A Nice Quaint Hill Station. Review on Matheran

MATHERAN TRIP LOG

https://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/pappupp/album?.dir=/f787&.src=ph&.tok=phGiNQEBuh
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Introduction

Matheran is a small hill station equi distant from Pune and Mumbai. My motorbike odo showed 105 kms from Pune to Matheran. This hill station was developed by a British Collector of Thane, Sir Mallet in 1880.

The Ride

Thanks to Bikenomads I was able to network with two other riders from Pune, Pappu and Debu, both from Infosys. With my wife Medini as pillion we rode off from Pune to Matheran on the old Pune Mumbai Highway. With a breakfast halt at Lonavala, we made it to the top of Matheran in about 4 hours. The road up the hills is good and the view is fantastic. Started from Pune 0700 hrs reached Matheran 1030 hrs, at the Hill station till 1630 hrs, returned to Pune 2030 hrs.

The Hill Station

You cannot take any vehicles into Matheran. There is a car and bike park. Thereafter you walk some 3 kms to the market place. There is no need to take a horse if you are fit n fine. Should you need to do that select black sleek horses. Rs 300/- per horse. We used two porters to carry our Cramster luggage right round Matheran.

The forest is thick all round. However because of the winds, the red soil covers the trees and the leaves and gives a browny look all round. They say Monsoons are great for Matheran trips. We plan to visit this place again two nights three days.

The hill station is small and has some fine trails to take, right into the heart of the jungles. We saw an Advasi lady who lives deep in the forest.

Some nice points: Sunrise point, Sakaram Tukaram Point, Echo Point, the Sharlotte lake, Panorama Point, Porcupine Point and so on. There are 32 points easily done walking in two days max. The view is magnificent but same from most Points.

Architecture: Sadly, many heritage buildings have been destroyed giving way to monstrously designed cement concrete hotels. However there are many old houses and bungalows still standing. They are a treat to see.

The Railway:Not functional. But a new train now under construction at Kurla, will kick-start within the year.

Best way to get there: Bikes ofcourse!

Hotel Tarrifs: Very affordable. Travel in groups to chill out. Both Veg and Non Veg fare is good.

Photocredits: Pravin Patade (Pappu), Infosys using a Minolta Camera.

Bikes: Mariner and Medini Bajaj Avenger

Pappu TVS Fiero

Debu Bajaj Avenger