The title is complex but the feeling is simple, calmness and peace found in a surprising way. We have usually seen children enjoying rains a lot, with some jumping out of their homes in raincoat , splashing pools, trying to have their small paper boat afloat. But as we grow old, we get busy forgetting to enjoy such blissful days. Monsoon in India lasts from May to nearly mid September . Maharashtras konkan areas especially Mumbai experiences bountiful downpour.
This monsoon, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and especially trekking seemed dicey. But as with precautionary measures , places started opening up , we got some hope. Matheran is a hill destination in Mumbai, perched at 800 meters above sea level is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking trails leading to several vantage points from where one can have stunning views. Spread across Matheran is a mix of homes and hotels, some still retaining their old-world charm of spacious bungalows while the others offer the most modern conveniences.
There are many points in Matheran like Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Porcupine point, Panorama point, Lord Point , Alexander Point etc. We had chosen to stay in MTDC Resort in Matheran , it was a small cute cottage in dense forest. One could see the trees covered in dense fog in morning, the best part is to have hot meal with a cup of coffee in your balcony enjoying the chill vibes. But a lot of monkeys might come to spoil the mood , just a warning.
After enjoying the fine meal, we headed towards Train station and further the trek. There runs a toy train from Neral to Aman Lodge station (Matheran) which is a trip down childhood , but due to Covid-19 it had been stopped. The trek was going to be little strenuous , we had opted for walk and as we progressed it soon became afternoon , thus we stopped for lunch. Then after having a comforting meal we headed again, first was going to be Louisa Point , the farthest point . It started drizzling and then heavy downpour followed, slipping on mud , falling and then getting each others back we reached. The view was just breathtaking, with some light music on from my phone, we settled to gaze at the mesmerizing sight of clouds passing by, lush greenery around. On the way we had crossed Echo point and Honeymoon point, it all gives splendid views of the valley from different angles.
When we were perfectly content with the absorption of epitome of beauty in our eyes it started mizzling again , we saw small rivulets emerging and converging into the valleys. Charlotte Lake was next on the list, its a reservoir of water which flows through barricade like a dam , making its way ultimately into the valley. There is an ancient Shiva Temple near to the lake and the famous Lion Point . The best part of visiting this place was the view from where the stream of water converged into the valley, the top most point .
Rain is God’s own way of reviving flora and fauna which lie lifeless after facing the atrocity of the summer scorching heat. Humans also feel rejuvenated and revitalized after soaking in the first showers of monsoon. And sometimes being close to nature at such times makes us feel the divinity of life in a more pristine way.
It was getting dark and we were exhausted, so we needed a piggyback ride, a horse. Horses are the primary way of commuting in Matheran , people rear horses and use them for travelling . Due to Covid-19, the business of such people had suffered a huge setback and its the moral responsibility of tourist to aid them to the best of their capacity. But a ride on a horse can be as tricky as fun it sounds , with the frequent jerks due to uneven terrain of the hill station. After a hip hop ride on the horse we reached MTDC Resort. We succumbed to tiredness from the trip after having dinner and so just dozed off.
Next day we had planned to visit , monkey point and sunset point. Being a weekday the place was just empty , like a one little paradise just custom made by nature . The trail was covered by monkeys and rocks . Sunset point was on enroute way back to Mumbai, so we decided to check out from the resort.
It was indeed a treat for the soul to get a chance to visit such scenic spots all in Matheran at the right time. We were back in the hustle bustle of city ready to jump into hectic schedule of work, till another such trip is on the cards
A few photos capturing the essence ,