I along with my family were at Matheran on 22-24 Dec 08. Matheran is very nice and beautiful place and you can make your stay all the more exciting if you take care of few more points
- If you can travel on foot at all places. The horse / hand pulled rickshaw is costly and moreover not worth. Its good to have an experience of horse riding but the points they cover are not the worth the money you spend. You can also walk instead of horse. In anycase the horse is accompanied by the local person there who walks along with the horse. Also you are told that you will be shown 5 points for morning ride and 12 in evening ride but infact they do not take you to the exact location of these points but may be 100-500 mtrs away as its not feasible for the horses to drop you to the exact point.
Some of these points are not points but views to your route to other locations. You can enjoy more if you dont mind travelling on your feet. We hired horse for 5 points in morning and 12 points in evening at a total negotiated price of Rs 400/- per horse. We bargained to some extent but could have bargained still more.
- Here is quick comparison between toy train and taxi - two modes of transport from neral to matheran and return.
a. Time - TT 2 hours . Taxi 25 mins + walking required 20-30 mins
b. Cost - TT Rs 36 per seat. Taxi Rs 50 per seat + approx Rs 30-50 for your entire luggage if you hire a porter
c. Frequency - TT - few number of train trips. Taxi - available any time
d. Reliability - TT - not dependant. Taxi - more dependable
e. Comfort - TT - very congested. Taxi - better
Food and stay is good at Rangoli Retreat (opp. Raliway station) where we stayed. Even at Gujarat bhavan it is good. Food at Rasna restaurant (opposite nowrojee garden) is pathetic and horrible.
Climate was not cold so do think if you are carrying too much of winter clothing.
Shopping - good for leather items like footwear, purse, handbags and belt. But we can get variety for cheaper rates in Pune / Mumbai.
Overall it was very nice stay and a stay of 2 nights and 3 days should be enough. Hope this review was helpful. Do send your feedback and rate this review to help me write better next time.
Regards,
SP