Matheran……

Hey!!! Are you planning your trip to any hill station this summer??? Then we can suggest you the best option. You can arrange your 3-4 days “Summer Mini break” from your busy schedule to the relaxing hill station “Matheran”.

Matheran is one of the most famous hill stations in the Western Ghats, at an elevation of 800 m (2625 Feet). It is about 90 km away from Mumbai and 120 km away from Pune. Matheran, which means “forest on the forehead”, is an ecologically sensitive area declared by Gov of India. The place is the only “automobile-free hill station” in Asia. The hill station was first visited by Hugh Malet. He took his first job in East India Company as a collector of the “Khandesh” region in the year 1829. After that, he was appointed as a collector of the “Mahabaleshwar” region in 1830. During the same time, he came across some reports describing geographical factors of Matheran and Prabalgad regions, as the British Government had planned to develop military camps in these areas. The reports said that it was impossible to construct any camp in these regions due to the scarcity of water. Later in 1850 (nearly after 20 years), Hugh Malet was designated for the post of collector of “Thane” region. When he was working in the village “Chowk” which is near to Matheran, he remembered the incidence which was occurred 20 years before. He decided to reveal the route to the top of that hill. He ended up this prolonged, dangerous trek, and ended up on the mountainous plateau. There was only one tree there on that point which still stands there. He also found the source of water there. Later on, he built up his own house on the hilltop. He used to visit Matheran until his retirement in 1854.

This was the historical story of the hill station which is liked by many tourists today. We should really thank Mr Hugh Malet for discovering Matheran.

While travelling to Matheran you experience the thrilling journey through a zigzag road from Neral to Dasturi Naka. If you are travelling by a small car then you can reach up to Dasturi Naka. But if you are travelling by a TT (a 13-14 seater bus) then you have to leave it at Neral, and travel further by an Omni. You can book the Omni on the spot at Neral. Here you have to pay for the entry ticket to Matheran. When you arrive at Dasturi Naka you have to purchase a ticket for the toy train. The frequency for the toy train is approximately every 30 minutes. You can also ride by horse or hike up to Matheran enjoying the tranquil, pleasant and undisturbed natural beauty. After walking a few steps further from Dasturi Naka, you will arrive at “Aman Lodge”, from where you can board the toy train. This toy train was firstly launched by Abdul Husain Peerbhoy, on 15th April 1907. Before that travellers had to take a long way to visit Matheran. Firstly, they used to travel from Bombay port up to Ulava (Panvel) port by ship. Further, a bullock-cart or horse-cart used to escort them to the ‘Chowk’ village. And after that travellers used to hike the entire hill to reach to the top of Matheran. After the commencement of Mumbai-Pune railway line in 1854, the passengers used to step down at Neral, from where they travelled further up to Matheran. Thus, as one can imagine, the entire journey was neither comfortable nor safe. The idea of starting a train journey from Neral to Matheran was first thought by Abdul Husain Peerbhoy, son of the then successful businessman Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy.

But do you know how he got inspired to start the toy-train??

Once, Abdul Husain came to visit Matheran. But he had to return back to Mumbai from Neral as he had hard luck finding transport service to travel to Matheran. So he challenged himself to built a railway line from Neral to Matheran. He borrowed 10 lakh rupees from his father for this project. He hired nearly 2000 labourers to work hard on this construction site. He also sought help from “Marine Battalions” (Mumbai), Pioneer Regiment (Pune) and Sappers Mainers Regiment (Army Engineers). The railway tracks were designed by Rai Saheb Harichand. Abdul Husain went to Germany to buy small engines from “Orenstein and Koppel Company”. Initially, the people were not ready to travel by this train as they doubted its safety. But when Abdul Husain himself travelled by train, the people were convinced about the comfort and safety of the train.

Abdul Husain was so delighted by the successful completion of his toy-train project, that he distributed all the profit among the workers who worked for the project. It was a very proud moment for Sir Adamjee. Later on, he used to live in his own bungalow named “Shalet” in Matheran. Even today, the toy train whistles when it arrives near the “Shalet” bungalow as if it salutes its creator!!!!! This toy train runs for about 12 miles (19 km) on a flat road and for about 5 miles (8 km) on a steep road.

Hats off to Abdul Husain Peerbhoy for his devoted and dedicated efforts!!!

Toy Train at Matheran Junction PC: Samyukta Parchure

Matheran…. Here you will find a variety of fauna: dogs, horses, mares, different types of birds and predominantly monkeys. They can be spotted almost everywhere; on the rooftops, on streets, on the trees, they also appear on the terrace of your hotel rooms. Even if you are an animal lover, beware, these creatures can really bother you.

There are altogether 28 tourist spots in Matheran. To name a few: Panorama point, Heart point, Porcupine point, Louisa point, Monkey point, Khandala point, One tree hill point, Charlotte lake etc. 3-4 days stay in Matheran is enough to visit all these places.

Here are some tips if you are planning a visit Matheran:

In Matheran, accommodation is not a problem. You can reserve your hotel rooms on the spot or pre-reservation is also an option.
If you are travelling with a large group, then Airbnb is also a convenient option. Airbnb is something where you can accommodate in an entire bungalow. You can also cook meals or breakfasts in these bungalows if needed.
Here, to explore tourist spots you have to take a stroll along the routes. There are no other means of transport available. You can also enjoy a horse ride instead. But exploring the area on foot is preferred.
Here there are many restaurants where you can get quality food. There are numerous eateries where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines including Maharashtrian, Punjabi, Chinese etc.
It is advised not to carry anything(a bag/purse or anything to eat) in your hand. The monkeys wandering in the area can pounce upon you and can grab your belongings
Matheran doesn’t have kind of speciality (eg: food items, fruits handicrafts etc). But you can buy colourful traditional footwear, mini pouches, handbags from the busy bazaars here.