Forest on the forehead – Matheran

Forest on the forehead…….Matheran

Managing hectic schedules at work as I find a long weekend, I travel to Matheran by road. Taking the winding drive full of the hairpin curve to reach the top, with andranile gushing through my veins and with torrents of rain  it’s an adventure .

As the monsoon is welcomed in India, it’s time for another Road trip. Continuing with series of Road trips today I am sharing my backpack trip to a very nearby but very beautiful, Scenic location MATHERAN… 

Located very near to Mumbai & Pune,  this is well connected by road, the place is a weekend’s paradise. 

Weekend Begins……RELAX & CALM

Matheran is the smallest hill station in India in the state of Maharashtra. Discovered by a British District Collector. Matheran is surrounded by Sahyadri hills wearing a velvet green blanket in the monsoon with milky waterfalls gushing down is a sight to behold. The place has preserved its Colonial architecture and has many trekking trails.

The sky touching trees making a canopy, the red laterite soil with  winding paths through the forests, the slanting sun rays that fall occasionally, and the smell of flora & Fauna, gives you a feeling of inner peace. 

Walking through the forests you understand they are an  Ecosystem in themselves.  Rich in nutrient foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects they are self-sufficient, today with human interference they stand in danger of Deforestation, and preserving our blessing  of oxygen  is our sole responsibility.

Away from the hustle-bustle of vehicles, horns, schedules, and mobiles, you connect to some very important things of life. Fresh air, sounds of the jungle, and peace with yourself. 

Back to childhood….

The place is accessed by a toy train to be taken from Neral a town at the foothills of the mountain. You can have a view of many vantage points as the train chugs steadily up. There are 36 viewpoints to capture the valley from various angles, to see the sunrise and set, Gushing waterfalls, lakes & Old forts.

The ECO sensitive region

 The place being a no vehicle zone horseback and cart is the main mode for transportation. I preferred to walk the paths in serenity and enjoy the synergy of greenery, rain, waterfalls, lakes, and the mountains. The peace engulfing, me I talk to myself and concentrate on the minutest detail around.

For many travelers walking down the shopping alleys with sweet corn, berries Guavas and shop for handmade Footwear and chikki is a tick on the bucket list. The local fruits of the forest sprinkled with salt and pepper give a feel of a holiday. 

Matheran for many is a relaxing destination while for  others it is exploring the viewpoints either through treks or Horseback.

Respect for the Labor and Love for Animals

The place is full of horse owners and cart pullers. Their only source of Livelihood is carrying the load of Humans and material. Though both have adapted to walking the paths multiple times a day much needs to be done for the hardship of both. The second one being the stink of Horse shit all over the place. Which must be dealt with.

Special mention to the Artisan who makes these custom-made Footwear. As I sit with the curator I can see the expertise he curates the soft Leather footwear.

The Vanar Sena

Relaxing outside my cottage I am surrounded by monkeys, all eyes on my food packets with a baby attached this monkey Mom is trying hard to attack, we are in a tussle, I to keep my food with me and she to get her’s. The moment is funny and I have a laugh with the thought that they too have developed a taste for modern food.

A shriek from the adjoining bungalow catches me off-guard, while I was staring and holding my fort someone had lost there’s, as her purse was flung and contents emptied. Yes, you find them in abundance so a word of Caution.

What attracts you most is the simplicity of life, holidays can be luxurious but the fun is only when you connect with the place, people, food, language, history and culture and give into the place. So wherever you travel do it with your heart. 

 Recommendations

  * Do try the Handmade Footwear.

  * Variety of fresh fruits 

  *Walk to relax and know more about the place.

 *Take the Toy Train

*Be aware of monkeys

*Wear Covered Footwear.

Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching Lives through Travel. Do share your Comments .