking water all year round.
Time To Reach :
      2 hours from Sondewadi, 3 hours from Vavarle
Notes :
      1. In rainy seasons, don’t rely on the carved sockets or the ladder. Carry
your own rope (at least 30 ft.) for more safety.
2. In summer, carry your own rope to pull out the water as the water level of
these cisterns goes down.
3. To climb up use the Sondewadi route and to climb down use the Vavarle route.
This is because from the top of the fort Vavarle village and surroundings can be
easily seen so there are fewer chances to stray.