Short Escape!

 I have been waiting for really long to start writing about my travels once again. Despite having traveled so much last year I haven't got down to chronicling it. Don't know why?

But, now I have a good topic to start. Two days ago I went to Matheran, a hill station which is about 90 Kms away from Mumbai. I have fond memories of Matheran. This was the place which introduced me to nature when I was just 7 years old. And, since then I have been traveling to places where the mountains kiss the clouds.

So what took me to Matheran now? Well, it was an invitation from Lonely Planet India for the launch of their Short Escapes from Mumbai guide.

The Short Escape guide is a guide that has been launched in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and it captures all the destinations that are close to these cities. Unlike the usual Lonely planet guide which have small fonts and lots of details, these guides are well designed keeping in mind the travellers’ needs. The guides have a good mix of large pictures and big easy fonts that are easy on the eyes and therefore a pleasure to read. Each of these guides feature 40-45 destinations and are divided by themes such as hills, heritage, wildlife, beaches and resorts. Economically priced at Rs 395 these guides are ideal for someone who is a migrant into these cities on work. But, that does not mean that people of these cities cannot use this guide it is useful to them as well as I know of many Mumbaikars who have no clue which are the places outside of Mumbai.

Now a little about Matheran

Matheran, touted to be the smallest hill station in Maharashtra, is indeed a great escape for the busy Mumbaikars as it is very easy to get here for some pure, clean and fresh air. Sparing a few look-out points and waterfalls, there's nothing much to the hill station. This time around I did notice a few changes at this place. For one the toy train is functional again. Secondly, the road from Dasturi Naka to Aman Lodge which is the first train station after Dasturi to Matheran market is now well laid out. I just hope this road does not extend right till the market place. If it does then the entire charm of trekking on red mud will be lost.  

Matheran is an Eco-sensitive and fragile region and hence motor vehicles are not allowed inside this serene place. Vehicles are allowed till Dasturi Naka from where one can walk to the place that they are staying. As u walk in right at the beginning there is Aman Lodge station, the toy train station that can take you to Matheran station located close to the market place. So if one does not want to take the train (shuttle) from Neral. They can get a train from Aman Lodge. Chugging along in a train that lazily bends around the mountains, breathing in the scents of sweet-smelling medicinal herbs and watching the green cover of the Sahayadris is an amazing experience. This short train journey cuts down on your walk if you are not keen to walk all the way on the red mud.

One thing you need to remember is that the trains operate according to their respective timings. So one will have to go there and check if there is a train. One can also ride on a pony or a horse back to get to the market area or their hotel.

A handful of hotels and homestays are scattered across. This time I also noticed couple of new hotels has started here. Most of the restaurants in the market place now serve Chinese and other kinds of food..
Lonely Planet had chosen the Neemrana's 'Verandah in the Forest for us to stay. The Verandah was initially called The Barr House owned by Col Barr and then bought out by a rich Parsi family in Mumbai who eventually sold it to Neemrana. The house is palatial and has a big garden and a tree house. The rooms are all old British style. It's located amidst the forests and has a huge Verandah and hence the name.
Matheran in all has about 38 points, a lake called The Charlotte lake is the only lake at that height. The place is ideal for lazing around and doing anything. The only activities that visitors here can engage in is to walk further into the mountains and soak in the green foliage.

Some of the famous points here are the Panorama Point from where you can see the Sunrise, the Sunset point. Both the sunrise and sunset view is beautiful as you can see the sun casting a beautiful glint of deep orange across the entire region, The Charlotte Lake and the Pisharnath Mahadev temple are the other places that one can visit while here. The Charlotte Lake is a nice place to sit and read a book. The other points that are worth visiting are the Louisa Point (from where one can view the mighty Prabalgad, Irshal gad and Karnala fort), Rambagh Point, Echo Point to name a few.

Matheran is a quiet, peaceful place, and this characteristic of it has often given rise to the myth that it is haunted. Locals narrate tales of wronged wives and separated lovers who float along the woody paths. While there's nothing to be scared of, such anecdotes complete your trip

How to get there
- Matheran is well-connected both by road and railways. Buses frequently ply to Neral from Mumbai and Pune. From Neral one can avail share a taxi till Dasturi Naka. A toy train from Neral is also available and leave you right upto Matheran station. If not one can also take a train from Aman Lodge which is a 5 minute walk from Dasturi.
- Even though hand-pulled rickshaws and a few vehicles run by the municipality can be found in the heart of the hill station, the best way to experience Matheran is by foot or on horseback.