If you have the right company, a place with no vehicles, magical land surrounded with green lush, valleys, and showering weather, you will never feel like coming back.
My friends and I randomly chose this location. But to be honest, we were looking for a destination having no hustle-bustle, a spot where we can trek and have whoopee time. As it was monsoon, of course, you will love to get drenched. Though it's not my cup of tea still with the right company, you enjoy every sip.
We first decided to go by the rail route and booked our tickets, packing, and everything else lined up, but just a night before, plans changed a friend suddenly shouts let's have a road trip! What a combination monsoon ride with a trek at Matheran, sounds like a complete package of entertainment.
So, we started our trip early morning with the help of Google Maps.
Matheran was approximately 100 km away from our destination, a small hilly region at an elevation of 803.98 meters to be exact above sea level in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the only destination you will find near the western ghats, also known as Sahyadri, where vehicles are permitted till a certain point, later you need to walk through the woods, or ride a horse or take a toy train.
I guess it's the only tourist spot in India where there are no vehicles. Think about it, isn't it amazing no horns, no traffic, so no pollution; less crowd, a maze of woods older than 200 years old surrounded with a peaceful family-friendly-romantic environment!
Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit, really you get impressive views of structures, houses with unique roofs, and you can see a reflection of benevolent mountains. While in monsoons, it's extraordinary as the waterfall rolls down these mountains, and the misty fog covers the region like a blanket. It's mesmerizing.
So, let's check out what few spots you can cover in just one-day.
First of all, after a long walk, you will require to fuel yourself. Just as you enter the town, there are a lot of restaurants serving traditional food items to continental you get everything at a reasonable price. But, remember as you have to trek or walk on a dirt road, try taking light meals, and always carry fruits and ample of water with you.
“When you visit such destinations, you have to change your relationship with nature. You have to get drenched the way they live their life, that's when you get the real touch and a rejuvenating feeling”
So here's the first sight we reached about 5 km towards north from the city center.
From its name itself, you must have got an idea it is like an “echo friendly zone”. This eco-sensitive spot gives a feeling of a movie, a hero standing at an edge of the cliff, and screams a name, or I love you or whatever comes to his mind; you can try that here.
Next, we headed to King Edward Point, a famous and popular sight that offers views of enchanting waterfalls, lakes, and woodlands surrounded by valleys. If you visit during the summers, you can enjoy the sunset. You can spend hours admiring the serene and peaceful environment.
To enjoy the present moment is more important. As we walked silently towards the heart spot, it started raining heavily, all we could hear is the sound of the wind, raindrops, and our heartbeats.
It is a spot where you can even meditate, an untouched nature's sight that gives the tranquil feeling. No wonder its name is heart's point. You will get the view of villages encircled by green lush and landscapes.
Remember, you have to walk a lot here, the roads will be muddy and slippery, so you can also opt for a horse ride.
Now, this is a place where we guys stood for minutes, thinking, what are we going to do at honeymoon point? But as you know, curiosity makes you restless, so with many random assumptions, we walked down and saw what, check it out below.
It is also known as a bird's eye view, a perfect location to have a seamless 360° panorama of the surrounding with an uninterrupted cool breeze. The joy of standing there with a relaxed mind is something inexpressible. Words can't always describe feelings. Hence we often say, I'm speechless! You can call this place a paradise for nature lovers.
This place is beautiful with picturesque mountains view, offering excellent snacks and beverages at the cliff. We couldn't see much as the area had a thick fog, so we played some music, quickly the crowd joined us, and we all danced for an hour. As you know, when you give others happiness, you will receive your happiness.
The name of the spot is in respect of King of England, Edward VII, who was Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the British throne for almost 60 years. You can also visit Louisa Point, it is one of the best sights that offer the highest plateau among all vantage points with a striking view of cascade waterfalls.
Nothing, that was the answer, after marriage and your honeymoon, it's a dead-end. Okay, I am not discouraging you, it's all about how you build a bridge of understanding.
With some lessons and laughter, we moved through a dense forest to our next point.
It is one of the Matheran's reservoir's for drinking water, nestled between hills and dense forest. As I am not the one who knows swimming, so I enjoy the shores, but for many, it's was an ultimate joy, jump in the lake and swim like a fish. There are no boats or other adventures, but you can enjoy it as a camping spot with endless food and drinks.
Time flew so quickly out here that our hearts went just heavy, it was almost turning into evening, and we started heading back to the city center.
Lastly, we stopped by the famous Matheran marketplace.
You should feel privileged to buy some things from Matheran. I been there even before and bought several things, the quality is good, you will find varieties in stylish and traditional clothes, handbags, traditional sweets, toys, and many other products.
“Just for your knowledge, it requires an extra cost to reach things uphill, as there are no vehicles. So try not to bargain, as for many it's the only source of income. Deep down, you will feel confused, but your single penny spend can bring a smile and joy on their face, which is priceless”.
We visited during the peak monsoons, while you plan to visit in summers and winters, don't miss out on Sunset and Sunrise points, and other outstanding sights.
Imagine, new dawn with a feast of fast-food served with, for coffee lovers coffee, tea lovers tea at an edge of the scintillating hill with pollution-free skies, how does that make you feel?
Sunrise point also called Khandala Point, it is known for positive energy, as the sun rises above the mountain's peak, the sky turns orange and red it looks like the wallpaper of your screen.
Similarly, Sunset point is called Porcupine Point, the shape resembles a porcupine bird, hence the name. The captivating view of the skies during sunset makes the environment quite romantic. I feel you should experience these flashes multiple times.
Here' the quick standard expenses for Matheran, rest, the decision is yours how to reach Neral Railway Station.
Neral Station to Matheran
1. Toy train fares:
~ First Class: 300 INR for an adult and 180 INR for children
~ Second Class: 75 INR for an adult and 45 INR for children
~ General Class: 45 INR for an adult and 30 INR for children
2. Private Cabs: 70 – 100 INR per head
3. Personal Vehicle: The parking facility for the two-wheeler and four-wheeler is available near the entrance, at minimum charges including taxes.
Matheran Entry Fee: 50 INR an adult and 25 INR for children
~ Walking is the most easygoing means it will take around 20 minutes, but you can also choose horseback or horse ride to the city center.
If you plan to stay at the plateau, visit their official website for hotel pricing and timings http://www.matheranonline.com/
Take a bow and see how you can reach Neral Station without much hassle:
1. If you want to travel by Air
The nearest airport is in the heart of the Mumbai city, situated nearly 82 km (51 miles) away. The Terminal T2 at Andheri (East) is termed as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Terminal T1 at Vile Parle (East) as Domestic Airport. From the airport, the best convenience is to book a direct cab or take a Karjat bound local train to Neral railway station from the central line; you will initially save a lot of travel time.
2. If you want to travel by Rail route
The rail route connectivity is the best all over India. Superfast trains from Mumbai and Pune connects to Karjat Junction. The Mumbai local trains connect Central line, where you can get down at Neral railway station, from there you can board a toy train or take a cab or walk almost 20 minutes to Matheran.
3. If you are looking for a Road trip
The connectivity is excellent via Mumbai-Pune Expressway; the interchange connects the expressway with National Highway 48. One thing for the bike riders, two-wheelers are not permitted on the Mumbai-Pune new express route, you will have to take the old highway.
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
