Matheran travel guide - Wikitravel Page 1

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Contents 'Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State.
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By train Matheran is situated at a height of 803 m above sea level. Since 1907, a narrow gauge railway line Affordable Hotel
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Neral to Matheran tickets as of Novermber 2009 costs are 1st Class 210Rs, 2nd Class Reserved 35Rs, 2nd class unreserved 20Rs. Tickets can be Affordable Rates w/
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depart 0700, arrive 0840

depart 0945, arrive 1125
depart 1340, arrive 1520 Matheran Toy train
depart 1445, arrive 1625
depart 1625, arrive 1810

Here is a list of local train timings from Neral back to CST:

0246,0356,0425,0517,0532,0607,0654,0716,0734,0808,0837,0718,0954,1109,1232,1331,1416,1440,1553,1631,1705,1729,1837,1854,1954,2056,2141,
2223,2256,0222.

Alternately, there are many share-a-cabs which take you to Matheran from Neral. The distance from Neral to Dasturi Point(last point to which
vehicles are allowed in Matheran) is 11 km. The drivers that ply through the roads have immaculate driving skills, so a real advice here is not to

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Matheran travel guide - Wikitravel Page 2

keep eyeing the blind turns and foot-to- brake co-ordination, but to just enjoy the breath -taking views as you climb up towards the Dasturi
point. (Charges are INR 60.00 per person ($1.2) as of Oct'10. Also make sure you take the rearmost seats as it will provide a relatively more
comfortable travel) Once you have left the taxi, you can take a horse ride or get the help of porters to carry luggage up to the town.

There is sadly no convenient express train to get back to CST in the evening . You can get a local train from Neral to Karjat ( away from Mumbai)
and then an express train back from Karjat into Mumbai. But this will take longer than just getting a local train from Neral back into town.

By car

Cars are not allowed within Matheran. However you can drive up and park your car at Dasturi car point, or take the newly introduced mini
bus shuttle from Karjat or Neral railway stations upto Dasturi. From Dasturi you must take a 40 minute horseback or man-pulled rickshaw ride to
Matheran along a mud track.

Alternately you can walk from Dasturi along the rail line & make your way up to Matheran - 20minutes to half an hour. The rail track route is
slightly shorter, more scenic and very much more comfortable than than the rubbly, dusty main road route. Coolies or porters are available at
Dasturi to carry your luggage. Remember to negotiate rates in advance. You can also go with group booking or alone.

On Foot

There are several walking trails which ascend the Matheran Plateau. These are used by local people commuting to the hill station as well as the
occasional intrepid holiday-maker.

From the Eastern side, trekkers start at Neral ( see above).

You can also approach from the Western side, which has the distinct advantage that you can be in the shade for most of the ascent if you start
early in the morning. One route recommended during monsoon starts from the village of Dudhoni and brings you to Sunset Point in Matheran. It
suitable for beginners, and the ascent only takes 2 hours or so. There is apparently a side trip to a waterfall, but I have not done this. Dudhoni
can be reached by autorickshaw from Panvel (accessible by bus or central line train) . The trail is obvious in most places; when in doubt, ask a
local.

Get around
As motor vehicles are banned, there are two ways of getting around in Matheran.

Walking. All the trails have signboards marking the way and the locals are quite helpful.
On horseback
Man-pulled Rickshaw

See
The truth is that almost all the points offer pretty good sunrise, sunset, mountain and valley views, so walk or
horse ride or take a rickshaw to whichever you prefer. Remember that the more popular points will be
crowded, especially at sunset. Watch out for the aggressive Matheran macaque monkeys who will not hesitate Map of Matheran
to snatch your belongings especially anything remotely resembling food!

Some of the popular sights include: Lake Charlotte - a spectacular waterfall overflows from the lake during and shortly
after the monsoons. At other times, it is peaceful surrounded by dense evergreen forests, bird song and pretty butterflies .

Panorama point - This point is a very beautiful one, for you can see a panoramic view of the hills on the left and a
beautiful Ulhas River to the right. This point is quite far from Matheran station / market, but you can negotiate a good
price for your travel if you do not feel like walking. This point is perfect for Sunrise and is also called "Sunrise
Point."
Heart Point - Here one can see a beautiful scene of the valley and this point looks like heart, so it is named so.
Monkey Point - Here you can see the monkeys in large numbers and their mischief life- sized.
Malang Point Matheran walk ways
Luisa Point - The view from here to the waterfall (run off from Charlotte Lake) during the monsoon is spectacular.
Honeymoon Hill - According to Locals, a British Officer had his Honeymoon actually arranged at this
point!Also ,latter Parsis used to harvest honey at his point,hence its name.
Echo Point - True to it's name,this point has some superb Echo effect! Feel free to scream loud at the
point and hear the echo coming from distant places through the valleys!
Charlotte Lake

Lords Point
One tree Hill - A unique hill,which has only one big tree growing on it.The
way to reach the hill is a bit risky and steep.
Olympia - There is a Horse Race -course.
Paymasters Park
Mount Barry
Artist Point
Charlotte Lake
Khandala Point - Very close to the Matheran Market Place.
Alexandar Point
Rambaug Point Detailed Map of Matheran
Little Chowk Point -Spectacular view and towards the Southmost tip of Matheran.

