'''Matheran''' is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State.

Understand

Matheran is situated at a height of 803 m above sea level. Since 1907, a narrow gauge railway line connects Matheran to Neral in the plains. Motor vehicles are completely banned in Matheran (Venice, the prince's islands of Istanbul and Matheran are probably the only places in the world where motor cars are banned), making it quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors that come here, mostly from Mumbai. There are a number of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran is a plateau with a reasonably dense forest cover. Being a hill station it is pleasant almost throughout the year. In winter, the nights can get a bit chilly though. The best time to go to Matheran is post-monsoon. It is truly spectacular at this time of the year with lush greenery, waterfalls and the lake full with water.

Get in

There is a entry fee (of Rs 25 for adult visitors and Rs.10 for children)to Matheran. The proceeds from this is used for the upkeep of the place considering its fragile ecosystem.

By train

You can catch a Karjat bound local train from CST(a.k.a. VT Mumbai, India) on the Central Railway to ''Neral Station''. From Neral Station , there is a toy train which runs to Matheran about 4 times in a day. This toy train is not operational when railway route is under maintenance or when there is a perceived hazard e.g. the monsoons. The only way to know about it is at the Neral Station. The train is normally full, so turn up in good time to ensure you get a ticket. You can also book the ticket online through IRCTC[http://irctc.co.in]

The toy train times (as of Feb '08) are: Matheran -> Neral:

  • depart 0700, arrive 0840
  • depart 0945, arrive 1125
  • depart 1340, arrive 1520
  • depart 1625, arrive 1810
  • depart 1445, arrive 1625
  • Neral -> Matheran:
  • depart 0730, arrive 0930
  • depart 0850, arrive 1110
  • depart 1015, arrive 1210
  • depart 1705, arrive 1900
  • depart 1215, arrive 1405
  • There is an extra service in each direction during peak season, from Neral at 10.15 am and back from Matheran at 1.40 pm.

    Here is a list of train timings from Neral back to CST: 0246,0356,0425,0517,0532,0607,0654,0716,0734,0808,0837,0718,0954,1109,1232,1331,1416,1440,1553,1631,1705,1729,1837,1854,1954,2056,2141,2223,2256,0222.

    Alternately, there are many share-a-cabs which take you to Matheran from Neral. The distance from Neral to Dasturi Point(last point to which vehicles are allowed in Matheran)is 11 km. The drivers that ply through the roads have immaculate driving skills, so a real advice here is not to keep eyeing the blind turns and foot-to-brake co-ordination, but to just enjoy the breath-taking views as you climb up towards the Dasturi point. Once you have left the taxi, you can take a horse ride or get the help of porters to carry luggage up to the town.

    By car

    '''Cars are not allowed within Matheran'''. However you can drive up and park your car at Dasturi car point, or take the newly introduced mini bus shuttle from Karjat or Neral railway stations upto Dasturi. From Dasturi you must take a 40 minute horseback or man-pulled rickshaw ride to Matheran along a mud track.

    Alternately you can walk from Dasturi along the rail line & make your way up to Matheran - 20minutes to half an hour. The rail track route is slightly shorter, more scenic and very much more comfortable than than the rubbly, dusty main road route. Coolies or porters are available at Dasturi to carry your luggage. Remember to negotiate rates in advance.

    On Foot

    There are several walking trails which ascend the Matheran Plateau. These are used by local people commuting to the hill station as well as the occasional intrepid holiday-maker.

    From the Eastern side, trekkers start at Neral (see above).

    You can also approach from the Western side, which has the distinct advantage that you can be in the shade for most of the ascent if you start early in the morning. One route recommended during monsoon starts from the village of Dudhoni and brings you to Sunset Point in Matheran. It is suitable for beginners, and the ascent only takes 2 hours or so. There is apparently a side trip to a waterfall, but I have not done this. Dudhoni can be reached by autorickshaw from Panvel (accessible by bus or central line train). The trail is obvious in most places; when in doubt, ask a local.

    Get around

    As motor vehicles are banned, there are two ways of getting around in Matheran.
  • Walking. All the trails have signboards marking the way and the locals are quite helpful.
  • On horseback
  • Man-pulled Rickshaw
  • See

    The truth is that almost all the points offer pretty good sunrise, sunset, mountain and valley views, so walk or horse ride or take a rickshaw to whichever you prefer. Remember that the more popular points will be crowded, especially at sunset. Watch out for the aggressive Matheran macaque monkeys who will not hesitate to snatch your belongings especially anything remotely resembling food!

