Sondai Fort Trekk / Sondai Devi Temple Trekk & Morbe dam - Karjat ,Mumbai - Maharashtra , India Complete Guide to Travel (2025 )

Sondai Fort Trekk / Sondia Devi Temple Trekk & Morbe dam

Sondai fort stands 9 kms west of Karjat railway station overlooking the Karjat-Chowk highway and offers a beautiful view of Morbe Dam, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, Songiri forts,Karnala Fort and Matheran mountain range. One can unwind amidst the mesmerizing views which comprises green landscapes and foggy pinnacle. This was used as watch tower.
The base village is Sondewadi Village from where one can to Trekk to Sondia Fort
The route is easy and it takes approx 45 Mins to 1 hrs to reach the top. In monsoon, a couple of rocks on the way becomes slippery. There are 2 water cisterns on machi (at the base of the pinnacle) and steps are carved out of rocks to go on the topmost point where an idol of Sondai Devi . Two more water cisterns are on the way and has potable water. Two missing steps in the rock makes one to climb a small patch of 15 feet but proper hand holds and foot steps are available and that makes it easy even in monsoon.
There are ladders made to reach the top to Sondia devi Temple.
Best time to visit it is Rainy Season, because the atmosphere is very cool and it is greenery everywhere you can also visit the Morbe dam & Waterfall nearby Sondewadi village waterfall is amazing during monsoons.

Morbe Dam is a gravity dam built on the Kalu River in the state of Maharashtra, India. It serves as a major water source for the nearby urban and industrial areas, including Navi Mumbai. It's located near the village of Sondewadi and close to Sondai Fort, which is a popular trekking destination known for its historical significance and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The combination of the dam and the fort makes the area an attraction for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Best time to Visit: June to Feb (Best during Monsoons & Winters)

Nearest Airport : Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)

Trek time : 45 Mins to 1 hour Trekk . Best in Monsoon when it rains one can enjoy

By Car / Bike by Road from Mumbai :

Start from Mumbai City and head towards the Eastern Express Highway.
Take the Eastern Express Highway and continue driving until you reach the junction for the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway (NH 160).
Take the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway (NH 160) towards Thane.
Continue on the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway until you reach the junction for Khopoli.
Take the Khopoli exit from the expressway.
From Khopoli, follow the road towards Karjat.
Once you reach Karjat, ask locals for directions to Sondai Fort or Sondai Devi Temple. It's about 15-20 km from Karjat.
To reach Morbe Dam, you might have to inquire locally for specific directions as it's not too far from Karjat.
You can use Google maps for Navigation

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Karjat .

By Autos : From Karjat Railway Station West there are Autos Available for 100 Rs per head till the base of the starting point of Trekk. (Sondewadi Village Base)

Food: Many food stalls , eateries options available as you trek up the Hill.

To reach Sondai Fort or Sondai Devi Temple and Morbe Dam from Pune, you can follow these directions:

1. By Road :

- Start from Pune and head towards the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

- Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and continue driving until you reach the Khalapur Toll Plaza.

- After paying the toll at Khalapur, continue on the expressway.

- Take the Khopoli exit from the expressway.

- From Khopoli, follow the road towards Karjat.

- Once you reach Karjat, ask locals for directions to Sondai Fort or Sondai Devi Temple. It's about 15-20 km from Karjat.

- To reach Morbe Dam, you might have to inquire locally for specific directions as it's not too far from Karjat.

2. By Train :

- You can also take a train from Pune to Karjat. There are several trains running between these two cities.

- From Karjat, you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Sondai Fort or Sondai Devi Temple.

- To reach Morbe Dam, you might need to inquire locally for transportation options from Karjat.

3. By Bus :

- There might be state transport buses or private buses plying between Pune and Karjat.

- From Karjat, you can then hire local transportation to reach Sondai Fort or Sondai Devi Temple like sharing Riskshaw

- Similarly, inquire locally about buses or shared taxis that might go towards Morbe Dam from Karjat.

Always ensure to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially if you're planning to hike to Sondai Fort.

Trekking Routes to Sondai Fort / Sondai Devi Temple Trek

Sondai Fort, near Karjat in Maharashtra, is a relatively easy yet rewarding trek. Dedicated to Goddess Sondai, the fort offers panoramic views of the Morbe Dam, Matheran hills, and surrounding villages.

Location:

· Region: Raigad District, Maharashtra

· Base Villages: Sondewadi and Wavarle

· Height: ~1,200 ft (366 meters)

· Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate

· Trek Duration: 45–90 minutes (one way)

Different Trekking Routes to Sondai Fort

1. Sondewadi Village Route (Most Popular)

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Starting Point: Sondewadi village (3.5 km from Karjat station)

Trek Duration: 45–60 minutes

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Route Description: Well-marked trail with gradual ascent; iron ladders at the top for easy climb.

Highlights: Scenic views, village trails, clear path, family-friendly.

Best For: Beginners, solo trekkers, families with kids.

2. Wavarle Village Route (Offbeat Trail)

Queries: Wavarle to Sondai Fort trek, less crowded Sondai Fort trekking route

Starting Point: Wavarle Village (7 km from Karjat)

Trek Duration: 1–1.5 hours

Trek Difficulty: Moderate (less defined trail)

Route Description: Forest trail, some rocky patches, joins main path near summit.

Highlights: Solitude, bird watching, dense greenery during monsoons.

Best For: Experienced trekkers, photographers, monsoon trekkers.