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Matheran travel guide - Wikitravel Page 3

Chowk Point - Spectacular view and towards the Southmost tip of Matheran.
Sunset( Porcupine) Point
Garbut point

Do
Due to the prohibition of cars, Matheran is a relatively peaceful place. So walking is an activity that will be richly rewarding, especially for nature
lovers, and more so just after the monsoons when wildflowers are in full bloom with their attendant butterflies . When the mass blooming of
Karvy or Strobilanthes Callosa takes place, it is a spectacular sight.

is not uncommon to sight Golden Langurs , snakes and the Matheran Giant Squirrels [ Ratufa indica elphinstonii]. Apart from the ubiquitous
bonnet macaque or aggressive Matheran Monkeys !

There are numerous points all over Matheran , many of which provide some fantastic views of the valley below. While the central area and
marked vistas are crowded , it is quite easy to find yourself all alone if you step off the beaten track. There are numerous forested trails leading to
most of the Points . Wear thick soled footwear and carry a walking stick for greater comfort as some of the trails are very rubbly, nothing more
than dry river beds.

Horse riding is also quite popular way of getting around in Matheran. Finding a horse is not very difficult, as there are many of them around . It
a great way to travel for people who prefer not to walk, but rates must be negotiated in advance.

One must do adventure in Matheran is VALLEY CROSSING . Its from Honeymoon point to near Louisa Point.Its basically a U- shaped
mountain and you have to go from one side to other side ( approx 900 feet) hanging on rope with 1000 feet valley below(!) It works worth 3
ropes,pulleys and Gravity. So its one way. So coming back is by walking or you can ask your Horse- Man to come to that point to pick you up .
Mind you - Its definitely not for weak-hearted. But you get a bird's eye view of the valley. And its definitely a once in life- time experience.

Eat
There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various cuisines. Most hotels offer packages including all meals . Try the Gujarati Thali, or
the Maharashtrian style Vada- Pav (Indian Burger)which is available at the various points. Also, try the chikki which is available in different
flavors in the main market. Unlimited Gujarati Thali At Hotel Gujarat bhavan (INR 175 DEC 2010) and Hotel Regal (INR 250, Dec 2010) are
famous. Hotel Laxmi Offers Limited Gujarati Thali ( INR 80, Dec 2010), the food here is very homely, less spicy. Though a limited verson the
quantity of food is enough for average apetite.

Meat is available in some restaurants, notably in the popular and modern Khan's, which does very good
Kebabs. Diwadkars opposite the station does very tasty non veg and veg thalis, kababs , etc at a reasonable
price, they also serve alcohol. Shabbir's Biryani house is very famous for it's meat preparations , but it is not a
very neat place and if you are looking for a proper restaurant with people waiting on you then Shabbir 's might
not be the place. Shabbir Bhai's is a authentic home-run hotel,serving tasty Moghlai food.To reach here take
the right from the Masjid and walk up for 2 minutes.A plate of mutton biryani at Shabbir's costs Rs.75 (As on
22th June 2009) . Hakimi's is a good place,where you can find good Chinese,Moghlai and Punjabi at a very
very reasonable rate.It is right next to Pramod Bar (The only bar in Matheran) .Also worth trying is the big
Indian breads ( called "pav" ) which you can find in the store right opposite to Pramod Bar.

Drink
There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various drinks, try the unique Kokam Sherbat there.
Liquor is available only in certain hotels and restaurants. Another place to find alcohol is "Pramod Bar". Their
Limited Gujarati Thali
rates are as follows:

Beer Rs.400
Old Monk Rum Rs.150 (30ml)
Bacardi White Rum Rs.150 ( 30ml)
Signature Whisky Rs.150 (30ml)
Smirnoff Vodka Rs.150 (30ml)
Fuel Vodka Rs.150 (30ml)
Shark Tooth Vodka Rs.150( 30ml)
White Mischief Vodka Rs.150 ( 30ml)
Rivera Wine Rs.700(180 ml)
red rum Rs.150 (60ml)

Sleep
During the peak season, when it is very busy, prices are often as high as four times the off-season ( winter) price. Be ready to shell out minimum
of INR 2000 for a modest non AC double bed room on a weekend. As it is a popular weekend trip from Mumbai, mid week is less full so you
should be able to negotiate better prices . While there are many hotels in the centre of town , there are more secluded hotels down the paths away
from the central buildings. Its always better to stay in hotels in the market as you can roam around there once it gets dark.In far off hotels you
would get locked up in the room as it wont be advisable to venture out in the dark in forest. Better do not book any rooms from the agents who
would surround you at Nerel Station .There are many rooms (Hotels,Cottages,Resorts) up at the Matheran Market and it is better to actually
check the rooms and then deal directly with the owners as this can save money as well as the disappointed of being dubbed into a poorly

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Matheran travel guide - Wikitravel Page 4

maintained and sub standard room! Given most hotels can offer food , it needn't be an inconvenience being out of the town centre. Due to the
space in Matheran, hotels often have extra facilities from ping-pong tables and swings to swimming pools.

