Matheran, Maharashtra

Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous 2 hrs ascent in a toy train. Its 8 sq kms cover a hilltop in the Sahyadris, or Western Ghats and is the closest hill station of Mumbai. It is unique in that no motor transports is allowed within its area. Matheran's cliffs with incredibly steep drops to the plains below create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leaves one feeling light-headed.

Best time to visit October to May is the best time to visit.

Climate An annual rainfall of 524 cms.
Summer: Temperatures veries from 32 degree Celcius in summer.

Winter: Temperatures very from 16 degree Celcius in winter.

Accomodation

• Rugby Hotel
  Vithalrao Kotwal Road.
  Tel: 30291.
  
• The Byke
  next to Municipal Office.
  Tel: 30365, fax: 02148-30316.
• Brightlands Resorts
  Maulana Azad Road.
  Tel: 30244.
• Royal Hotel
  Kasturba Road,
  Tel: 30247.
• Usha Ascot
  M G Road,
  tel: 30213
• Hotel Alexander and Hotel Regal. Many hotels close during the monsoon, the exception being Brightlands.

How to reach thereMumbai is 100 kms away, Neral is 21 kms. away, Pune is 120 kms away from Matheran.  

Air: Mumbai is the nearest airport, 100 km away. 

Rail: Matheran is most easily reached by rail. Many trains leave VT for the small mainline station of Neral, from where one can connect with the narrow-gauge toy-train to Matheran. Except during the monsoon (June-September), there are several trains a day on the mountain railway which take 2 hours to cover the 20 kms climb to their destination. Stations on the way have names like Water pipe and there is also the famous One Kiss Tunnel. During the monsoon, the service is restricted to one train a day and during heavy rain even this can be cancelled due to landslides.  

Road:State Transport buses regularly ply from Mumbai and Pune. Transport in the town is restricted to ponies, foot, and hand-pulled rickshaws.

Places to see

Karsondas Mulji Library: Founded in 1897 at the far end of Mahatma Gandhi Road. A sign on the wall reads, "No one ever really paid the price of a book, only the price of printing it.

Panorama Point: 5 kms north of the post office, has the most spectacular views. Below lies Neral, to the west Mumbai and to the north are the Ghats. It's a popular place to watch the sun rise.

Monkey Point: which look down over the plains.

Porcupine Point: further to the southwest, is the popular sunset view.

Louisa Point: three kms west of the post office, is on a plateau with views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh. One of the nearby rocks is called Lion's Head because of its supposed resemblance to one.

Echo Point: really does have an echo.

Chowk Point: 4 kms from the post office, is at the extreme southern end of Matheran. 

Rambagh: lies 2 kms away looking towards Khandala and Karjat.

Alexander Point: one km to the north, one can see Garbut Point, the Chowk valley and the Ulhas River.

Mount Barry: is one of the highest spots in Matheran, with splendid views. Between Mount Barry and Panorama Point is Governor's Hill, another viewpoint.   The Panthers' Caves and the Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children.

Charlotte Lake: is the main source of drinking water for the town. The lake looks splendid in the monsoon, with swirling coffee brown water, but dries up in the summer. Near the dam are some food stalls and the main Hindu temple, the Pisarnath Mandir.

What to shop

The main Mahatma Gandhi Road is lined with shops selling the famous chikki sweets and local honey. Chikki is a softer version of peanut brittle made from jaggery and there are seemingly endless varieties--peanut, sesame seed, coconut, ginger and mango. Decorative grasses are also dried locally. Another specialty is footwear. Local craftsmen will make a pair of sandals, shoes or riding boots to order in just a few days. There are walking - stick shops, snacks shops and even a video games parlour. The Kapadia market, is the main bazaar.The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals etc.

Tourist Info

• Government of India's Tourist Office
  M. Karve Road, opp Churchgate station
  Mumbai.
  ( Tel: 203 3144)
• Maharashtra State Tourism Development Corporation's (MTDC)
  Madam Cama Road
  (Tel: 202 7762)

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