An awesome place... . Review on Matheran

I have not travelled so extensively in India, but wherever I have been I think there is no place where automobiles are not allowed. Welcome to Matheran, which literally means ''The king of all forests''. True to its name, the place is rich in vegetation. The fact that automobiles are not allowed inside is its USP (Unique Selling Point). It s a true zero pollution zone, has got superb climate all round the year, extremely reachable and is suited to all kinds of budget. This is one hill-station with a difference.

Reaching Matheran just take about two hours from Mumbai, whether you go by your own vehicle or take the local train. From Neral, the base district, you can either take the toy train which takes another hour and a half or you can take your own vehicle upto Dasturi naka. From Dasturi you ll have to walk. It takes about 25 min. to reach the main market. A horse ride is obviously faster but not worth the 100 bucks he charges. That is the rule, from anywhere in Matheran till Dasturi and vice versa you ll be charged 100 bucks.

Staying in Matheran depends entirely on you. You have hotels offering all kinds of budgets. Premium ones are Richie Rich, Brightlands etc. And the lower cost ones are Hotel Cecil, Hotel Preeti (the one where I stay with friends), and one I have read a lot about, but not been there, is Divadkars. Usually these kind of hotels are cheaper, offer the basic staying facilities, excellent homely food, and good service.'' Anyways you are going to roam about so why spend more on stayin'', thats the funda we apply.

About the various points I would suggest a visit to the Charlotte lake is a must especially in the morning. It s a little far from the main market but worth the visit. And also the One tree hill pt. which is in close proximity to the lake. Take the horse ride and bargain as much as possible and tip the guy coming with you. The owners dont usually give in to the bargaining but if you are a large group he ll give in. All various kinds of points are there with all the adjectives you can possibly imagine...Honeymoon, Echo, the usual Sunset (compulsory visit), Monkey etc. All basically offer the same view from different places. A good option is the chain of points starting with Alexander pt., Rambagh pt. etc. There is also the Madhavji garden, bang in the centre of the market. Worth a visit if you want to spend the evening with your loved one, though you wont get much space and peace on weekends.

Shopping HAS to be done at any hill station. But as this is one with a difference, you wont feel the neccessity to shop here except the Fudges and the Chikkis. For chikkis Nariman is the best and for fudges try out Jolly. Rest of them are just about okay. The usual stuff is also there....leather items, sandals etc. Nothing great about it.

So next, when you have less free time, I would suggest this as the best option for a 2-3 day outing. Especially for groups of friends who dont want to spend too much. You spend as much you would in Mumbai in a day...maybe even less.

I think the Matheran Govt. should pay me for this kind of publicity...what do you guys think...huh?!!