Managing hectic schedules at work as I find a long weekend, I travel to Matheran by road. Taking the winding drive full of hairpin curves to reach the top, with adrenaline 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 a 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 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, give 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 and bustle of vehicles, horns, schedules, and mobiles, you connect to some very important things in 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 from 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 sunset, gushing waterfalls, lakes, & Old forts.
The ECO sensitive region
The place being a no-vehicle zone, horseback and cart is the main mode of 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 shopping 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 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 to alleviate 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 has in curating 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 want to keep my food with me, and she wants to get hers. The moment is funny, and I laugh with the thought that they, too, have developed a taste for modern food.
A shriek from the adjoining bungalow caught me off-guard, while I was staring and holding my fort, someone had lost theirs, 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 in to 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 learn more about the place.
*Take the Toy Train
*Be aware of monkeys
*Wear Covered Footwear.
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