Sindola is a lesser-known fort trek in Maharashtra, hidden among the Sahyadris. From anywhere, you can see its distinct pinnacle structure. Situated on top of the Malshej Ghat plateau in the Junnar region, it stands at an altitude of 1128 ft.

It was used as a watchtower to keep an eye on the ancient route of the Malshej and Pargaon region. Like Nimgiri and Hadsar, people believe that Sindola dates back to the 5th century. This fort is very small compared to other well-known forts in the Junnar region. Today, you can only see the ruins of bastions, 7 water cisterns, and an idol of Ganesha at the entrance.

The trek is beautiful with breathtaking views, but it`s a challenging path to climb.

Difficulty level: Moderate-Difficult

Base village: Karanjale/ Pargaon Tarf/ Bagadwadi 

Summit height: 1128 ft

Time taken to climb/descend: 2-2.5 hrs climb / 1-1.5 hrs descent

Total distance of trek: 3 km

Meeting point: CSMT Stn Ticket Counter (11:45 pm)

Departure point: CSMT Stn Ticket Counter (6:00 pm)

Itinerary

11:45 pm: Meet your Vagabond EMs at the CST station ticket counter at 11:45 pm sharp, and board the 12:24 am Karjat Slow from CST (or any other station). For those not joining us at CST, meet the Vagabond EMs at the Kalyan station by 2:00am.

2:00 am: Assemble at Kalyan station, and get into the private jeeps that will take us to the base village

4:30 am: Reach the base village i.e. Karanjale.

5:00 am: We introduce ourselves and get to know each other. Then, we begin the enchanting trek with our torches.

5:30 am: We walk through rocky gulleys, small routes, and bushes. We head towards the fort until we reach a plateau area. From here an ascend will take you to the start of the 1st ridge.

6.00 am: Trek now picks up the challenging path as we climb higher. The path now becomes narrow & zigzag. This zigzag path leads us to the face of the mountain which is steep. The views improve as the sun rises and paints the sky. The second ridge is smaller than the first one and we can spot the tall Sindola fort standing behind.

6:20 am: From the end of the 2nd ridge we take the traverse. Once you enter the traverse, you`ll see stunning mountain views to your left. The trek`s exciting end is climbing over the fort`s narrow pinnacle in a thrilling gulley. Only one person at a time can pass through it. When you get to the top of the demolished entrance to the Fort, you will find a Ganesha Idol carved into the rock. People consider the idol as a gateway for the fort. You can even see the wrecked fort Bastion.

7:30 am: Reach the summit, and explore the historical hill fort, which was once a significant military base. Walk ahead and find a place to relax. From there, soak in the magnificent 360-degree views. We see the Mighty Sahyadri ranges, some famous peaks, the NH-61 road, and the Pimpal Joga Dam. Everything looks so small & surreal that it feels like seeing a miniature world from a bird`s eye.

8:30 am: After re-energising ourselves we start our descent back, taking pictures and creating content. While descending we have to be careful as the path can be slippery and steep. Advisable to use your trekking poles if you have one.

11:00 am: Once we reach the base village, our hunger pangs will start craving some good food. After lunch, we start our journey back to Kalyan in our private jeeps.

4.00 pm: It`s time to bid adieu! We leave you back at Kalyan station. Goodbyes are a reminder that we will meet again. 

Inclusions

Return train tickets from CST station

Private taxis from Kalyan station to Sindola and back

Lunch

Refreshments

Trek guide charges

Vagabond EMs assistance

First Aid assistance

Things To Carry/Wear

Snacks (non-perishable dry breakfast)

Full-length clothes (due to thorny bushes)

Headlamp/torch (mandatory)

Drinking water (minimum 2 ltr)

Warm clothing (sweater/jacket)

Sturdy shoes with grip

Trekking pole (optional but very useful)

Camera (optional)

Important Notes

Meet your Vagabond EMs at the CST station ticket counter at 11:45 pm sharp, and board the 12:24 am Karjat Slow from CST or any other station (Byculla 12:32 am, Dadar 12:42 am, Kurla 12:52 am, Ghatkopar 12:58 am, Mulund 1:14 am, Thane 1:18 am, Dombivli 1:42 am) but if you miss this train, you will NOT be able to join us for the trek. This train is scheduled to reach Kalyan by 1:52am. For those not joining us at CST, meet us outside Kalyan station near Diksha Hotel at 2:00am. Please plan accordingly.

Please eat dinner and join us for the trek. Once we start the trek, there will be no amenities for food. Carry some dry snacks for a light breakfast.

This is a trek and not a nature trail, we will be ascending and descending slopes through the course of the trek.

Please wear long clothes due to thorny bushes and sturdy closed footwear with a good grip and one that won`t tear.

People with vertigo or a phobia of heights should reconsider joining this trek as there are steep climbs through ladders.

Do not carry sling bags or any bag that dangles. Try keeping your hands free at all times.

For those of you who haven`t trekked before, don`t worry, we at Vagabond encourage you to take your time and have a great experience climbing with us. A Vagabond trek isn`t about speed, it`s about the group experience. For those of you who have trekked before, we encourage you to encourage the beginners and help them through the way.

A day prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us on 74000 54929

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will incur a 20% cancellation fee.

Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will receive no refund.

3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable.

Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website