    Some of the popular sights include: Lake Charlotte - a spectacular waterfall overflows from the lake during and shortly after the monsoons. At other times, it is peaceful surrounded by dense evergreen forests, bird song and pretty butterflies.

  • '''Panorama point''' - This point is a very beautiful one, for you can see a panoramic view of the hills on the left and a beautiful Ulhas River to the right. This point is quite far from Matheran station / market, but you can negotiate a good price for your travel if you do not feel like walking. This point is perfect for Sunrise and is also called "Sunrise Point."
  • '''Heart Point''' - Here one can see a beautiful scene of the valley and this point looks like heart, so it is named so.
  • '''Monkey Point''' - Here you can see the monkeys in large numbers and their mischief life-sized.
  • '''Malang Point'''
  • '''Luisa Point''' - The view from here to the waterfall (run off from Charlotte Lake) during the monsoon is spectacular.
  • '''Honeymoon Hill'''
  • '''Echo Point'''
  • '''Charlotte Lake'''
  • '''Lords Point'''
  • '''One tree Hill'''
  • '''Olympia'''
  • '''Paymasters Park'''
  • '''Mount Barry'''
  • '''Artist Point'''
  • '''Khandala Point'''
  • '''Alexandar Point'''
  • '''Rambaug Point'''
  • '''Little Chowk Point'''
  • '''Chowk Point'''
  • '''Sunset(Porcupine) Point'''
  • '''Garbut point'''
  • Do

    Due to the prohibition of cars, Matheran is a relatively peaceful place. So '''walking''' is an activity that will be richly rewarding, especially for nature lovers, and more so just after the monsoons when wildflowers are in full bloom with their attendant butterflies. When the mass blooming of Karvy or Strobilanthes Callosa takes place, it is a spectacular sight.

    It is not uncommon to sight Golden Langurs, snakes and the Matheran Giant Squirrels [Ratufa indica elphinstonii]. Apart from the ubiquitous bonnet macaque or aggressive Matheran Monkeys !

    There are numerous points all over Matheran, many of which provide some fantastic views of the valley below. While the central area and marked vistas are crowded, it is quite easy to find yourself all alone if you step off the beaten track. There are numerous forested trails leading to most of the Points. Wear thick soled footwear and carry a walking stick for greater comfort as some of the trails are very rubbly, nothing more than dry river beds.

    '''Horse riding''' is also quite popular way of getting around in Matheran. Finding a horse is not very difficult, as there are many of them around. It is a great way to travel for people who prefer not to walk, but rates must be negotiated in advance.

    Eat

    There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various cuisines. Most hotels offer packages including all meals. Try the Gujarati Thali, or the Maharashtrian style Vada-Pav (Indian Burger)which is available at the various points. Also, try the ''chikki'' which is available in different flavors in the main market. Meat is available in some restaurants, notably in the popular and modern ''Khan's'', which does very good Kebabs. Diwadkars opposite the station does very tasty non veg and veg thalis, kababs, etc at a reasonable price, they also serve alcohol. Shabbir's Biryani house is very famous for it's meat preparations, but it is not a very neat place and if you are looking for a proper restaurant with people waiting on you then Shabbir's might not be the place. A plate of mutton biryani at Shabbir's costs Rs.75 (As on 19th April 2009).

    Drink

    There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various drinks, try the unique Kokam Sherbat there. Liquor is available only in certain hotels and restaurants. Another place to find alcohol is "Pramod Bar". Their rates are as follows:
  • Beer Rs.100
  • Old Monk Rum Rs.35 (30ml)
  • Bacardi White Rum Rs.35 (30ml)
  • Signature Whisky Rs.35 (30ml)
  • Smirnoff Vodka Rs.35 (30ml)
  • Fuel Vodka Rs.20 (30ml)
  • Shark Tooth Vodka Rs.20 (30ml)
  • White Mischief Vodka Rs.17 (30ml)
  • Rivera Wine Rs.430(180 ml)
  • Sleep

    During the peak season, when it is very busy, prices are often as high as four times the off-season (winter) price. As it is a popular weekend trip from Mumbai, mid week is less full so you should be able to negotiate better prices. While there are many hotels in the centre of town, there are more secluded hotels down the paths away from the central buildings. Given most hotels can offer food, it needn't be an inconvenience being out of the town centre. Due to the space in Matheran, hotels often have extra facilities from ping-pong tables and swings to swimming pools.

