Matheran

Matheran which means ‘ Jungle Topped’ is the nearest hill station to Mumbai and probably Maharashtra’s most pleasant retreat. It’s an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts from where it’s a sheer drop to the plain. On a clear day the views from here are fantastic.

Hugh mallet, collector for the Thane district, is credited with the discovery of Matheran in 1850 while climbing the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, and it soon became a popular hill station during the days of the Raj.Matheran owes its tranquility to a complete ban on motor vehicles ( and bicycles ) but on the weekends the resort is overrun with day-trippers.

The true high season here is during the peak holiday periods of April to June, Diwali and Christmas. At this time it’s rrediculously packed and accommodation prices are ludicrous. During the monsoon ( mid June to early October ) the village virtually closes up and the dirt walking trails and roads become very muddy.

Getting to Matheran is half the fun; from Neral Junction you take a narrow – gauge toy train up the 21km route to the heart of the hill station. It’s a very scenic two-hour ascent as the train winds its way around the steep slopes and, at one point passes through One Kiss Tunnel. Information

Entry to Matheran costs Rs 20. ( Rs 10 children ) which you pay on arrival at the train station or the Dasturi car park.

There’s no tourist office but some shops and hotels have a basic map of Matheran. The Union Bank Of India on MG Road. The main road through the bazaar, changes only but it can be unreliable. Few of the paths away from the main bazaar are lit at night – a torch may come in handy.

Walks and Views

Unlike at Maharastra’s other hill station Mahabaleshwar you can walk to most of Matheran’s viewpoints in a matter of hours. The best views are seen in the early morning and around sunset. Louisa Point , Hart Point and little chouk point have the finest views. You can reac the vally below one tree hill down the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, so called because the

Matheran leader is said to have used it.

Places To Stay

There area few budget places close to the train station but most of the mid-range and expensive resort accommodation is a 10 to 20 minute walk away. Many of these resort hotels offer only full-board rates. Especially in the high season. Early morning checkout times are the norm in Matheran, and are often as early as 7 am. Most of the following hotels have hot – water showers in the morning only. Unless otherwise stated rates quoted in this section are outside high season. If you re mad enough to come than, expect to pay between 30 % and 200 % more.

Where to Stay And Eat

Hope Hall Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 30253.

Tariff – Rs 250.

Lord’s Central Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 3867776.

Tariff – Rs 1650 ( per person )

Email – lord@wspl.net.in

Rugby Hotel.

Phone No – 022 – 2821721.

Tariff Rs 1800 – 2900