Matheran

Untouched, unspoiled and unbelievably tranquil, Matheran is a celebrated hill station and a great weekend place near Mumbai.It is situated in the Karjat tehsil of Maharashtra and is also the smallest hill station of India.The name of the place means ‘forest on the forehead.’Just two hours from Mumbai, it is one of the most unpolluted cities in the region as it has been declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and is Asia’s only automobile free hill station.

Matheran is all about the views. Easily accessible via scenic rail from Mumbai, this dream-like refuge in the Sahyadri Hillsaffords nearly three dozen lookouts over the Western Ghats and the region’s village-dotted plains.Porcupine Point is anything but prickly—rather, it’s an ideal spot for gorgeous sunsets, especially at the aptly named Panorama Point which also provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and the Neral town.Another point called the Louisa Point offers a stunning view of the Prabal Fort. Avid hikers hit the densely forested and wildlife-rich route to the ruins of Prabalgad Fort.Matheran is a hub of medicinal plants and herbs. It also has a huge population of monkeys including Bonnet macaques and Hanuman langurs.

Matheran has managed to maintain its tranquility despite being thronged by a large number of tourists every year. They have been successful in retaining its pristine, natural ambience. Several spots offer panoramic and splendid views of the local surroundings, including the picturesque Charlotte Lake, which is a major draw for tourists. For those who want to carry souvenirs back home, the Matheran Bazaar is a fun-filled, exciting choice.

At Matheran you will be relaxed, rested and rejuvenated. Relish the local cuisines, heave your chest, muscle your calves, take all the oxygen back in your lungs. Enjoy the hill breeze as the magical night lazily settles in. Come back with a treasure trove of beautiful memories and an experience of a lifetime.

• About the Author

About Shreya Chaudhury

First of all, if you are going to use incorrect grammar, steer clear of Shreya Chaudhury. A proper grammar Nazi, a hardcore music enthusiast (never seen without her headphones), a professional baarat dancer and a die hard Jeffrey Archer fan, you will probably find this 17 year old with a novel in hand, day dreaming about all these places she wants to travel in the future. If only time machines worked..