Phulrani - The Joy Ride
‘Mathe’ means ‘top’ and ‘raan’ means ‘forest’. Thus the name ‘Matheran’ means ‘forest on top’ which is 2,500 feet above the sea. I have been here a number of times in childhood, not in monsoons though but each time I visit it makes me fall in love with the place. It's another getaway destination for Mumbaikars just 110 kms away and so we decide to do this in monsoons.
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| Somewhere in the midst of my walk |
One of the reasons may be is that it's an eco-sensitive region and one of those rare places in India where vehicles are not allowed. We cannot imagine life without vehicles today. You need to park your car at Dasturi Naka. We wanted an economic trip so we chose the train-ride from CST to Neral. Better to get done with your nature calls at the station toilet itself as you will not find any on your way for the next 1.5 hours. From Neral Railway station we get share cabs for Rs. 80 per seat and if you book the entire cab you pay Rs. 40
You pay Rs. 50 per adult and Rs. 25 per child as an entry fee. I am usually prepared for my all trips but Not to worry if you are not prepared for the monsoon walk up the hills and points of Matheran. There are several vendors selling raincoat type transparent plastic body covers and hats to save you from drenching in heavy rains for just Rs. 60. In the entire market, there were a number of shoe shops where we can buy footwear for rains. Even street vendors sell rainy shoes.
Beware of the langurs who can scare you, snatch eatables and also attack you if you trouble them. I suggest to carry your belongings in a small backpack with 1-litre water and stay hands-free and safe from monkeys.
Either you take the horse ride for approximately Rs. 1100/- (negotiable) for a return ride plus sight seeing or you start walking. At the first station Aman Lodge, we saw a graffiti wall which is painted with a toy train, colourful horses, trees and monkeys which speak about the place well. Also at Matheran railway station, we saw the Toy train parked and happily like a child clicked a lot of memories. There is a permanent toy train installation as well for more fun.
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| Phulrani - The Joy Ride |
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| View from Lord's Point |
It’s always astonishing to travel by Toy train from Dasturi to Matheran station. Although it's pretty slow it's worth the ride enjoying the lush breathtaking view. The Matheran Railway is a small line and a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This special Toy Train has honoured by the name “PhulRani” They stop the services of the toy train in monsoons so you need to walk up from Dasturi Naka which is 3 kms away from the Main market of Matheran or railways station of Matheran.
Beware of the langurs who can scare you, snatch eatables and also attack you if you trouble them. I suggest to carry your belongings in a small backpack with 1-litre water and stay hands-free and safe from monkeys.
Either you take the horse ride for approximately Rs. 1100/- (negotiable) for a return ride plus sight seeing or you start walking. At the first station Aman Lodge, we saw a graffiti wall which is painted with a toy train, colourful horses, trees and monkeys which speak about the place well. Also at Matheran railway station, we saw the Toy train parked and happily like a child clicked a lot of memories. There is a permanent toy train installation as well for more fun.
At Matheran, you realize that vehicle free life is possible and is indeed a pleasure. You can feel the soothing touch of Mother Nature in the cool and fresh air of Matheran. level. The walking path in Matheran is made up of red earth on which you would enjoy a long walk. The only automobile allowed here is the ambulance which is necessary in case of emergency. Otherwise, the means of transport are the toy train, horses and hand pulled rickshaws.
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| On the way to Charlotte's Lake |
The forests of Matheran house a number of medicinal herbs, birds and plants. It was very easy to communicate with the locals speaking in Marathi, English and Hindi. While exploring the place we saw a number of beautiful Parsi bungalows and Old British style architectures which adds to the beauty of the place. MTDC also runs budget hotels. Two very famous and finest resorts/ hotels I know since childhood is Usha Ascot and Byke.
Matheran offers many viewpoints from where you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the hill station. At the market place, you see a map of Matheran marked with 38 points. Louisa Point, Panorama point, there is a beautiful lake called Lake Charlotte and much more but we chose to not overdo but just visit a couple of them and enjoy. You can either walk or take a horse ride to see 5 points for Rs. 500.
With our experience, I challenge you will definitely not stay hungry or thirsty here as every point has a few tiny food outlets and food vendors selling tea, coffee, biscuits, sandwiches, onion bhajias and Maggie. There were more variety of restaurants in the main market for both veg and non-veg main course.
We returned on the same day but it's beautiful to stay overnight and return with lots of fresh oxygen in your system.
Matheran offers many viewpoints from where you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the hill station. At the market place, you see a map of Matheran marked with 38 points. Louisa Point, Panorama point, there is a beautiful lake called Lake Charlotte and much more but we chose to not overdo but just visit a couple of them and enjoy. You can either walk or take a horse ride to see 5 points for Rs. 500.
With our experience, I challenge you will definitely not stay hungry or thirsty here as every point has a few tiny food outlets and food vendors selling tea, coffee, biscuits, sandwiches, onion bhajias and Maggie. There were more variety of restaurants in the main market for both veg and non-veg main course.
We returned on the same day but it's beautiful to stay overnight and return with lots of fresh oxygen in your system.
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