Jungle on Top - Matheran - Part1

Quote of the Post: "Matheran is just the perfect place to find peace away from the hustle-bustle lifestyle, and take a break to relax, enjoy the poetic nature all around." - Quote about Matheran - Sachin Kumar Gupta

No honking, just calm! calm! calm! 

Feeling frazzled, I visited Matheran on a two day break from Pune with Meenal, Saloni, Piyush, Monika, Tara, Komal, and Vijay. 

Lets go to Matheran, hundred years back in time to feel old-world charm, when there were no vehicles. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, not even bicycles which makes the place different from others. Mode of transport is by horse, hand pulled carts or by walking. There is no pollution, despite the thousands of visitors that come visiting through the year. Matheran has been declared an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, (MoEF) Government of India. This popular weekend getaway located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. It is the nearest hill station from Mumbai, and real beauty of Matheran is best viewed in monsoon. The best time to visit is just after the monsoon, from mid September to mid October, when nature is still lush and green after rains.

It is a quiet hill station located in the Sahyadri range situated in Karjat Tahsil, Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Mumbai and Pune are two Major cities connected to Matheran by Road. Dasturi Naka (Aman Lodge) is the last point to which cars are allowed. One can easily find a place to park the vehicles nearby. Shared auto and taxis are available from Neral to Dasturi Naka.

Map to reach Matheran Hill Station

Ways to Reach Matheran Main Place:

Mumbai - Navi Mumbai - Panvel - Neral - Dasturi Naka - at the tip of Matheran. 

Pune - Lonavala/Khandala - Khopoli Exit - Karjat Rail Crossing - Neral - Dasturi Naka - Matheran.  

There are regular road signs to guide you. Matheran is popular among trekkers. I love to share ways to reach Matheran as per my experiences and study before visits to Matheran.

Way1: 

[A] Local or Express Train to Neral Station (Check Railway Timetable) 

[B] Mini/Toy Train from Neral Station to Matheran Station (Approx 2 Hrs). The more enthusiasts, trek it from Neral. [3-4 hrs] 

Way2:

[A] Local or Express Train to Neral Station (Check Railway Timetable) 

[B] Shared auto or Taxi from Neral Station to Dasturi Naka (Approx 20-30 Minutes) 

[C] Walk, horseride or hand pulled rickshaws from Dasturi Naka to Memorial Hall (opposite to Matheran railway station) (Approx 30-60 Minutes)

Way3:

A] Bike or car drive upto Dasturi Naka.  

B] Walk, horseride or hand pulled rickshaws from Dasturi Naka to Memorial Hall (opposite to Matheran railway station) (Approx 30-60 Minutes)

Matheran Toy Train (Phulrani): Matheran is famous for the mini train that crawls in a zigzag manner from Matheran main market through proper broad gauge to Neral covering 21 kms. The leisurely two hour train journey takes you through dense forest & many stunning points worth a visit. It also passes through one short tunnel, interestingly named "One Kiss Tunnel".

f you feel like having a relaxing and relatively comfortable journey, book a seat in first class, where you'll get a padded seat in a cozy compartment. The train usually runs during October to June, and doesn't operate or has less frequency during monsoons. However, the timetable changes frequently so it's best to check it at an Indian Railways computerized reservation counter or irctc site. It is advisable to book the tickets in advance, as the train fills up very quickly. I must say, This was an amazing journey with loads of fun with family and friends. 

Matheran is really such an amazing place where nature is playing active role with you and where you can enjoy every breath with nature. Many couple spends there life precious time of honeymoon here in Matheran. Disconnected from the outside world, walk and make a stay in Matheran to get a totally different experience in itself. 

Read the next post to visit your favourite point to visit in Matheran, and some important notes while visiting Matheran.