# Honey V. G.
A land full of mountains, rivers, forests, backwaters and ancient forts; this is not enough to narrate, the boundary on one side is a whole sea. 'Maha' Rashtra', the name of this state is according to meaning. The state of Maharashtra is home to the financial capital of the country, the city of Mumbai, and is also home to many beautiful natural landscapes. The most important of these are the hill stations here. There is no such thing as season for hill stations. Every time is in season. It is season always here. Mahabaleshwar, Sinhaghat, Matheran and Lonavala - Kandala are some of the hill stations in Maharashtra. Beautiful mountains, valleys, waterfalls and lakes are constantly attracting tourists to these places.
It is cold most of the year. Many hill stations in Maharashtra are situated at an altitude of 2000 to 5000 feet above sea level. These areas have been shooting backdrops for many Bollywood movies.
Unforgettable Matheran trip
Matheran is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Mumbai. Those who have gone at least once will never forget the journey to Matheran.
While going by train from Mumbai to Pune, if you get down at Neral local station before Karjath, you can get toy train to Matheran from there. After running parallel to the broad gauge path for a short distance, turn right and climb the hill. This train takes two hours to cover 21 km from Neral to Matharan. This train service does not operate during monsoon season. The specialty of this trip is that you can enjoy the natural beauty to the fullest. The journey is through the forests of the Western Ghats. There are three stations in between – Jummapatti, Waterpipe and Aman Lodge. The road and railway will merge near Jummapatti railway station. Going forward it will be separated again.
The toy train ride through the hillside is a fun for kids and adults alike. The beauty of the journey - crawling up the mountain like a snake - by watching the most beautiful sights, is beyond description. The toy train we are most familiar with is probably the heritage train in Ooty. This toy train has been a character in many movies.
The train journey can be longer as compared to traveling by road. But it is better to take this time to enjoy the view and travel towards the top of the hill. With a honking sound reminiscent of trumpet, the train spews thick smoke and moves upwards.
Toy train in narrow gauge
These trains go up and down the mountain on railway tracks built by the British in the 19th and 20th centuries. The manufacturing prowess of that time can be well understood in these tracks. Toy trains are so called because they are small trains that run on narrow gauge. Rather than traveling from one place to another, the purpose of such train journeys is to enjoy seeing the places. On the way, there will be time to take photos at some stations having scenic spots.
Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, this narrow gauge railway is 21 km long. This train journey across the greenery and waterfalls of the Western Ghats will amaze the nature-loving travelers.
If the roads and railways are not used, one can climb the mountain by walking three kilometers through the forest. Or you can reach on horseback.
Matheran's visual charm begins from the time you climb the pass. There are upward and downward views wherever you look in this green land during the drizzle or heavy down pour or mist fall.
Tourism during monsoon
Once we reach there, the beauty of nature not only attracts us, but it can also keep us stuck there. There are breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Matheran is also famous bird sanctuary. Due to its proximity to the cities of Mumbai and Pune, Matheran is a favorite hill station for Mumbaikars. Matheran, a perfect destination for weekend getaways, is also the best place to choose for a monsoon getaway. Especially for those who love trekking. Charkole Lake is another entertainment center here.
Thousands of tourists come here every year for bird watching, to play in the garden with their children or just walking around and more.
This hill station is situated at an altitude of 2625 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats. This lush green area is 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune. This is also a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. Many people take the train to Matheran on weekends. Once you reach the top of the hill, there are 38 viewpoints. From there you can see the surrounding area and Neral town. Prabal Fort can be seen from Lusa Point, one of the view points. Other view points are One Tree Hill Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambag Point etc. In the hill station, you can also see buildings that have been built using old British architecture. Many hotels and bungalows are located in different parts.
No entry for vehicle
Matheran is one of the best hill stations not only Maharashtra, but in India as well, one of the cleanest hill stations in India. One of the clean hill stations in Asia where tourist vehicles are not allowed.
It is difficult to reach there by road. Don't expect a tarred road. There is only one road for namesake. Van service will be available till Dindi point near Matheran. From here there is a footpath parallel to the railway track. You can reach the hill station after an hour's walk. Once you reach the top, you will find horse carriages and human-drawn rickshaws for the journey. No other vehicles are allowed here.
Even in this day and age there are good hotels available here where you can stay for 800/1000 rupees. Another characteristic is the honesty of the villagers of Matheran. It was big news that villagers and tribals extended their hospitality to many trainee students and tourists who were stuck there during the lockdown days at the beginning of Covid-19. The villagers also fed the students who were stuck there for months.
During the rainy season, hundreds of waterfalls form between the mountains. Arriving during the monsoon is a great feeling; let's enjoy that as much as we can.