subject: Best Weekend Place near mumbai Matheran,Maharashtra,India [print this page] Best Weekend Place near mumbai Matheran,Maharashtra,India
The roads are still unpaved dirt tracks and the greenery is allowed to have its way. The countryside remains untouched and beautiful, even though Matheran has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Thick, shady forests, steep cliffs that veer up to dizzying heights, a silent waterfall, a lonely river, red soil and velvet moss for miles around you. The pleasing disorderliness of Matheran lulls you into the realization that big city life has surely got to be very far, far away.
Historically SpeakingMatheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, who was the Collector of the Thane District and todate Matheran pays tribute to this man as several places are named after him. During the time of Lord Elphinstone, Matheran became better connected. The Governor of Bombay was so overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, that he built himself a home here. The road to Matheran from Neral also came into existence thanks to him.
ShoppingAt the main bazaar you can purchase leather articles, hats, chappals and the very tempting sweet "chikki" a speciality here. The honey available in Matheran is supposed to be of very good quality so buy a jar or two.
EventsGanesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp and show in all of Maharashtra and in Matheran too. Many tourists visit Matheran during this festival period which normally occurs in September.
Night OutTry the old food stalls and dhabas that can give proper restaurants a good run for their money.
Hotels in MatheranMatheran and its surrounding areas are a treat for the outdoor enthusiast. There are many trekking routes to reach Matheran with the easiest and most popular one being through the Garbert Plateau.The route starts from Bhivpuri station and the climb is most wonderful in the rainy season as there are any number of rivulets and streams that one has to cross during the trek. It would be wise to make an early start and hire the services of a local guide.
SightsSightseeing begins much before one gets to Matheran! Perhaps the best part of one''s trip to Matheran is the ride on the toy train , through the Western Ghats , through One Kiss Tunnel and myriad interesting little points along the railway tracks. The journey from Neral
to Matheran is a great way to unwind in typical Mumbai fashion. Share your seat with monkeys and free loaders who hop on and off the footboard, haggle with fruit sellers and vendors, munch on chikki and peanuts, watch a card game balanced on a briefcase... a willing suspension of disbelief is required; the rest is a joy ride.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