A good place to stay is the R. B . Curumsey Damjee Arogya Bhuvan, +91 22 22070548 (admin@matheran .org) . [2] (http://
matheran.org/) . A health sanatorium in Matheran run by a public charitable trust. All the proceeds from this sanatorium are used in
maintenance of the property and for other charitable purposes only. Situated near Monkey point it is equidistant from Dasturi (Car park)
and the Market away from the crowd where there is just you and nature. Two old heritage bungalows have been taken over and remodeled
and two more bungalows have been added. All bungalows face a lush green forest. Each bungalow is divided into 2 or 3 units. The place is
vegetarian and alcohol is prohibited. The trust 's rules apply. edit

Lord's Central, [3] ( http://matheranhotels.com /) .Is of the expensive options May not be the most luxurious around , but it's a charming
place whose owners bend over backwards to make you feel at home . It has a well placed pool, small library, bar, dining room and a giant
chess board. The place charges Rs. 1600 -Rs. 2300 per head depending on the room . The charges include three meals .

Very Highly Priced Hotel:Verandah in the Forest ( Barr House), Barr House, Matheran-410102, District Raigarh, Maharashtra, +91
2148 230296 (sales@neemranahotels.com, fax: +91 2148 230811), [4] ( www.neemranahotels.com/verandah/index .html.htm) . This
heritage bungalow has been converted into a first-rate guest house by the Neemrana group. A favourite with expats and the well- heeled
Mumbai crowd , it is generally full on weekends. Well away from the crowded centre of Matheran town, and not far from where the road
turns from wide dusty horse-path to quite footpaths . Walk just a hundred meters or so down one of these trails and you will be on your
own exploring the views and relics of colonial bungalows . edit

Byke One of the oldest resorts; definitely the oldest 3 star resort in Matheran. Its well away from the crowds and has been around for 20
years. Mainly consists of several colonial style cottages and has managed to preserve some of the old world charm & character. Has a mid
sized swimming pool for adults and a baby pool for kids, rain dance area, restaurant, tennis & badminton courts, a small hall like
discotheque with a stage, health club, games room, several swings that you can relax on. Its nice & green and the food is decent as well.
Definitely worth checking out.

Another good budget option for the families is Woodlands Hotel. Situated in the forest as the name suggests but just 10 mins walk from the
Station/Market. Homely atmosphere with good food and service. Animal lovers will be happy to know that pets are more than welcome here.

There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. Maharashtra Tourism's site MTDC has a list of home stays as well. Most Matheran hotels and
resorts advertise in the local Mid Day travel classifieds so it is easy to compare prices .

Most of the above mentioned websites do not mention the following small hotels which allow you lodging and boarding:

Hotel Preeti. This is a clean and neat place with considerable space for people to sit outside their rooms on swings and sofas. The rooms are
clean and the beds look warm . The price is Rs.300 for one person a day without food. With food , which includes breakfast tea and two
meals it is Rs.600 for one person. (Rates on a summer Saturday)
Krishna Villa. This place is not the best place to be if you are going with your family, but if you are with your friends and don't care too
much about the rooms being slightly small this place can give you a good deal at Rs.240 per head without the food. (Rates on a summer
Saturday)
Meghdoot. This is slightly better than Krishna Villa but not as good as Hotel Preeti. The asked for a sum of Rs.1500 for five people per day.
There are several locals who have turned their houses in the villages into tourist cottages . These are very cheap and clean but don't expect
too much service. You will not these days near the "Pramod Bar".

Cope
Carry a good pair of comfortable walking shoes . Matheran is quite dusty & there is red soil everywhere.
The roads can be rough with many small stones in them but they are not sharp craggy rocks so wear a good pair of shoes with thick soles
and you should be fine. Obviously, if you don't intend walking much then this doesn't really matter too much .
The weather is truly excellent as you can walk around even in summer without feeling too uncomfortable. Morning is the best time from
trekking but be ready for a hazy view as the cloud covers the place at early morning.
You can trekk right down from Dasturi to Nerel station, either following the Ghat raods or the Toy train tracks. The best would be to
combine both the routes for a spectacular view. Then trek will take around 1 hour and you would find only 1-2 small tea stalls. Better to
take water bottle .
Avoid carrying too much baggage with you. You can't take it up by car & need someone to carry it for you. Some of these porters are
women and you may not feel right about a woman carrying your heavy bag. Anyway, it's quite easy to find a male porter (also called
"coolie" in India). They may charge around Rs. 60-100 (US$ 1.5- 2) for carrying your bags to your hotel depending on where your hotel is.
Also they are reliable and you can safely hand over your bags to them and take any route you want. They will be at your hotel before you.
The charges for horses defer, the horse keepers charges anything between 100 to 500. The more you bargain the better price you can get
There are monkeys around , please do not feed them or play with them.It could be Dangerous.Don't openly carry any food articles with you,
monkey's would definitely try to snatch it away.Sans food they are pretty harmless.

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