There are few places in the world today, that can truly boast to be a nature’s den. Land and earth as we know it has either been eradicated of forests to build concrete jungles or used and abused for wood, food and raw materials.
That is why, in this modern world it surely comes as a sweet surprise to discover a quaint little hill town where the air still smells fresh, the paths are not tarred and nature seems to be rejoicing with unbound growth of the plant kingdom and rapturous calling of animals and birds.
This heaven is Matheran, Asia’s only pedestrian hill-station just 110 Km east of Mumbai, India and quite well connected by road and rail. The word ‘Matheran’ itself has originated from a combination of local words meaning ‘forest on top’ and true to its name, the hill station rewards each one who makes the effort to reach the top with a magnificent view of silver rivers, golden trails and lush green forests devoid of any vehicle exhausts.
HOW TO GET THERE
The nearest rail head to Matheran is Neral which can be reached from Mumbai by the regularly plying local trains or the express trains. It can also be reached by road from Mumbai in a car or a state run bus service. Neral to Matheran is a distance of 8 Km. You can either trek up to the hill-station, hire a horse, a hand pulled cart or take a car to Dasturi Naka, after which no vehicles are allowed.
An even better option, to getting introduced to the wonders of Matheran, is to reserve a seat in the toy train soon to be featured in the UNESCO heritage list. This blue mini rail takes a little longer to reach Matheran from Neral but leaves you with a lifetime experience of unwinding mountain tracks, dark tunnels and evergreen forests.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
It will not be wrong to call Matheran a walker’s paradise. There was a time when trekkers braved the climb to get just one glimpse of the incomparable views from the top. Today, thanks to a wise government decision, this eco-sensitive zone flourishes without vehicles and thus gives tourist a chance to forget the steering wheel and just walk.
The town is not huge, just 8 sq Km., and yet it has about 38 designated look out points. An easy-to-get map of the town can give you all the route details to the panoramic points and also to the lakes and temples. But what is best is to just start walking on a particular trail amidst bird songs and the shade of evergreens to finally reach a point that gives a bird’s eye view of the land below.
For those not too keen on walking, there are other viable options. You can either ride on a horseback or sit comfortably in a hand pulled cart that takes you to the main look-out points.
Comparatively undisturbed and densely forested, there are many areas in Matheran that are favorite with bird watchers. While some enjoy the view of the ruins of an age-old fort on an adjacent hill top, others make a mental note of not missing the view of the sun setting behind the hills.
SHOPPING
To take back as souvenirs Matheran is best known for its chikki. It is a caramel confection quite peculiar to India which is made of jaggery with array of nuts sealed inside. There are many chikki shops in the main market area that also sell scrumptious fudge, fresh honey and some truly delicious seasonal fruits.
What you also cannot afford to miss are the surprisingly cheap leather footwear available all across the town. If bargaining is your forte, you can easily get and exclusive pair for the whole bunch of family and friends back home!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Matheran is pleasant through out the year and each season seems to unfold a refreshingly new look and ambience. But if you wish to avoid the Indian summers and the holidaying local crowd during that season, do not plan a visit from April to June.
MORE INFORMATION
- Govt. of India Tourist Office, Churchgate,
Mumbai.
Ph: 022- 2209 3229 - Maharashtra State Tourism Development Corporation’s (MTDC)
C.D.O. Hutments, Opp. L.I.C. Building,
Madame Cama Road, Mumbai-400 020.
Ph: +91 22 2202 6713 / 7762 / 4627
Fax: +91 22 2285 2182
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
My compliments to the Author for a very insightful article.
Great article ! I am itching to visit this place soon.
After reading such a wonderful article, hope to visit Matheran soon.
Looking forward to reading more of this kind.
nicely written. If u feel, pls also include a note on Lodging facilities and available food. Thx.
I have been to Matheran, though many many years back. What I would say about the article is- Matheran, well put.
Have had the pleasure of trekking matheran few years back…my compliments to the author for making the memories come alive again.
Your article on Matheran gives a vivid picture of the natural beauty. Looking forward to visit sometime. Hoping to receive more articles of this kind from you. Keep it up.