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In
the lap of the Western Ghats, wrapped by
sprawling greenery and surrounded by unpolluted
air, lies the renowned hill station of Maharashtra,
Matheran. Matheran is situated at an altitude
of 800 meters (average height of 2500 feet
above sea level).
It is 110 km. away from
Mumbai on Mumbai-Pune rail route. A visit
to Matheran can be exhilarating, what with
a two-hour toy train journey from Neral,
90 kilometers from Mumbai! The green enthusiasts
will go gaga over Matheran’s practice
of not allowing motor vehicles. Away from
the loud honking and polluted fumes of the
city life, the only mode of transport in
Matheran, are ponies and hand pulled rickshaws.
Matheran, “forest
on top”, boasts of steep slopes, offering
breathtaking points, overlooking the Western
Ghats and scattered villages. Famous for
its leather products and popular food item,
chikki, the architecture of Matheran has
the influence of British and Parsi styles,
giving it a combination of global and local
charm. Glocal, one may say.
History
Mr. Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then Collector
of Thane, discovered Matheran in May 1850.
Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai
laid foundations of the future development
of Matheran as a hill station. The Matheran
Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee
Peerbhoy.
Places to visit |
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Lookout Points |
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Panorama
point |
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Famous
for the view of sunrise, this point overlooks
the spectacular panoramic beauty of Sahyadri
ranges. |
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Echo point |
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As
the name suggests, this point is famous
for echo of one’s voice. You can hear
and feel the reverberations of your voice,
even as the clouds pass over your head. |
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King George
point |
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One
of the most frequently visited points during
the monsoon, it presents a beautiful view
of the waterfall, overflowing from Charlotte
Lake. |
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Porcupine point |
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This point is famous
the view of sunset. |
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Louisa Point |
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Situated
on a plateau, it offers the magnificient
views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh.
Other points include Monkey Point, Alexander
Point, Hart Point, Coronation Point, Chowk
Point, etc |
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Other
places to visit |
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Lake Charlotte |
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It
is the main source of drinking water in
the hill station. It is famous for the view
of dam at one end of the lake. It is also
famous for the main Hindu temple, the Pisarnath
Mandir. |
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Mount Barry |
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It
is one of the spots with highest altitude,
offering a breathtaking view of the ghats
and villages. It is close to the Governor’s
hill. |
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Shopping |
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The
markets in Matheran are famous for cheap
leather products, like bags, shoes and belts.
The streets of this hill station have stalls
selling cheap kolhapuri chappals, walking
sticks, etc. Matheran is also famous for
honey and chikki (soft peanut brittle). |
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Getting
to Matheran |
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Nearest
airport is Mumbai, 100 kms from Matheran.
Since motor vehicles are not allowed into
Matheran, a toy train from Neral, 21 kilometers
from Matheran, carries the tourists into
Matheran . Mumbai is 90 kms from Neral.
State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and
Pune to Neral. |
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Best time to visit |
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Season : October to May. |
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