MATHERAN
This tiny
hill station set amongst wooded hills is very close to Mumbai. What
is unusual about this peaceful retreat is, that it is out of bounds
for vehicular traffic. A delightful toy train takes visitors up to Matheran
from Neral. Beautiful walks and dramatic vantage points are a part of
its charm. Situated at an altitude of 800 mt this picturesque hill station
is the nearest to Mumbai, lying 104 km away. It is an undulating hilltop
cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts
that drop sheer to the plains
Matheran
truely is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained
hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible
to all people irrespective of their age. Also the ban on motor vehicles
inside Matheran have helped to preserve its beauty and keep intact its
natural touch. The presence of hotel's and lodging boarding facilities
have made it possible to have a multiday stay in Matheran and thoroughly
enjoy nature's beauty. Due to ban on motor vehicles in Matheran the
modes of transport in Martheran are limited to horses and rickshaws
(pulled by humans), however seeing thevarious points in Matheran by
walking is equally enjoyable
Places
of Interest - Echo point, King George point, Charlott Lake, Louisa Point,
Panorama point
Access
- Nearest airport is Bombay (Mumbai), around , 100 kms/65 Mile. Neral
is just two hours away from Mumbai on the Mumbai Pune railway route.
The little hill train links Neral to Matheran. Mumbai is 108 kms. away
by road, via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms. away. Taxis are available
from Neral to Dastoori car park. No vehicles are allowed inside Matheran
and ponies are the favoured means of transport. Don’t miss the
station, used by the train four times a day. It boasts a tiny steam
engine mounted, with great pride, on a pedestal. It served the people
of Matheran for 77 chuffing years
