I have gone on several trips, with friends & my love!
So Im just gonna share some info bout my experiences...
Matheran is a place I have visited twice - THE SMALLEST HILL STATION IN INDIA!!!
Its a place 1 can go with friends & with ur love as well. A place to chill out & be cozy at the same time. A place with romantic locations & offering you a special space of your own. A small city with economical options of accommodations & dining & hanging out.
The journey begins with a ride in local trains of Mumbai, till the "Neral"station. Followed by a drive uphill, in a hired taxi. The view is breathtaking, with valley & hills accompanying you, as the drive proceeds. The curvey roads might also make you nauseous, but most probably you would love the hills descending below you.
The drive of a few minutes, leaves you at the entrance gates of Matheran, from where, 1 has the options of walking up the stoned pathway or taking a horse for ride. I always took the broken road & walked all the way up, till one reaches the sparsely inhabited region.
The walk is an interesting way up, which gives you the feel of trees, the rusted old railway tracks, the gravel on the small path, which shrinks & expands alternately & marks the beginning the of your stay. I, thus believe all should walk up this path & get the real feel of the red soil & the uniqueness of this lovely place, unless totally impossible.
But on reaching the city, you will see few people on the streets that are lined with tiny shops. Seldom are the streets crowded, mostly comprising of tourists - people like us, out on the uneven roads of Matheran, out from the hustle- bustle of Mumbai, stealing a weekend away!
When you stay in a hotel, however big or small, you will never be far from the stunning view of the hills. Infact, if lucky, you could be staying in a hotel, which is near the edge of hill & see the setting sun from your window.
For visiting the various locations of the city, like, Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, Honey(Moon) Point, Echo point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, I prefer trusting my feet again. Although it takes a little longer, but if you have walk holding hands of the 1 your Love, I dont think anybody would mind the long walks. And with friends, you will get a good amount of time, to chit-chat & have a blast, while strolling among the trees. However, if short of time, a bumpy ride on the horse's back would also give you an unforgettable experience.
The roads carved in red soil, add to the charm of the lakes, the edges of the mountain, the sunset view points & the abundant green cover in sight. Beware of the monkeys though!
& Carrying Potable water, is always a good idea.
The city also has a decent collection of food & beverage outlets. From authentic Indian, to a bit of Continental, one can find a good selection of delectable dishes & few beers, whiskey, rum, etc. in the vicinity. So the wide buffet is abundant in terms of choices & prices to suit the needs & pockets of all the people, visiting the city.
The return from the city is also a similar path & experience, but will leave you with a heart-wrenching desire to visit the small city again soon!
Its a perfect destination for anybody with a limited budget, looking out for a quick getaway from their normal lives or to party out with friends.
To spend some romantic moments with your Sweethearts, to rekindle the sparks of love, to see the setting sun from between the ridges in mountains, for cozy nights in the chilly weather, do visit this small, cute, homely town!
