This was my first trip to Matheran, and one of the good reasons I have opted for this place over the 3 day weekend was primarily because it’s close to Mumbai and one does not spend too much time traveling. I’ll make my review a bit more systematic, so here it goes:
Travel Time:
March
How to reach there?
I am not sure if reaching this place is so friendly after all. If you drive it well and good, or else you need to take a train up to Neral which is on the Main line of Central Railways. From there you got to take a share cab up to a certain point OR better still and if you are lucky to get tickets on the famous toy train then it makes the journey even more exciting. The share cab drive is pretty scary if you have a donkey driver, however there is little choice but overall it’s not that bad. If you take the share cab, then you gotta take horses up to the market place or a hand pulled cart - whatever suits you. My suggestion: If you don’t have too much luggage take a walk up hill, it’s comfortable and not so tiring too. And if you do have lot of luggage you can always take a porter and do the walk. And please don’t plugin your ipod or talk on the phone while you are doing this walk. A) you need to concentrate because the terrain is not so smooth B) enjoy the sounds of the nature - the birds, trees swaying and also the occasional monkey fights.
Where did we stay?
We stayed at Horseland Hotel and Spa(https://brightlands.com/matheran1_location.htm) which is a new property by the same people who manage Brightlands. Supposedly this is more developed, but I am not sure because I didn’t see Brightlands. But Horselands is recommendable for the comfort, facilities, and the superb service and hospitality experience. If affordable you should surely stay here. It’s close to the market so that makes it easier to get back to the Hotel even if it’s dark. Which is a big problem around there, street lighting is limited. My suggestion: if you plan to stay out in the evenings, make sure you carry flash lights.
What did we do?
We relaxed, enjoyed the hotel facilities - swimming, shows etc. and ate good food. There is very little to actually see in Matheran. there a couple of points like - Echo point, khandala view point and etc. but all look and feel the same. if you have the energy and enthusiasm walk it - because horse rides cant get expensive if you want to see them all. And there is no other local transport available.
Shopping
If there is one thing which is addictive around this place it has to be shoe shopping, every second shop is a a shoe shop. They are available @ great prices and sheer choice I would say. It’s crazy and worth a try - you never know what you might like around there. Give it a try but keep your wives in control if they go over-board. THERE is a FULL CHANCE of it to happen, trust me.
So, if you are looking for a place where you can just put up your feet, read a book or enjoy nature - then Matheran is the place to be. Recommended for families and couples alike. Group of friends should go to hotels where they allow you to chill and make noise so make sure your are not around too many families who may find your noise disturbing.
Hope you have a nice trip . ENJOY!