Matheran

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! Or a tough 11 km. hike through thick and shady forests. Matheran’s cliffs with incredibly steep drops to the plains below create stunning viewing points.

These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light-headed. The Hart Point offers a view of the lights of Mumbai at night! All of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular, if isolated, sites for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panthers’ Caves and the Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children. The old world charm of the British and Parsi homes is an irresistible draw. The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality – CHIKKI ! Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet, serene place.

Getting there : Mumbai, 100 kms/65 Mile. away is the nearest airport. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you transfer to the toy train. Mumbai is 108 kms. away by road, via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms. away. Taxis are available from Neral to Dastoori car park. No vehicles are allowed inside Matheran and ponies are the favoured means of transport. Don’t miss the station, used by the train four times a day. It boasts a tiny steam engine mounted, with great pride, on a pedestal. It served the people of Matheran for 77 chuffing years.

Season : October to May.

Altitude : 803.47 Metres.

Temperature : 16’C in winter to 32’C in summer.

The greenest ‘green’ destination.