3. Karjat Railway Station to Sondai Fort (Full Hike Experience)

Queries: Karjat to Sondai Fort trek distance, how to reach Sondai Fort by foot from Karjat

Starting Point: Karjat Station

Trek Duration: 2–2.5 hours

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Route Description: Walk or auto to Sondewadi/Wavarle, then trek up.

Highlights: Full-day experience, ideal for endurance training.

Best For: Fit trekkers, endurance hikers.

Best Time to Visit Sondai Fort

Queries: Best season for Sondai Fort trek, Sondai trek in monsoon, Sondai Fort weather

Monsoon (June–September): Lush greenery, waterfalls, cloudy views.

Post-Monsoon (October–February): Clear skies, best visibility, ideal climate.

Summer (March–May): Dry, hot—less recommended.

How to Reach Sondai Fort Base Villages

Queries: How to reach Sondai Fort from Mumbai/Pune, Sondewadi village directions

From Mumbai: Take a local train to Karjat, then shared auto to Sondewadi (approx. 15–20 min).

From Pune: Drive to Karjat (approx. 2.5 hrs), or train + auto.

Trek Tips & Safety

Queries: Sondai Fort trek safety tips, Sondai Devi Temple trek essentials

Carry water, sun protection, and basic first aid.

Wear trekking shoes with good grip.

Avoid trekking during heavy rains due to slippery ladders and rocks.

Respect local customs near the temple.

Bonus: Camping Near Sondai Fort

Queries: Sondai Fort camping sites, Karjat trekking with camping

Morbe Dam backwaters and Sondewadi fields are scenic and relatively safe for night camping.

Carry your own gear or book with local guides.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner seeking an easy nature escape or a seasoned trekker wanting an offbeat trail, Sondai Fort Trek offers multiple routes with varying difficulty levels. The combination of spiritual heritage, scenic landscapes, and accessibility makes it one of the best weekend treks near Mumbai and Pune.

Best Food Options Near Sondai Fort, Sondai Devi Temple Trek & Morbe Dam

Planning a trek to Sondai Fort or a scenic visit to Morbe Dam? Here’s a list of top-rated, affordable, and convenient food options near Sondai Fort, Sondai Devi Temple, and Morbe Dam—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or post-trek meals.

1. Hotel Omkar – Best Local Breakfast Near Sondai Fort
Location: Chowk Phata, Karjat
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Popular Dishes: Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Cutting Chai
Why Visit:
Authentic Maharashtrian breakfast
Budget-friendly
Just 15 minutes from Sondewadi village (trek base)
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Popular Dishes: Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Cutting Chai
Why Visit:
Authentic Maharashtrian breakfast
Budget-friendly
Just 15 minutes from Sondewadi village (trek base)
Queries: Misal pav near Sondai Fort, Breakfast near Karjat,

Food
near Sondai Devi Temple

2. Highway Vada Pav Stall – Quick Snack During Trek

Location: Trailside on the way to Sondai Fort
Popular For: Hot Vada Pav, Water Bottles, Energy Drinks

Why Visit:
Great midway snack stop
Inexpensive
Locally run by villagers
Popular For: Hot Vada Pav, Water Bottles, Energy Drinks
Why Visit:
Great midway snack stop
Inexpensive
Locally run by villagers
Queries: Vada pav on Sondai trek,

Trek
snacks near Morbe Dam

Local food near Sondai Fort

3. Sangram Dhaba – Authentic Indian Food Near Morbe Dam
Location: Morbe Dam Road, Chowk
Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Popular Dishes: Veg Thali, Chicken Curry, Bhakri, Rice Plate
Why Visit:
Spacious seating
Homestyle Maharashtrian food
Ideal for post-trek lunch or dinner
Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Popular Dishes: Veg Thali, Chicken Curry, Bhakri, Rice Plate
Why Visit:
Spacious seating
Homestyle Maharashtrian food
Ideal for post-trek lunch or dinner
Queries: Dhaba near Morbe Dam,

Lunch
near Sondai Fort

Best food near Chowk Phata

4. The Plate – Multi-Cuisine Café Near Morbe Dam
Location: Near Morbe Dam Gate (Karjat side)
Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Popular Dishes: Pizza, Pasta, Paneer Dishes, Mocktails
Why Visit:
Clean ambiance
Family-friendly
Perfect for couples or groups
Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Popular Dishes: Pizza, Pasta, Paneer Dishes, Mocktails
Why Visit:
Clean ambiance
Family-friendly
Perfect for couples or groups
Queries: Cafe near Morbe Dam,

Restaurants
near Sondai Fort

Multi-cuisine food Karjat

5. Oleander Farms – Premium Dining Near Karjat
Location: Karjat (Approx. 8–9 km from Sondai Fort)
Popular Spots on Farm: Saltt Restaurant, Taproom, Canteen
Why Visit:
Scenic location
High-end food and drinks
Ideal for post-trek relaxation
Popular Spots on Farm: Saltt Restaurant, Taproom, Canteen
Why Visit:
Scenic location
High-end food and drinks
Ideal for post-trek relaxation
Queries: Fine dining near Morbe Dam, Oleander Farms Karjat,

Luxury
food Sondai Fort

Pro Travel + Food Tips:

Start early and grab breakfast at Hotel Omkar before reaching Sondewadi.
Carry water and electrolytes; roadside stalls are helpful but limited.
For lunch, Sangram Dhaba is great if you want local food with a view of the dam.
Want a post-hike chill session? Head to The Plate or Oleander Farms for great ambiance and diverse food options.

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