Best Hill Station in India for all Budgets. Review on Matheran

Matheran is the best Hill Station in Maharashtra. The reasons are plenty.

It is the best break from the busy schedules of city life. People from all walks of life can come here with ANY budgets.

I was there between 17th May and 20th May 2009 And again between 30th March to 1st April 2012. I try and visit at least once every year.

Back to Matheran.

VINTAGE LOOK

Matheran has the vintage look. the trees, the red mud, the muddy roads.

No vehicles are allowed for anyone except Ambulance. Not even the police. they too travel on horse backs. Hence, no pollution(smoke).

The red mud is the real beauty. you will not find this anywhere else.

I feel sad for the locals in Matheran. Just imagine the way they live. No vehicles are allowed inside so that the beauty of Matheran can be maintained. The locals have to walk every distance everyday, everything that comes in Matheran is brought on Horseback. All this is done so that we can enjoy the virgin beauty of Matheran.

MATHERAN MINI-TRAIN

The access to Matheran is very easy. You come to NERAL station by road or rail.

You should book tickets online on http://www.irctc.co.in the mini-train that takes you to Matheran. Getting tickets are the counter is next to impossible. Either book online or at travel agents who take about Rs. 25/- extra per ticket. While booking on https://irctc.co.in you have to choose Stations(Neral and Matheran)

The actual ticket is very cheap for the ride. It is only Rs. 35/- per ticket. The two hour ride up is one of the best you can every get. You HAVE TO travel once atleast by the train. The mini-train is a marvel that the British has built and we have very successfully maintained it.

VANS

You can also come by Omni Vans(which are just outside Neral Station which takes only Rs. 60/- per seat and reach you in 20 minutes upto Dasturi. This is the place where all vehicles have to halt. Beyond this no vehicle is allowed. From here you walk for 30-45 minutes upto Matheran Railway Station(market place is the same) or take a horse ride(bargin). If you plan to walk from Dasturi to Market Place, you can also walk from railway track.

HOTELS

The hotels are in the range of Rs. 500/- to Rs. 5, 000/-

In off season you can bargain. but in season time you just cannot.

If you are staying near the market place try and book the room only for the stay without the food. The market place offers you various options for food.

SIGHTSEEING

Points is what you have you see here.

(Points are basically the edge of the cliff at various directions)(the local will guide you, else you too can take the map and plan your travel, map is available with anyone)

The first morning go to the Lake and adjoining points - lunch and rest.

In the evening go to Sunset point and the adjoining points.

The next morning go to the Sunrise point(its very far though from Market Place)and the adjoining points - lunch and rest.

All this can be travelled by foot or on horse back.

In the evening go for shopping in the market place. You get good Chikki's at every place. Good juices from Mahanama and Mala. Honey, Frudge. You also get good chappals and ladies purse alongwith good ladies hats.

You don't have to cover all the points. A reasonable number of points covered around 8 - 10 will give you a good scenic beauty of Matheran.

CAUTION

When it is windy please DO NOT be at the edge of the mountains(points).

Please do not ANNOY the monkey, basically they are not troublesome give them biscuits and see how they eat just like human beings or even try giving them water bottle, they opend the bottles just like humans and drink the water.

HORSE RIDE

I get scared of riding a horse. I have gone many times to Matheran, but this is the first time I sat on a horse and believe me it is the most PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE EVER. If I can sit on a horse(i used to get very scared) then anyone can. The first few minutes are scary but after that it is just fun. Check point .Do not sit on a mule, take a horse. Preferably medium height not very tall but broad so you get ample sitting place. See whether the horse is friendly and peaceful. You can understand right at the beginning when you are sitting on the horse.(otherwise change the horse) The one who will be with the horse accompanying you, check whether he is friendly and skilled otherwise look for other person, during the ride keep talking to him and ask him to hold the horse correctly at all times.

HIGHLIGHT

There is ZERO CRIME RATE - FRIENDLY PEOPLE. Matheran is the SAFEST PLACE ON EARTH.

Weather is very pleasant.

2 to 3 days are sufficient in Matheran. There are many points to see. You can plan them wisely.

Eating hotels are very reasonable . similar cost as in city. Variety of foods.

Equipments.

Carry a good camera.(you can click just about anywhere)

Sunglasses.

Torch.(evening time)

Sun cream .

Carry medicines.

Adequate water while trekking.

Mosquito repellant cream.

Nice pair of sports shoes to walk.

SUMMARY

Enjoy yourself once and you will go again and again to Matheran.

(I love Matheran for the beauty and people.)