Monsoon Trip to the Morbe Dam Area, Chowk, Karjat

Places covered:

Train Valley view point

Shri Bapdev temple

Morbe dam backwaters

Changewadi twin waterfall  

Sondai fort 

The rains arrived quite late in Mumbai but at last, when the monsoon began, it started with a bang; bringing much delight to all, especially to the trekkers!

However, considering the mad rush of the tourists at the popular places, we decided to visit a few not so familiar places for our first outing.

We explored the Morbe dam area which is near Chowk, Karjat; not so far from Mumbai via Panvel on July 9, 2019! 

I reached Juinagar Station from Vile Parle by train at 8 am from where Makarand picked me up on his bike and we headed towards Chowk via Panvel (following Mumbai – Pune old highway). Took a left after chowk towards Karjat (nice family friendly restaurants are available here) and passing by the famous ND Studio, reached the Borgaon phata by 9.15 which is just ahead of  the Sadanand resort well marked on the google map. At this phata (diversion), you have to take a left. Straight road continues towards Karjat/ Matheran.Chowk to Borgaon phata is around 6 km.

At the same phata, had a tasty breakfast at Hotel Omkar (a small restaurant). Misal paav (40/-) and Vada paav (10/-) were filling and thankfully not so spicy! 

Passing by ND Studio just after Chowk (towards Karjat)

Misal Pav at Borgaon phata, Omkar Hotel 

TRAIN VALLEY VIEW POINT

So left the main road and took the road towards Sondewadi. Within a minute, you reach the hardly known train valley view point. Something you can easily miss but should not for the view it offers! It is marked on the google map and is located on a small bridge over the rail track. The tracks are made by cutting the rocky mountain 70 ft deep and it is one of the best places to spot a train spotting! It is on the Karjat- Panvel rail route and since only 3 trains pass during the entire day, you need to plan well and have to be lucky too!

We reached here after the B/F at 9.35 and our home work paid off as we could spot a train coming from Karjat! Took some photos on both the sides of the bridge and continued on the same road towards Sondewadi. 

After a few mins, a left diversion will take you to the Chandika Mahakali temple (mapped on the google maps) which is located on the edge of  a small hill and offers awesome panoramic view of the Morbe dam. You can easily reach their by your vehicle and click some nice pics. 

SHRI BAPDEV TEMPLE, MORBE DAM BACKWATERS

We continued straight and through the zig zag curvy road reached the Shri Baapdev temple which is located right on the banks of the Morbe dam. You simply can not ask for any better view. Really it looks picturesque! 

You can see the Chandika Devi on your left side on a higher ground, the wall of the Morbe dam and the Irshalgad fort on the other side of the water. 

Makarand posing against the backwaters, Irshalgad in the background

Please note it is strictly prohibited to enter the dam area, especially once it is flooded/ completely filled. However, it is not yet filled when we visited so saw many locals grazing their cattles on the grassy land formed naturally on the backwater basin. So explored that area, relaxed for 45 odd mins and took some cool time lapse videos.

Sorry to spot few beer bottles. At times, easy accessibility has such side effects! The locals told that there are normally guards who take action on such idiots but still, you can not stop all!

Anyways, after this refreshing break, we continued on the same tar road for further 4.5 km and reached the sondewadi village in 15 odd mins. The road is pleasant and there are a few photo stops en route! 

Sondewadi is the base village for the trek to the Sondai fort which is a good destination for those who want to begin trekking or just warm up for the trekking season. 

CHANGEWADI WATERFALL

While exploring the google maps, we found a waterfall mapped a few kms ahead of Sondewadi called as the change-wadi twin waterfall. We were told that we will have to park our vehicle at the sondewadi and then walk for 20 mins towards a smaller wadi/ village named changewadi where this fall is located. But much to our surprise and thanks to the Pradhanmantri Gram sadak Yojana, we came to know that a tar road goes right till the village and the fall is en route, tight next to the road! 

Modi and Gadakari hain to Mumkin hain :D 

In hardly 4-5 mins on our bike, we reached the waterfall and wow, it was indeed a small but equally beautiful twin fall! That too, right next to the road. Bike can be easily parked but there is not much place for keeping a car..however, there is hardly any traffic on this road! Or you can park at the changewadi!

The waterfall looks safe, lesser known so recommended for families and those who want to respect the nature! We clicked some memorable photos of the waterfall and returned back to the sondewadi by 12.15 pm. 

yes, that;s why they are called as Twin Waterfalls! 

SONDAI FORT

Height: 1200 Ft 
Range: Matheran
Grade: Easy

The starting point of the fort is actually on the road that leads to Changewadi after crossing the Sondewadi. It is a small train that passes through a seasonal stream, gently climbing towards a big mango tree within 10 odd mins. You can either park your bikes at this point but to be on safer side, park at the base village.

So after visiting the fall, we reached the Sondewadi, parked our bike and again started climbing towards the Changwadi on the tar road. Within 4-5 mins, you can spot a trail going towards right hand side in the forest! This is the route you have to take. A small bridge and a broken shack/ hut can help you! 

Once you catch the right trail then there is no question of getting lost as there are painted arrow marks and sign boards at regular intervals.

It takes around an hour to reach at the summit. We started at 12.20 and in spite of the heavy showers with super powerful wind, we reached the top at sharp 1.20. 

Overall trail is quite easy. There are only 2-3 rock patches where you have to be careful in monsoon since it can become slippery but manageable!

There are 2 huge iron ladders installed as you approach the top of the fort, making the final ascent much easier.  You will enjoy the Kho-kho game being played by the wind and the fog. The grasses literally dance and the view offered as you gain the height is mesmerizing! En route, you will pass by a few water tanks / cisterns. 

Sondai is technically not a fort but a watch tower so there isn’t any fortification atop.

However, there are idols of goddess Sondai and a few other deities atop which is worshipped by the locals with lots of love and belief. 

The summit is small area wise and does not have any shelter so after relaxing for 10 mins, start descending. 

Getting down can take 45 odd mins. 

Before starting the trek, if you enquire and order the food, simple meal can be made available at the sondewadi.

Started the return journey by 3 pm and we were back home by 5.30 pm with lots of satisfaction! A waterfall, a fort, trekking, water body, temples, train spotting; could not have asked for more!

Total expense per head was just 200/- (incl. breakfast, train ticket, evening snacks and fuel for the bike)

If you do not have your vehicle then Sondewadi can be reached from Karjat station by hiring an auto. Please drop a question in case of any doubt.

Please watch the youtube video for getting the virtual feel of our trip and do plan your!

https://youtu.be/XVEZ7myev2U

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