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30th Nov

Sindola Fort | Night Trek with Ridge Walks

1600
Duration
1 day

Description

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.

Upcoming Batches: Sat, 30th Nov '24

  • 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)
Expand All
Itinerary

11:45pm: 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
Tariff
  • Regular: Rs. 1,600/- (+5% GST)
  • Vagafam*: Rs. 1,400/- (+5% GST)

*Vagafam is anyone who has joined us on 3+ experiences in the past

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
Who Is This Experience Best Suited For
  • There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 32 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
  • It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
  • Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
  • We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
  • It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
  • At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.
Why Choose Vagabond?

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn things about places and people that would not be possible without the amount of experience we have. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a more wholesome and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 4,500 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and outdoor experiences. Be rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our Experience Managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo / female traveller friendly: Over the years we have noticed a trend in the increasing number of solo and female travellers on our trips. Many of our trips end up having a good amount of solo female travellers.

Group size: We’ve come to realize that taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, our trips are led with a fairly small group of travellers who find it easier to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, gender or sexual orientation shouldn’t determine if you’re allowed on a trip or not. Anyone and everyone should feel safe and welcome to experience and explore new places.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your travel guides. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the location and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier and less pristine. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your waste and leave the place cleaner than it was. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced firsthand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

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
Terms And Conditions
  • All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
  • Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
  • By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Get In Touch

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: +91 7400054929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays. 

or

DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences

Highlights
  • Thrilling ridge walks
  • 360-degree spectacular views of the Sahyadri ranges
  • Clear views and winter night skies
  • Explore naturally formed caves
  • Water cisterns
  • Climb rock-cut steps
  • Enchanting forest walks

Description

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.

Upcoming Batches: Sat, 30th Nov '24

  • 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)
Expand All
Itinerary

11:45pm: 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
Tariff
  • Regular: Rs. 1,600/- (+5% GST)
  • Vagafam*: Rs. 1,400/- (+5% GST)

*Vagafam is anyone who has joined us on 3+ experiences in the past

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
Who Is This Experience Best Suited For
  • There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 32 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
  • It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
  • Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
  • We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
  • It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
  • At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.
Why Choose Vagabond?

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn things about places and people that would not be possible without the amount of experience we have. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a more wholesome and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 4,500 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and outdoor experiences. Be rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our Experience Managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo / female traveller friendly: Over the years we have noticed a trend in the increasing number of solo and female travellers on our trips. Many of our trips end up having a good amount of solo female travellers.

Group size: We’ve come to realize that taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, our trips are led with a fairly small group of travellers who find it easier to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, gender or sexual orientation shouldn’t determine if you’re allowed on a trip or not. Anyone and everyone should feel safe and welcome to experience and explore new places.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your travel guides. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the location and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier and less pristine. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your waste and leave the place cleaner than it was. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced firsthand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

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
Terms And Conditions
  • All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
  • Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
  • By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Get In Touch

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: +91 7400054929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays. 

or

DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences

Highlights
  • Thrilling ridge walks
  • 360-degree spectacular views of the Sahyadri ranges
  • Clear views and winter night skies
  • Explore naturally formed caves
  • Water cisterns
  • Climb rock-cut steps
  • Enchanting forest walks

Don't listen to us,
listen to them.

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