Monsoon Special - Matheran

Beautiful places in nature's lap surrounded by lush green scenery, cool breeze and calming wind which the rainy season brings is definitely one to make the most of. Matheran is one such destination that is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State.

Matheran, which means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill Station.

A) Travel - You need to take train that heads to Karjat/Khopoli on the Centrail Railway to Neral Station. From Neral station, you can either opt for Toy train to Matheran or local vehicle that charges you 80 bucks per seat to Dasturi car parking. This is the last point until where vehicles are allowed. Here you got to pay entry fee to enter Matheran. You need to head to Aman Lodge from where you will get train which is at a walkable distance of 5-10mins, you can also opt to ride on a horse. The trains are available at an interval of one hour. You can also walk through the railway tracks, enjoying the beautiful climate and scenic beauty. Let me warn you that the train is small and a little congested. So, you need to adjust yourself for around 15-20 mins. Once you reach Matheran, you can walk or opt for horse ride till your booked hotel.

Matheran train

Matheran to Aman lodge time table

B) Accommodation - Get your bookings done before hand to avoid running from one hotel to another during the season time. My booking was in Horseland hotel and mountain spa which is a moderate hotel. Best among the worst as compared to the other hotels in Matheran. It has buffet option of their own. They also have a side restaurant which serves sider kind of food. No roti, sabji or rice. If needed then they get it for us from outside restaurants but do keep time into consideration as the restaurants here don't stay open till late.

Horseland hotel and mountain spa

C) Places to visit - There are number of points to visit - Echo point, Khandala point, Madhavji point etc. A beautiful Charlotte Lake is worth watching and don't miss out on the famous Shinde's vadapav. It was hot with yummy green chutney. Please do have it, you will find lot of places to eat corn but please be aware of the monkeys there. They just grab the things from your hand and you would be helpless.
I visited Khandala point, Madhavji point and the Charlotte Lake.

Khandala point

Madhavji point

Charlotte lake

D) Food - There are number of small restaurants, corn stalls where you can eat. Don't miss the vadapav near Charlotte lake like I mentioned earlier.

Shinde's famous vadapav

So, that was all about Matheran. Make your monsoon count by awakening your inner soul to these beautiful and worthwatching scenic places.

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