Me and my wife have been to Matheran for day outings, dozens of times over 20 years. We drive from Mulund early morning and reach Neral Matheran Road in less than two hours. Park our car halfway at Sandip’s "Picnic Stall" near water pump station after Jummapatti. Then walk up 4 kms to Dasturi. From there, we walk to Panorama point through the car parking space (one option) or enter Matheran and go the Garbut point ( another option).
The road to garbut point is on the railway track about 300 mts from Aman Lodge station, towards Matheran. From either, we may return back, walking to car, totalling about 12 - 13 kms on foot. But many times, we go to Matheran station( market) and then Charlotte lake and back. Sometimes we circle the Matheran hill from market via Rambaug point, One tree hill, back to market and walk down to Jummapatti. We almost always return the same day back home. So the walks can be 8 to 20 - 25 kms long, depending on the season and time available.
This keeps us fit and fine for a few more weeks.
On occasions, we have seen quite a few animals and birds. We always buy a bit of chikki, clothes or fudge or channa, handicrafts, fruit etc to support the local businesses. The railways have finally woken up and started a shuttle service from Aman Lodge station ( 100 mts from entrance toll tax center). This is most useful and convenient to elders and those with children or baggage. Entrance tax for adults is Rs 50 per head as of mid 2013.
We prefer to walk along the railway line to Matheran rather than the dirt road because the latter stinks of horse dung. The railway line passes near a valley and has many photo shoot points. Cold drinks, sarbat etc are also available. But the dirt road is illuminated by street lamps and so is a must to use, after sun set.
I hate to buy water for drinking and carry it from home or fill my empty bottles at entrance of Matheran.
Drinking plenty of Matheran water has its own health benefits.
Choice for food is great. We prefer the Diwadkars restaurant as it has a bar, tandoor and fresh food.
Leather footwear and clothing can be had at bargain prices.
In all these years, we have never come across a single case of cheating or robbery by the locals.
Only the Hope Hotel ( 100 mts from Matheran station), run by a church, offers 24 hrs checkout.
In general, the hotels and lodges on one side of the railway line belong to the locals and the posh hotels adjoinin g the market belong to outsiders.
The MTDC hotel and restaurant ( both redone recently) is at Dasturi and good for elderly people. But there is nothing around except nature. So one has to go the market, 2.5 km away for entertainment, shopping and return well in time.
In the years gone by, in monsoon at least, we used to come across innumerable groups of boys and girls walking from Neral to Matheran ( 9.6 kms) but nowadays the numbers have dwindled drastically. If you have your own vehicle, it is best to park it halfway in Sandip’s care and walk up. The waterfalls are on the way from here. This is a good compromise to save time and energy to spend in Matheran. We insist on giving him Rs. 25 as car parking charges, although he is reluctant.
The car park at Dasturi is large but quite a pain to on touristy days and season. Sometimes parking space may be found half a km. away ! Passengers and baggages should be unloaded at the entrance of car park.
If you are staying overnight, good to carry a torch. Be sure to be back in market place or your hotel by sun set. One can get lost, if looking for short cuts through the jungle after dark. Some hotels are located deep inside, off the main road and difficult to locate, at times.
The weather is almost always moderate and so very healthy.
Yes. Matheran is the place to go for day outings, for busy Mumbaikars. And also for longer stays, of course.