Matheran A Gem Of Maharashtra

Today I am going to write about the beauty of Western Ghats in Matheran a small hill station which is between Pune and Mumbai.

 

 Last year I got a chance to go to Matheran village  which is 100 km  from Mumbai above western ghat . It is on Mumbai Pune Express Highway it is very famous for its natural wealth mostly people do day trip  

A small village which has preserved its natural wealth even today, vehicles are banned here because it is an eco village, it is a pollution free village. These trains go to Dasturi Naka at a distance of 3 kms from Matheran, beyond which visitors can not take the car because it is eco village, people can use shared Taxis and  public minibuses can reach Dasturi Naka. Me and my four friends together we caught a train from  Neral to Dasturi Nakawhich is a small toy train which goes showing very beautiful view So we had a lot of fun in that train and that train goes till Dasturi Naka.

As with any other hill station, Matheran is famous for its viewpoints. It has a total of 36 viewpoints from where you can enjoy alluring views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Most of these points have easy trekking trails, and they offer sweeping views of the mountains, the sunrise, sunset, and everything in between. A favourite for trekkers, the actual magic of Matheran is experienced while exploring the region on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene town.

Dodhani Waterfalls-  It will be a thrill worthy experience which I remember all my life. Timings- 5 AM to 6 PM.

Louisa Point - This place is a haven for trekkers and photographers alike. It offers a breathtaking view of Prabal and Vishal gad fort and is the best place to witness the waterfalls, rocky mountains, lake gardens, and whatnot.

Location- Matheran, Maharashtra.

Fee: Starting from INR 1,550 per adult.

Olympia- . While I am riding the horse, I will hear birds singing and I will find myself deeply surrounded by nature.

Location- Raigad District, Matheran (2.5 km from Matheran Railway Station).

Porcupine Point-  This place is named porcupine point as it holds a strong resemblance to the shape of a bird called Porcupine.

Location- 2 km from Matheran Railway Station.

Charlotte Lake- If you are traveling with your family or friends then this is the place to be at. Charlotte lake offers travelers to organize a picnic or camping and is an absolutely amazing location to relax, watch the sunset and observe various species of birds flying over the lake.

                                                                            Location- 2 km from Matheran Railway Station.

One Tree Hill Point- A single tree is known to be standing at the top of the hill and thus, it is named one tree hill point. This place is appreciated by trekkers, nature lovers, and people who are looking for some time to relax away from the honking of cars and busy life.

Location- 3.5 km from Matheran Railway Station.

 Chanderi Caves- Personally I donot like caves so we skip these caves

Location- Located on the way from Badlapur to Karjat. Nearest Railway station- Vangani and Badlapur.

 Prabalgad fort and Irshalgad fort- Prabalgad fort and Irshalgad fort, both located in between Matheran and Panvel. Prabalgad is located 65 km away from Mumbai whereas Irshalgad is 70 km. Both the forts have proven to be amazing destinations for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. You will witness wildlife and rare flora and can spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature.

Location- Matheran, Maharashtra.

Paymaster Park- It is a historic park and a popular destination to set up a picnic. It is famous for its beautifully landscaped gardens, flower beds, and nicely arranged benches. It is also home to the figurines of Lieutenant Colonel Paymaster and S.L Panday. It is a nice location to bring your kids to have a fun day.

Location- Chinoy Road, Matheran.

 Shivaji’s Ladder- Again a paradise for trekkers, Shivaji's ladder is an amazing trek and it is known that the Great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used this pathway to reach Matheran for hunting and various other trips. If you love trekking and can't get enough of it, then you must definitely trek your way to the top or you can easily opt for a horse ride to witness the amazing view from the top.
Location- Matheran, Maharashtra.

What is the best time to visit Matheran?

Wintertime is the best season to visit Matheran but you can see crowd all over the year.

How to reach Matheran?

By railways:The town of Matheran is connected by the two distinct railway tracks, Mumbai railway and Pune station connected with the Neral Junction Station situated on the bottom of the hill.

 

Is the Toy Train working in Matheran?

Yes, toy trains are working from Neral to Matheran. 3 trains are known to run at 9:20 AM, 2:45 PM, and 4:20. It has 3 compartments- Deluxe (Rs. 1500 for adults) and first-class (Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 150 for kids) and Second Class (Rs. 45 for adults and Rs 30 for kids).

 

Is Matheran worth visiting?

 

Yes, It is absolutely worth visiting Matheran. It is a small hill station yet it offers a huge getaway from the hustle-bustle of the cities and daily life. Whether you are a nature lover or a thrill-seeker, you will have something to do in Matheran. From trekking to visiting temples to going on a joy ride or horse ride, this place offers a variety of things to do for adults and kids alike.

 

Is one day enough for Matheran?

 

Yes, it is. You can cover the sightseeing, visit the temples and go on a few small treks in one day. Matheran is a place where you can witness beautiful sunsets amidst nature so make sure that you do not miss the sunrise and sunsets if you are visiting Matheran.

What are the best places to stay in Matheran?
Adamo the Resort- It is a 3-star property which is located 25 minutes away  from the Neral Railway station and has over 42 rooms which are divided into 5 catego. ries- Bungalow, Royale Suite, Deluxe Villa, Regency Deluxe and Regent Deluxe. It offers all the basic facilities like Conference hall, Swimming pool, Spa, Jacuzzi, Steam, Discotheque, Health club, and Multi-cuisine restaurant.

Dune Barr House - Verandah in the Forest- It is a 170-year-old hotel which offers quiet and classic rooms equipped with all the basic amenities and also provides services like Free breakfast, Badminton, Bicycle rental, 24-hour front desk, Laundry service, Horseback riding, Darts, Walking tours.

Cecil Hotel- It is a heritage hotel that was built in 1950 and has around 25 rooms and 3 bungalows. The hotel is well equipped and has a large dining room where all the guests are served delicious vegetarian food.

Usha Ascot- A 3-star hotel which just a few minutes away from Matheran Railway station offers 5 types of room- Super Deluxe, Ascot Suite, Ascot Villa, Luxury Villa, and Deluxe Room. All the rooms are 100% air-conditioned and have all the basic amenities like TV, phone and private balconies. It also offers two conference halls Mel Milap Hall and Brain Stromer, a discotheque, swimming pool, health club, children's play park, and an in-house restaurant.

 

What are the famous trekking places in or near Matheran?

1. Night Trek to Matheran Via Garbett Point: The trek to Garbett Point is a 2-nights and 3 days adventure in Matheran where you can experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and spend two unforgettable nights camping under the night sky.

 

2. Khandala: Khandala has always been a place that is frequented by adventure-lovers for its mesmerizing natural beauty. You can experience trekking at the Rajmachi Peak and visit the famous Manoranjan and the Shrivardhan Forts.

 

3. Lonavala: Lonavala is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats which provides ample opportunity for trekkers of all levels of expertise to enjoy themselves. Some of the popular trekking points include Tungarli Lake, Valvan Dam, Shivaji Udyan, and the Lonavala Lake.

 

4. Chanderi Caves: Situated at an elevation of 800 metres, the enchanting Chanderi Caves, lying between Karjat and Badlapur is a relatively easy trekking trail that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

 

5. Kalavantin Peak: The Kalavantin Peak Trek is ideal for hardcore trekkers and travellers. It is a challenging trek-route through the Western Ghats. You have to hike 3 kilometres to the summit from Thakurwadi Village in Karjat.