So how does Matheran compare with the other hill stations in India ? At only 800 m above sea level, it may be dwarfed by hill stations like Mahableshwar (1372 m) or Ooty (2800 m) but nonetheless offers an exhilerating experience which you just cannot obtain from other hill resorts. Why ? BEcause this charming little hill station stands tall amidst the coastal plains of the konkan region near the western ghats - and from ALL sides of this elevated cliif, you get commanding and breathtaking views of what lies below - green carpet-like plains, surrounding hills, lakes, a stupendous sunrise/sunset, and all of nature’s creations. This review is intended as a guide for those seeking to explore this place.
How to get there?
As you know, you can go to matheran by road or rail. A shared taxi from NEral railway station - for 250 bucks per head - will take you upto Dasturi Naka in about 20 minutes up a steep winding mountain road. From Dasturi you have to either foot it out to the market or take a horseride or hand-pulled rickshaw. The horse rides come for a price, while it takes 3 men huffing and puffing to pull you up in the rickshaw. The taxi rides are not for those weak of heart, the sight of the rickety ramshackle vans/ padmini cars will give you the jitters, and if you mumble your prayers right, the vehicle will haul itself up bumpy and rough roads, dangerous curves.. with little regard to safety.
The other option - toy train ride from Neral station to Matheran is a winner, the ride itself is an experience which is not be missed. The ride lasts for about a couple of hours, winding its way up spectacular grassy plains, hill sides, along cliffs, rivulets and even a tunnel, to take you right upto the town centre. Take care to reserve your tickets in advance, with computerised booking it is unlikely you would get seats if you book from Neral station.
I am there, what next ?
You could come to matheran for either a 1 day or two day trip. There are about 35 points, and to visit each of those points would require a 3 day stay. But the view from most of the points is about the same, so the trick lies in choosing the right points so that you get to see it all. Since vehicles are not allowed, you have to either walk or ride a pony to reach the points. Walking is fine for the adventurous lot, if you are in a group and in perfect shape with lots of stamina. Otherwise, you would have to use one of the horserides. Road signs are very few here, so you could easily get lost when trying to explore on foot, unless you have an experienced guide along.
Which points to see?
Since this hill station offers good views in all directions, the best option is to cover a point in the north, west, south and east. Panorama point, the cliff point at the northern tip of the hill station, offers the best view. You can see the plains and a dammed lake to your left, the mountains ahead, and neral city down to your right. To the west, Porcupine Point and Louisa point offer the best views. Louisa point in particular has a breathtaking view of the hills as well as karjat and the ghats, and the ’lion’s head’ rock also lies here. A stiff breeze would envelope you here, so do not venture too close to the edge.
Try going here on weekdays, otherwise the peace is ruined from the tourists on nearby Echo point who are screaming their lungs out to hear their voice echo back at them. For the south, Chowk point commands the best view. To the east, Alexandar point and Khandala point offer good views, and you can see the Khandala ghat straight ahead in the hills. However, the Garbut point hill lies ahead and obscures much of the view. Garbut point itself, not frequently visited provides the best view of the plains to the east, including Neral and karjat/khopoli. Keep in mind that these points are at the corners of the hill station, so its a very long walk if you foot it out.. you are better off covering the distance on horseback.
Come to think of it, most of the points are named in British style.. by the colonial englishmen who discovered it, I presume. Mount Barry, Hart Point, Coronation pt, Edward Pt, King George Pt, Lord Pt, Belvedere Pt, ... Wasnt I relieved to know that none of them have been renamed to say, Chatrapati Shivaji Point :)
Which hotel to stay?
There are a plethora of hotels here to satisfy every budget, however the good ones do not come cheap. Decent accomodation can be anywhere from 1000 - 3500 bucks, and if you go on a weekend, you have to book in advance. My pick was Rangoli Retreat, which is bang opposite the rly station - has decent clean AC rooms, good gujrati style food, and for 1000 bucks it includes stay, brekafast, lunch and dinner ! Note that matheran hotels have a checkout/checkin time of 9 am/8 am respectively, making it very inconvenient for the tourist.
The name Matheran actually means ’head of forest’ in Marathi, which is exactly what it is. From the thickly wooded gentler slopes down below, the hill ascends in an almost vertical rocky cliff till the top, there again there is thick forestation, resembling a head with lots of hair at the top ! All in all an excellent weekend gateway, even better if you go there on weekdays !