Why Matheran is captivating.
When you visit this place, firstly you'll fall in love with the dressed up nature with green outfit and secondly fresh air free from pollution, no honking zone, wrath of the clouds that pour on you now and then, ascending waterfalls_a unique phenomenon, 32 distinct viewpoints and if you're bored with the views then the Charlotte Lake will help you in relaxing. And not to Forget the Horse Rides, the Ape Family having fun among themselves, the various birds and the Dark Woods. What more do you want to be Captured? A Freedom with Captivity, is better than captivity without freedom.
Among the points which I visited, Madhavji Point and Garden wasn't actually a point. You can't even see the valley properly and the garden was fine, not worth the visit. You can skip it.
Couldn't visit all the 32 points due to lack of time. But wish to complete it someday very soon......
Cost Inclusion:
1. Train Fare- Mumbai to Neral (return) - Rs.50/-
2. Auto Fare- (4KM) - Rs.40/-
3. Toy Train- Aman Lodge to Matheran - Rs.45/-
4. Entry to Matheran - Rs.50/-
5. Taxi (down the hill) - Rs.70/-
6. Food/Snacks etc - Rs.195/-
A small hilltop approx 2600 ft above sea level, has a different charm of its own. Being strictly a No Honking Zone, it has about 33 point view points around it. What does it have? Seriously nothing but just the various points which will blow your mind away. And Since it's a no honking zone, all you can do is either hire a cart, or a horse and if that doesn't satisfy you....just WALK around the woods. Dont worry of getting lost somewhere, you'll get proper directions any where in the woods. Untouched beauty of its own. A Perfect place for a Day Trip.
You'll have two option;
1. Take a Toy Train to Matheran (During rain it'll be closed)
2. Hire a cab (they'll charge you Rs. 70/- per person) But trekking has its own charm. Instead of these; hire an auto who'll drive you about 4 km at Rs 40/- per person, and do trekking for the Remaining 4KM upto the Parking Lot up on the Hill Top. What you'll See?
Nature at its best. and the Waterfalls on the way.., which you don't wanna miss at any cost.
Situated right around the Market Area., you wouldn't wish to Miss this point. Only thing it was missing was the perfect Waterfall. Lush Greenery all around the Valley, with Monkey's and their Families this Point has a Different feel. Be Careful, don't try to mess with the Ape Family., you'll just regret it. but don't be scared as well even if they Sit next to you. Just Enjoy their Company.
After Walking through the Woods., it was funny when my friend asked Who was Alexander? And the answered, " He was Student from Xavier's who came here for holidays". About This Point; It's located in the woods with a perfect view of the Valley, and Rambaug Point towards the Right. Nature had taken a shower when we reached and showing off itself with the wind.
Sit a perfect spot down the Hill and the Enjoy the Beauty at its best. Steps will be slippery due to the Rains, so just be careful. You'll enjoy the View with clouds ready to pour on you., what more can you ask for?
Clouds had their wrath on me, and cos of which i had to Wear my Windcheater and enjoy the view with rain as my Company. At this point I met a German Traveler. From the short Conversation which I had with him, i came to know that he was Doing internship in Mumbai and had come Alone over here. As per his point of View Mumbai was Different. The Best Part of this Point that had a impact was a Cutting Chai (Half glass Tea) that i had during the Rain. At this point we made friendship with the man's Best friend who accompanied us up to the One Tree Hill Point.
With winds flowing at such a speed that my wet clothes had dried off. With No Homo Sapiens this point had everything. Perfect View of the Valley to the Left, One Tree Hill point to the Right and to forget the Climbing Waterfall. It was all possible as this Point dint have a proper sign outside it and it seemed as if the way led to some private property. So you might miss this point.
On a Narrow Path that leads to this point, we dint make the effort to Climb up to the tree as the path that led was slippery. And with Strong winds Blowing, one could see stars in day light if he made any efforts. I Suggest don't try to Be Daredevil. Cool Point, With narrow path and Zip Line Adventure (charges Rs. 250/- per person) as a attraction this point will give you a coolest view the Ghat.
" Point Not to Miss" banner suggesting near the Point, one will be lured to see it with one's own eyes. when you reach it, you'll say you shouldn't miss this one. You may Ask why? Well first thing, this is a huge view point, and second you'll love getting wet in the Waterfall which climbs instead of falling. With strong winds blowing around this point, this phenomenon was possible.
Can't ask for more, that feeling you get after a series of View Points and something different comes in for a change. Just perfect. You'll have three option at the Lake
1. Enjoy the view 2. Take a Dip in the Lake 3. Go for the Zip Line Adventure from one side of the lake to the other.
The time was just perfect as the weather was cool and rainy and the view was fully hidden under the Cloak of Fog. But it showed itself to us now and then it's mesmerizing beauty, like a bride shows her face to the Groom. Just Beautiful..
Foggy Weather in the Eve, forced me not to click any pics. Can't say much about it as it was already raining and the view was fully hidden under the Cloak of Fog. Located Right next to the ECHO POINT, just walk to the right.