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Hill Stations
In India
Matheran
INTRODUCTION
( MATHERAN)
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.
 MATHERAN
(Location)
Matheran
is situated in the Matheran range of sahyadris at a height
of 2516 feet. To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral.
Neral is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral Matheran
can be reached by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function
normally in summer and winter sseason but there is only one train
to Matheran in winter.
MATHERAN
(Places to See)
Matheran has 38 points at which can get a glimpse of
nature's beauty. However to cover most of these points requires
atleat one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran
is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are
also easily availbale in Matheran and can be used to plan
your point seeing. Given below are few points which shouldn't miss
Echo
point
offers a panoramic view and allows you to enjoy the echo's
King
George point
a must visit point in monsoon as it offers a beautiful view of the
waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Charlott Lake. One
can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care, strong wind
prevents the water from falling down and throws it back.
Charlott
Lake
It's the only water source atop Matheran nad it provides water to
entire Matheran.
Louisa
Point
It offers a beautiful face on view of the waterfall seen from the
King George point.
Panorama
point
Although quiet far from Bazapeth it gives you a panoramic view(that's
why it's named as Panorama point) of the Sahyadri ranges.
MATHERAN(Shopping)
Even the bazaar is just that a small marketplace, not a commercial
shopping complex. It runs the length of one street, and contains
shops and stalls that sell the produce of Matheran. You can
see workmen hunching over strips of leather, fashioning the Kolhapuri
chappal that Matheran is famous for. Leather bags, leather belts,
leather shoes& the workmanship is exclusive and the prices reasonable.
There are also glass birds and dried wild flowers for sale that
have a quaint appeal.
One
other thing that dominates the market is chikki, a confection made
of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. You could buy chikki in kilos
to carry home; it is a universally popular sweetmeat.
MATHERAN
(Travel Information)
The nearest airport is Bombay (Mumbai), around , 100
kms/65 Mile. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you transfer to the toy
train. 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.
WHERE
TO STAY
There are many hotels and MTDC Holiday Resort which offers
comfortable accommodation at Matheran.
Population
: 5,500
Languages : Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit : April. May
Std : 02148
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