Ma(a)The(y)Ran – with friends…

Have you ever been for a trek? No, I don’t mean a walk to some zoo over here, actual trekking. If you’ve been to Matheran, Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali or Tungareshwar, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Matheran is the perfect getaway for those who love trekking. But the worse part of Matheran is the travel (I know it sounds contradictory). The government has closed online reservation for mini toy train and you’re forced to stand in a queue for at least 2hours (on weekends). And after standing in the line, there’s absolutely zero guarantee that you’ll get a ticket from Neral station to Matheran. There are just two options you have, to get to Matheran. You can either take the toy (which is waste of time) or take the Omni (agents are already on the search for people on station) which will drop you at Aman Lodge (Entrance of the Matheran). Matheran is approximately 11 Kms. from Neral Station and if you think you can take the tracks (toy train one) then you got to be kidding.

From here on you have to walk for almost 25 - 30 minutes to reach Matheran Junction

As per our (Ankeet, Neoma, Yvonne and me) plan, we were supposed to reach Matheran around 10am, but in vain. To reach Neral station we boarded the Deccan Express (Intercity is preferable though). After getting down at Neral, little did we knew that we would have to stand in line for almost 2 ½ hour and when we were in front of the counter, it shuts down! So, we are left with two options: either wait for the next train (which was around 12:30) or take the cab, omni or whatever we get to reach Matheran. We chose the latter option. Also, we were planning to follow the tracks, which could have been horrific. A travel agent hovered around us and was sure that we would pay heed to his advice about taking the cab rather than standing for more 2 hours.

If you don't prefer to walk you can also take the toy train from Aman Lodge to Matheran Junction

We had planned for an over night trip and had zeroed down to book the hotel or cottage once we reach the place. The agent also gave us a good deal on our stay, so that was sorted. Within 45 minutes we were at the entrance of Matheran. Cutting Chai (Tea) works the best when you’re exhausted (that’s what most of the people in Mumbai say). We had tea and moved on to step on the red soil of Matheran. After walking for about more 45 minutes, we reached Matheran Station, where the toy train halts. I fished out an envelope from my pocket on which the name and number of Narayan was written. Narayan was the person who was supposed to guide us to our room. Once in our room and after Narayan briefed us, we freshened up and had our lunch (yes, the clocked ticked somewhere around 1:30pm). After filling our tummies, we had a nap and then started our trek to the Porcupine Point (Sunset Point).

If you’re planning to go to Matheran, then let me warn you that the route to any point has several other diversions. One road might end up with two diversions, and those two might divert into four more. Also, the red soil is too dusty. It’s good to go out in shorts. After walking incessantly, asking people for direction, we reached Echo Point (God knows why it’s called Echo Point. If you call out anyone’s name from there, it’ll be hopeless to wait for your voice to return). We visited 2 points (Echo and Sunset) and unfortunately, there was little difference between the two (At Echo Point there was this Gola wala, which was missing at the latter point). One thing that I can boast is that we got to see the sunset! We reached the point around 6:10pm (that’s the perfect time when the sun sets). And from then on it started getting dark gloomy, so we had to move. If there wouldn’t have been other people with us, we would have lost the track back to out room. If you feel it’s getting too dark, then you can take the horse ride back to the market (It’s safe and convenient). 

Horse rides are available at every point

Hey, can you see the sun setting?

Till the time we reached our room, we were completely exhausted and hungry, too. After having a wash, we took half an hour nap and then headed to the best place to have food in Matheran. Ironically, the best places in Matheran were our room and Matheran Restaurant! From authentic Non-Veg to Veg, you’ll find everything here. When complimented for food, Zamir Kazi (owner) said that they are planning to extend the business and have something like Bade Miya (Yes, the one which is behind Taj Hotel, Mumbai). So, next time when I go there, I’ll get to enjoy chicken and mutton rolls! 

The famous Matheran Restaurant

That's me with Zamir Kazi (Owner of Matheran Restaurant )

If I had to rate this restaurant out of 10, it would be:

Ambiance – 9

Food (Quality & Quantity) – 10

Service – 9

After our dinner, we got into our room and switched on the TV. Yes, it was somewhere around 10pm. Nothing intriguing was going on so we had no other option but to watch BIGG BOSS Finale (Yes, the same house where people who sit idle at their home are brought and dumped here!). Due to excursion, all were tired and fell asleep within an hour.

Our next day plan was to get up as early as possible and head towards Sunrise Point. We all wanted to see the sun rise in front of us, but no one got up before 8am. Once all were up, we went out to have breakfast (No, unfortunately we didn’t go to Matheran restaurant) and then on we did our shopping. We bought Fudge, Chikki, Jam and other specialties of Matheran.

Come what, we had decided to board the toy train to Neral station. We had the idea that if we stand in the queue at 2pm, we’ll get the tickets for 4:30pm toy train. So, we divided ourselves into two teams. We asked the girls to go and pack their bags, while I and Ankeet stood in the line. There were many people trying to get in between the line by hook or crook. A couple of them also asked me whether I can buy a ticket for them. Standing in that tedious line, I learned that if I allowed someone to come in between, I would shun a person from getting a ticket, who’s standing in the line for almost 2 hours. We didn’t allow anyone to let in and we ourselves didn’t do it. Once we got the tickets in our hands, we felt like we’ve won a battle (Not actually). I’m sure there must have been many of them who had to go walking till the entrance (Aman Lodge) and from there on take a cab, because that was the last mini train to Neral station.

Once we locked our room, we handed over the keys and headed towards the junction to take our seats in the train. If you ever visit Matheran, you should enjoy the train ride while going or coming (at least once). I had my balls in my mouth, when I peeped down the deep valley as the train moved down. Also, you’ll get a glimpse of huge Ganesha idol somewhere down the route to Neral station. We reached the station around 7pm (almost 2 hours). The time taken to reach station is equivalent to the time that you have to stand in the line for tickets. How ironic!

From left to right: Me, Ankeet, Yvonne and Neoma

P.S.: I told my family that I’m going to Kolad for company’s induction program… Ssshh…