Hi,
Matheran, a hill station located in Maharashtra located at a height of 2530 feet above the sea level, is really a place to visit. Since I stay in Mumbai, and Matheran being just in the outskirts of Mumbai, I have visited this hill station about 7-8 times. Matheran is just about 90 minutes drive from Mumbai. The base village in known as Neral which is accessable by suburban trains from Mumbai on the Central Main line on the route to Karjat. From Neral there options to taking car to the top or walk or take a mini train. The cars can only go upto a point called Dasturi Naka after which one needs to walk to Bazarpeth for hotel etc., since cars are rightly not allowed in Matheran.
However the trains final destination is Bazarpeth. Prohibition of cars inside Matheran has ensured that the natural beauty is preserved and free of pollution. The walk to the top can take about 3 hours, by train takes about 2 hours and car takes about 35 minutes.
The mode of transport inside Matheran for sight seeing are horses and human pulled rickshaws. But believe me, walking is real pleasure. Matheran has 38 points to offer for sight seeing. The most prominent points one should NOT miss are:
Chharlott Lake: Solitary water source in Matheran which provides water supply to entire Matheran. Thus there is some water shortage during peak summers.
Panorama Point: It provides a panoramic view of the Sahyadri ranges.
Echo Point: Breath taking view with echo effect.
King George Point: Splendid waterfall during monsoons when the Chharlott lake overflows. It is real tussle between the wind and the force of the water. Not all water flows down but are thrown back because of the strond winds. I did manage to reach the mouth of the waterfall and it is stunning to see the clouds filled with mist under your feet. BUT ONE HAS TO CAREFUL BECAUSE OF THE WATER CURRENT IS VERY STRONG.
Louisa Point: Beautiful view of the waterfall seen from King George Point.
Staying: The last time I went to Matheran I stayed at Woodlands Hotel. A weekend pacakage should ideally cost around Rs. 2, 000. Apart from Woodlands there are quite a few good hotels in Matheran.
Shopping: It is a small market place which runs the length of one street. You can shop for Kolhapuri Chappals, Leather bags, purses and leather belts. There are glass birds, dried wild flowers for sale. The workmanship is phenomenal and the prices are reasonable. It is also famous for a Sweetmeet known as Chikki made of flour, jaggery with cashewnuts or groundnuts or dryfruits.
Best time to visit: Oct to Apr
Temperature : 16 degrees Celsius in Winter and 32 degrees Celsius in Summer
Population : 5, 500
Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
Due to its stunning beauty which Sahyadri ranges in its view, fresh air, full of greenery, it is a great place for weekend specially because of its proximity to Mumbai.
Views / Comments are welcome.
Vijay