A Weekend Getaway to Matheran: The Perfect Monsoon Escape from Pune
Introduction
Are you looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of the city? If yes, then Matheran is the ideal destination for you. Matheran is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, about 100 kilometers from Pune. It is one of the few places in India where motorized vehicles are not allowed, making it a peaceful and pollution-free retreat. In this article, we will tell you why Matheran is a great place for a weekend getaway, how to get there from Pune, what to do there, and where to stay.
Why Matheran is a great place for a weekend getaway
Matheran is a paradise for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by lush green forests and offers stunning views of the valleys and hills. You can enjoy the fresh air and the scenic beauty of Matheran by walking along the red mud paths or riding on horseback. Matheran has over 30 points of interest, each with its own charm and attraction. Some of the most popular ones are Panorama Point, which gives a 360-degree view of the landscape, Alexander Point, which overlooks the Garbut Plateau and Chowk Valley, Echo Point, which produces an echo when you shout, and Charlotte Lake, which is a serene water body with a dam and a temple. Matheran also has a heritage railway line, known as the Neral-Matheran Toy Train, which runs on a narrow gauge track and covers a distance of 21 kilometers. The train passes through tunnels, bridges, and curves, giving you a thrilling and memorable experience.
How to get to Matheran from Pune
There are different ways to get to Matheran from Pune, depending on your preference and budget. The most convenient way is to drive by car, which takes about 2.5 hours. You can park your car at Dasturi Naka, which is the entry point of Matheran, and then take a horse or a hand-pulled rickshaw to reach the main market area. Alternatively, you can take a train from Pune to Neral, which is the nearest railway station to Matheran. From Neral, you can either take a taxi or board the toy train to reach Matheran. The toy train runs only four times a day and has limited seats, so you need to book your tickets in advance. The third option is to take a bus from Pune to Karjat or Neral, and then take a taxi or the toy train to Matheran.
What to do in Matheran
There are plenty of things to do in Matheran, depending on your mood and interest. You can explore the various points of interest by walking or riding on horseback. You can also enjoy some adventure activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, rock climbing, and valley crossing. If you are looking for some relaxation, you can indulge in some spa treatments or yoga sessions at some of the resorts in Matheran. You can also shop for some local handicrafts, leather goods, honey, and chikki (a type of candy) at the main market area.
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Where to stay in Matheran
Matheran has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, cottages, and bungalows. Some of the best places to stay in Matheran are:
- Hotel Usha Ascot: This is a 3-star hotel that offers cozy rooms with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
- The Byke Heritage: This is a 4-star resort that is housed in a colonial-style building with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a garden, a game room, and an open-air restaurant.
- Adamo The Resort: This is another 4-star resort that features elegant rooms with balconies or terraces, a swimming pool with slides, a spa, a discotheque, and an indoor-outdoor restaurant.
- Westend Hotel: This is an old-fashioned hotel that has charming rooms with wooden furniture, a swimming pool with jacuzzi jets, a library lounge, and an organic restaurant.
- Dune Barr House: This is a heritage property that dates back to 1850 and has been restored into a boutique hotel with 11 rooms, each named after a famous British personality who stayed there. The hotel also has a dining hall, a veranda, and a garden.
Bookings
If you are interested in visiting Matheran for a weekend getaway, you can make your bookings at mtdc.co, which is the official website of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). You can find the best deals and discounts on hotels, resorts, and activities in Matheran on this website.
Conclusion
Matheran is a perfect escape from the city for a weekend getaway. It offers a refreshing and relaxing environment, with its natural beauty, its car-free zone, and its heritage charm. You can enjoy a variety of things to do in Matheran, from sightseeing, to adventure, to shopping, to wellness. You can also find a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Matheran, with its wide range of accommodation options. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Matheran today and experience the magic of this hill station.
