April is that time of the year, that sets you free from all the worries of your kids' schools, and office work, so, travel plans are on! And yes, deciding where to go is not at all an easy task. While some prefer to experience the greatest adventures on the earth, there are some who just want a cool escape from the soaring temperatures. So, here we present you this amazing place, where you can find a combination of both!
This popular summer retreat will surely make you feel relaxed and keep you away from any noise and pollution.
‘Matheran’, which stands at a height of 800 meters, is the closest hill station to Mumbai. Discovered by the British in 1850, this place gradually developed into a popular travel destination. What makes this place more unique is, no vehicles are allowed! Not even your favourite bicycles! So if you are bored of driving, then this place will give you everything that you ever wanted!
With less than 100 km away, Matheran observes a significant number of tourists from Mumbai, who visit this place to get the touch of fresh air and old school charm. Horses and hand pulled carts are the major means of transportation, sitting on which will make you feel like you are living your fairy tale dream!
The beautiful region in the hills is characterised by dense forests, long walking tracks and scenic beauty. One can enjoy different large and small sight seeing points from the hilltop. And if you are a morning person, then the splendid sight of sunrise will give you major travel goals. Imagine taking a trek to One Tree Hill on a horseback! Sounds super fun, right?
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Major attractions include Alexander Point, Hart Point, One Tree Hill Point, Echo Point, Dasturi Peak and Porcupine Point . These points will surely present you with the best of nature.
For all adventure sports seekers, Waterfall Rappelling At Dodhani Waterfalls is just the right thing!
Best time to visit
Summers in Matheran (March to May)
Summers make the perfect time for trekking, taking up different forest adventures and sight seeing. Although, mercury hovers around 35°C, the place observes pleasant weather in general.
Monsoon in Matheran (June to September)
Monsoon season challenges trekking as heavy showers make a regular appearance. Monsoon observes less amount of traffic, however its Ganesh Festival always remains talk of the town. Post this season, place looks refreshing and turns even more greener.
Winters in Matheran (December to February)
Winters are the best time for newly wed couples to enjoy their honeymoon. With mercury dipping to 11°C, the place makes a pleasant time to enjoy cool weather with having your favourite coffee.
How to get there?
By Air: Mumbai (100 km) and Pune (120 km) airports are nearest to Matheran. One can prefer hiring a taxi or taking a bus to Matheran from airports. However, Matheran being a vehicle prohibited zone, vehicles are not allowed to enter and are stopped 2.5 km away from the hill station. One can take a horse, a rickshaw or prefer walking from there.
By Train: The closest railway station to Matheran is Neral ( 21 km). Deccan Express from Mumbai or Pune’s Sahyadri Express can take you to Neral, both the trains run daily. From Neral, it takes 30 minutes to reach Matheran by road. There are many locals on the Mumbai- Karjat route that hault at Neral.
One can also prefer taking a Toy Train from Neral up to Matheran. Traveling time is approximately 2 hours and this train will take you on a beautiful ride.
By Road: State Transport Buses run from Mumbai and Pune to Matheran. Buses are asked to stop 2.5 km from the city and after that you need to cover the remaining way either on a horseback, rickshaw or go walking. Car parking are allowed at Dasturi Peak, just outside Matheran.
Image Credits – YouTube
Any information taken from here should be credited to Skymet Weather