Matheran - The Perfect Weekend Getaway.

Matheran has been my favourite destination since I was a Kid. I remember packing my sweaters, hats, good shoes and boarding a train early in the morning. I couldn’t wait to reach Nerul and travel by the toy train. Such a fun - perfect ride.

According to me, Matheran is an ideal place for both, family and friends. It’s cool weather is an escape from the Mumbai heat, and since all vehicles ( Except emergency vehicles ) are banned here, it’s also pollution free. The roads are not tarred and are made of red laterite earth.

Fun Fact : Matheran was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a popular tourist resort.

At an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) above sea level Matheran is a hill station located about 100 km from Mumbai.

How To Get to Matheran :

By Air
Nearest airport to Matheran is the Mumbai Airport which is about 100 km away. Another airport nearby is the Pune Airport which is about 120 km away.

By Train 

Mumbai is a major railhead near Matheran. The Deccan Express which runs on the Mumbai - Pune route stops at Neral (A town on the foot of the hill). Apart from the above local trains also ply on the route frequently.
A mini train runs from Neral to the main Market in Matheran (Matheran Light Railway - It plies on the Neral - Matheran route and stops at 3 stations on its way - 2 on the ghat - Juma Patti Station and Water pipe Station [Named so because the old steam engines used to be refilled here] and one near Dasturi Naka - Aman Lodge Station).
This train service (Matheran Light Railway) had been stopped because on 26/7/05 torrential rains had washed away the tracks. However w.e.f. March 2007, the tracks were repaired and this train is now back on track. It completed 100 years in 2007, and it is also on the tentative United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) heritage list.

On our way to Matheran

By Road
Mumbai and Pune are two Major cities connected to Matheran by Road.
The last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.

As soon as you get here, beware of the notorious monkeys, who are ever willing to snatch WHATEVER they see in your hand. Whether it is food, your wallet or even your mobile phone.  And trust me it is impossible to hide from them. They rule the land.  :D

It is a beautiful place, where horses have names, where people are kind and ever willing to help and a place which has more tourists than locals and more hotels than houses. Every place on this hill is worth seeing. 

Such a cool horse

Charlotte Lake

However, the following is a list of some major places of interest -
1. Mount Berry
2. Luisa Point
3. Echo Point
4. Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)
5. Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
6. One tree Hill
7. Garbut Point
8. Chowk Point
9. Olympia Racecourse
10. Monkey Point
11 Hart point
12. Rambaug Point
13. Charlotte Lake
14.Alexandria Point
15. Malet Spring

Hotels in Matheran !!!

The market area is where most of the activity takes place.  Shoes, slippers, handmade sandals are also sold for cheap here. Matheran is known for its various flavours of chikki and fudge.

Kuch Meetha Khake Jaana J

That's me :)

Backpacking essentials

While Backpacking, it's like you're carrying your entire house with you. Hence, you need to be careful that you're packing all that you need. But at the same time, it is also important that you don't carry unnecessary weight on you. Pity that back of yours.

Here is a list of essentials : 

• T-shirt
• Long Sleeved shirt
• Short Sleeved shirt and/or polo shirt
• Hooded Jacket
• Between four and half a dozen pairs of socks and lingerie
• Two pairs or trousers
• Head gear (depending on the climate)
• Swimming gear (depending on the trip)
• Shoes and/or sandals
• Umbrella/Windcheater

» Some gadgets..

• Camera and spare battery
• Mini LED torch or head light (depending on the trip)
• Mobile/Cell phone (smart phone with music player and Wi-Fi/internet best)
• Alarm clock, if not on phone
• Calculator
• Chargers and plug adaptor if needed

» The important bits..

•  ATM and credit card
• Some emergency cash
• Sun glasses (depending on trip)
• If you need them glasses and contacts lenses
• 1st aid/Medicine kit
• Wash kit
• Mosquito net and duct tape to fasten (depending on the trip, i.e. African)
• Documents: emergency number, insurance, passport, flight details, vaccination certificates, etc.
• Guidebook

» A few overlooked bits..

• 
  Pen and notepad
• Packet of tissues
• A snack
• Sarong
• Towel
• Sleeping sac (if budget trip)
• Entertainment whatever you need/like: book(s)/magazine(s)/cards/MP3 player/smart phone/handheld games console/Suduko/etc.
• Umbrella or waterproof shell (depending on trip/climate)
• Earplugs, eye mask

» If it is going to be cold..

• Sweater
• Colder? Add thermal vest/jeggings and a thick hooded jacket style to mid-weigh or thin jacket
• Really cold? Add down jacket, gloves, thick socks, an outer windproof shell and thermal leggings

» Putting it all together..

• Money belt
• Mini padlock and cable lock
• A bag for day use
• Little bags, nets or such little to keep everything organised and together in your bag.
• A backpack to put it all in.
  
  

Have a Fun Trip :)

Also, let me know if I have missed out on anything.

Thank you.