Matheran: A getaway for an adventurous woman!

Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, is Matheran, one of the best weekend getaway spots in Maharashtra. It is India’s smallest hill station, and undoubtedly, one of the cleanest too. Located within close proximity of Mumbai and Pune, Matheran is the place for those seeking tranquility, nature, and adventure. Matheran literally means ‘forest on the forehead’; it is situated 800 metres above the sea level, and hence remains cool even during the long, dreary summers. In the rains, Matheran is transformed by the abundant lush green vegetation, much to the delight of hikers and nature lovers. It is surrounded by verdant, scenic valleys and cloaked by beautiful woods. In the monsoon, the walking trails to Matheran are overrun by waterfalls cascading from the mountains and as a result, many travellers choose to get drenched before they reach the hill station!

Matheran is unique in the sense that it has incorporated the essence of nature into its very being. It has been declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Taking the mantra of environmentalism and conservation to the next level, Matheran is one of the few places in the world where no vehicles are permitted. Horses and two-wheeled carts are used for transport, and barring the sole ambulance, no automobiles can enter the town. Vehicles can only come up to Dasturi Naka, which is 3 km from the actual town. Matheran remains a very well-preserved town, free from the pollution that plagues urban life. Such serenity, as experienced in Matheran, is indeed hard to come by in any city.

One of the prime attractions of the hill station is the toy train. It runs from Neral to Matheran, on a serpentine track that winds through the hills. It is a novel way to see the rugged beauty of the Western Ghats – grassy plains, undulating hills, steep slopes and lush valleys. This toy train is one of four historic heritage trains running in India. The capricious nature of the tracks due to the rains prevents it from operating in the monsoon. The journey in the train takes almost two hours and makes for a leisurely trip. The changing landscapes, low, soft chug of the train engine, and the crisp, cool air blowing in from the windows make the journey an unforgettable experience.

Matheran seems to be untouched by time. The low gauge tracks, red dirt covered roads, and the soft clip-clop of horses’ hooves, transport one back to the time when the world was simpler. The British bungalows with colonial architecture peep out of dense woods. Matheran emerged as a hill station developed primarily by the British and frequented by the well-heeled members of the society. These remnants of British reign have an old world charm which evoke a sense of nostalgia. Siddharth Dhanvant Sanghvi, the critically acclaimed writer moved from Mumbai to Matheran, seeking its serenity.

Well marked trails crisscross in the jungles of Matheran, leading to various ‘points’ which present stunning, panoramic views of the hill station and the valleys. For avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts, Matheran is paradise. It is easy to lose yourself in nature and tune in to the calls of the jungle at Matheran. Charlotte Lake, Echo point, and Louisa point are some of the notable places around Matheran that simply cannot be passed up. Charlotte Lake is the source of drinking water for the town. The Pisarnath temple is located on the edge of this placid lake.

Echo point is, as the name suggests, renowned for the echoes and the Loisa point offers a view of the Vishalgad fort and Prabal fort. The trek to One tree hill, a hill with a single tree growing on it, is a tad difficult but the view from the top is stunning. Rumour has it that the Honeymoon point, near Matheran, is named so, because a British officer once arranged for his honeymoon at that point.

For adventure seekers, facilities for valley crossing are available. The valley is crossed from Honeymoon point to Louisa point, using 3 pulleys and a rope. With a plunging, deep valley below, this adventure sport makes for a memorable experience.

There are many notable hotels in Matheran, but the ones that stand out are Verandah in the Forest and Lords Central. The Verandah is reminiscent of the colonial era. Built in the British reign by Captain Barr, the bungalow was transformed into a hotel. It has rooms named after prominent members of the society. Lords Central Hotel, another beautiful property, started out as private bungalow too. Now maintained by the 6th generation of the Lords family, it’s definitely worth checking out even if you’re staying elsewhere.

Chikki is a specialty of Matheran. Made from jaggery and groundnut, this sweet snack is a favourite with all. It is easily available in the market in different flavours and ingredients. Another specialty is horse riding. Since Matheran does not allow automobiles, horses are quite popular with the tourists for sightseeing and as a pastime.

Matheran is one of those rare places on Earth, where man has blended with nature instead of trying to vanquish it. With its winding trails and sylvan charm, Matheran is the perfect getaway for an adventurous woman looking for a quick break.