MATHERAN-[MAHARASHTRA-INDAI]
Matheran is 171 kms from indias business capital & most hapnings glamoured city of Mumbai,
Its one of the truely & ultimate, polution free hill station of india.
Matheran discovered by Hugh Mallet, collector of Thane district, in 1850, has long been a refuge for humidity-stricken Mumbaikars (as the residents of the metropolis are known). Its 8 sq kms cover a hilltop in the Sahyadri Hills, and its proximity to Mumbai ensures its’ continued popularity for weekend getaways. All motor vehicles are prohibited in Matheran, so the air is squeaky clean. However the only mode of transport, other than walking, is on horseback and hand-pulled rickshaws.
There is many fine resort but THE BYKE and USHA ESCORTS are very amazing resort with full value of your money.Many other hotels & resort are also there according your budget.
Getting There-
(1.)By Air-
The nearest airport, Mumbai, 100 km, is well connected with national and international flights. From there, you’ll need to switch to train or road.
(2)By Rail-
The rail journey to Matheran is half the fun of your trip. Neral, the nearest railhead (21 km), is connected to Mumbai, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. From here, a special, narrow gauge "toy train" gets you up, puffing and wheezing all the way. Except during the monsoon season (June-September), there are several trains a day on the mountain railway. These take 2 hours to cover the climb to their destination. Stations on the way have names like Water pipe and there is also the famous One Kiss Tunnel. During the monsoon, the service is restricted to one train a day and during heavy rains even this can be cancelled due to landslides.
(3)By Road-
State Transport buses regularly ply from Mumbai and Pune. A taxi from Neral to Matheran takes about half hour to reach. Taxis stop about 2.5 km from the centre of the hill station.
The more energetic trek it from Neral.
Best time to visit -October to May. Most hotels close during the monsoons, and the walking trails turn muddy.
What to See-
Points-
Matheran has many "lookout points" that provide dramatic views of the Western Ghats and lush plains dotted with villages far below. These include Panorama Point (with the most spectacular views, it’s a popular place to watch the sun rise), Monkey Point, Porcupine Point (popular for its’ sunset view), Louisa Point (on a plateau with views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh), Echo Point (which really does have an echo), Rambagh Point (2 kms from Matheran towards Khandala and Karjat), Alexander Point (one km to the north of Matheran), Hart Point, Coronation Point, Chowk Point (at the extreme southern end of Matheran), and the One Tree Hill.
Lake Charlotte-The main source of drinking water for the town, Lake Charlotte sports a dam at one end and temple at the other. A popular picnic spot, it looks splendid in the monsoon, but dries up in the summer. Near the dam is the main Hindu temple, the Pisarnath Mandir.
Mount Barry-One of the highest spots in Matheran, this has splendid views. Governor’s Hill, another viewpoint, is between Mount Barry and Panorama Point.
Shopping-Buy chikki (a softer version of peanut brittle), honey, walking-sticks, and custom crafted leather footwear.