 Matheran
is the nearest hill-station to Mumbai, and is ideal for the weekend
break. Matheran, which means, "wooded head" certainly lives
up to its name. There are numerous tracks covered with red earth,
crisscrossing this beautiful place. Walking along these tracks, covered
almost entirely under a canopy of dense vegetation, can be a charming
experience. This is one of the few retreats where your cars are not
allowed, and you could explore this hill-station on foot or on horseback.
It was an Englishman who discovered this hilltop retreat. The stone
villas, graveyards and churches remind you of the bygone 'Raj' days
even today.
Everything happens here at a leisurely pace. You could spend time
strolling down the lazy main market, or wait for the sun to crawl
down horizon at the sunset point. On a clear night you can count a
few million stars while listening to an orchestra of crickets and
other insects.
Getting there:
For Bombayites, Matheran is the nearest hill-station (170 kms).
You have to drive upto Panvel and take the Mumbai-Pune highway. Driving
along the highway you reach 'Pappu's Dhaba', from where you have to
take the road which goes left towards Karjat. Just before reaching
Neral Station you have to take a left again for a road called Byke
Chowki No.1. Be careful while driving along this ghat section. The
road bends and turns, going uphill all the time, till you reach Dastoori
Naka. No motor vehicles are allowed beyond this point and you can
park your car quite safely for a fee of Rs.10/- per day.
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| Accomodation |
The Byke
Near Municipal Office,
Matheran
Mumbai Contact:
Tel.No: 2068602, 2061324
Usha Ascot
M.G. Road,
Matheran
Mumbai Contact:
Tel.No: 6494552 |
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