  • A good place to stay is the <sleep name="R. B. Curumsey Damjee Arogya Bhuvan" phone="+91 22 22070548" email="admin@matheran.org"> [http://matheran.org/]. A health sanatorium in Matheran run by a public charitable trust. All the proceeds from this sanatorium are used in maintenance of the property and for other charitable purposes only. Situated near Monkey point it is equidistant from Dasturi (Car park) and the Market away from the crowd where there is just you and nature. Two old heritage bungalows have been taken over and remodeled and two more bungalows have been added. All bungalows face a lush green forest. Each bungalow is divided into 2 or 3 units. The place is vegetarian and alcohol is prohibited. The trust's rules apply.
  • '''Lord's Central''', [http://mather anhotels.com/]. One of the most wonderful place to stay in Matheran. May not be the most luxurious around, but it's a charming place whose owners bend over backwards to make you feel at home. It has a well placed pool, small library, bar, dining room and a giant chess board. Per head rates(Rs.600-800/day)include three fabulous meals.
  • <sleep name=Very Highly Priced Hotel: "Verandah in the Forest. arr House. arr House, Matheran-410102, District Raigarh, Maharashtra. 91 2148 230296. ales@neemranahotels.com. 91 2148 230811. ww.neemranahotels.com/verandah/index.html.htm. This heritage bungalow has been converted into a first-rate guest house by the Neemrana group. A favourite with expats and the well-heeled Mumbai crowd, it is generally full on weekends. Well away from the crowded centre of Matheran town, and not far from where the road turns from wide dusty horse-path to quite footpaths. Walk just a hundred meters or so down one of these trails and you will be on your own exploring the views and relics of colonial bungalows.

  • '''Byke''' One of the oldest resorts; definitely the oldest 3 star resort in Matheran. Its well away from the crowds and has been around for 20 years. Mainly consists of several colonial style cottages and has managed to preserve some of the old world charm & character. Has a mid sized swimming pool for adults and a baby pool for kids, rain dance area, restaurant, tennis & badminton courts, a small hall like discotheque with a stage, health club, games room, several swings that you can relax on. Its nice & green and the food is decent as well. Definitely worth checking out.
  • Another good budget option for the families is '''Woodlands Hotel'''. Situated in the forest as the name suggests but just 10 mins walk from the Station/Market. Homely atmosphere with good food and service. Animal lovers will be happy to know that pets are more than welcome here.

    There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. hotelsinmatheran.net has a list as do cleartrip, makemytrip, and most travel sites. Maharashtra Tourism's site MTDC has a list of home stays as well. Most Matheran hotels and resorts advertise in the local Mid Day travel classifieds so it is easy to compare prices.

    Most of the above mentioned websites do not mention the following small hotels which allow you lodging and boarding:

  • Hotel Preeti. This is a clean and neat place with considerable space for people to sit outside their rooms on swings and sofas. The rooms are clean and the beds look warm. The price is Rs.300 for one person a day without food. With food, which includes breakfast tea and two meals it is Rs.600 for one person. (Rates on a summer Saturday)
  • Krishna Villa. This place is not the best place to be if you are going with your family, but if you are with your friends and don't care too much about the rooms being slightly small this place can give you a good deal at Rs.240 per head without the food. (Rates on a summer Saturday)
  • Meghdoot. This is slightly better than Krishna Villa but not as good as Hotel Preeti. The asked for a sum of Rs.700 for five people per day.
  • There are several locals who have turned their houses in the villages into tourist cottages. These are very cheap and clean but don't expect too much service. You will find these near the "Pramod Bar".
  • Things to keep in mind

  • Carry a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Matheran is quite dusty & there is red dirt everywhere.
  • The roads can be rough with many small stones in them but they are not sharp craggy rocks so wear a good pair of shoes with thick soles and you should be fine. Obviously, if you don't intend walking much then this doesn't really matter too much.
  • The weather is truly excellent as you can walk around even in summer without feeling too uncomfortable.
  • Avoid carrying too much baggage with you. You can't take it up by car & need someone to carry it for you. Some of these porters are women and you may not feel right about a woman carrying your heavy bag. Anyway, it's quite easy to find a male porter (also called "coolie" in India). They may charge around Rs. 200 - 250 (US$ 5 - 6) for carrying your bags to your hotel depending on where your hotel is. Also they are reliable and you can safely hand over your bags to them and take any route you want. They will be at your hotel before you.
  • There is a government fixed rate for renting the horses which in (May 2008) is Rs. 160 or around US$ 4 per hour.
  • there are monkeys around, please do not feed them or play with them..it could be Dangerous