Matheran
is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at
an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two hour ascent
in a toy train. With food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off,
as the valley glides by sedately! Or a tough 11 km. hike through thick and
shady forests. Matheran’s cliffs with incredibly steep drops to the
plains below create stunning viewing points.
These
panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light-headed. The Hart
Point offers a view of the lights of Mumbai at night! All of Matheran is a
series of such quixotically named points that are popular, if isolated, sites
for picnics and fireside revelry at night.
Charlotte
Lake, the Panthers’ Caves and the Paymaster Park are other attractions,
especially for children. The old world charm of the British and Parsi homes
is an irresistible draw. The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as
cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality
– CHIKKI ! Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which
makes it a very quiet, serene place.
