Just eighty kilometers away from
east of Mumbai, the picturesque hill station of Matheran with its sylvan surroundings,
serene atmosphere beckons nature lovers and adventurers. Matheran is an undulating
hilltop cloaked in shady trees that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m.
The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train. With food
and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off, as the valley glides by sedately.
The tourists who throng to the place on weekends break the silence of the woods.
If you are looking for a refreshing break from the heat and dust of the city and
want to throw away stress, then certainly Matheran will do the justice. Cloaked
in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks, the place offers a peaceful retreat.
On a clear day the views are fantastic and it's possible to see lights
of Mumbai at night (and supposedly even hear) Mumbai from Hart Point. Louisa Point
is a great place to watch the sunset, especially during the week when you might
have the bluff entirely to yourself. Hugh Malet, climbing the path known as Shivaji's
Ladder, is credited with the 'discovery' of Matheran in 1850. It soon became a
popular hill station during the days of the Raj, as the abundant shade and altitude
(800m/2624ft) made is slightly cooler than the plains below. Matheran owes its
tranquility to a complete ban on motor vehicles (and bicycles), but on weekends,
day-trippers overrun the town from Mumbai and the pleasant trails are wall to
wall with people.
What one can see in Matheran
- Charlotte Lake
- Parsi and Hindu cemeteries near Rambaug Point.
What
one can do in Matheran
Matheran is a delight for trekkers. There
are many interesting places where trekkers can test their skills like Panorama
Point, Louisa Point, Chauk Point, and a walk around Charlotte Lake.
How
to reach Matheran
It usually takes four hours to reach Matheran.
Two hours from Victoria Terminus (Mumbai) to Karjat and further two more hours
from Neral Junction.
