Matheran - The Winter Wonderland

Scrolling through Instagram, a captivating image of a train and rail track surrounded by lush greenery caught my eye. It exuded tranquillity, prompting an instant decision to make it my next travel destination. Eager to share the excitement, I showed the picture to a friend who, too, was enticed and ready for the adventure. What started as a plan for a budget-friendly trip via trains, buses, and hostels to explore just Matheran with my friend evolved into a larger group, including three more friends, joining the expedition. It marked our first venture into Maharashtra, intending to explore four renowned places in five days.

Choosing the destinations proved to be a challenging task, involving numerous discussions, debates, and considerations of travel times and distances between cities. Eventually, we settled on Matheran, Lonavala, Lavasa, and Mahabaleshwar.

Matheran: Often overlooked and underrated, Matheran doesn't enjoy the same recognition as Lonavala. Nevertheless, it turned out to be the most enchanting among the four destinations. Our journey began in Mumbai at 8 in the morning, with four of us coming from Hyderabad and another friend from Nagpur. Despite a two-hour flight delay, we utilized the time to explore Juhu Beach and indulge in some street shopping.

Post-pickup, we embarked on our journey to Matheran, opting for a 7-seater car for the five-day expedition. Even our local cab driver, a native Maharashtrian, wasn't entirely familiar with Matheran, emphasizing its underrated status. After a bit of inquiry, we finally reached an entrance leading to our destination, a hillway adorned with breathtaking views. Although the roads were a bit treacherous, the journey in late September, on the cusp of monsoons and the onset of winter, added to the allure.

Upon reaching Neral around 5 o'clock, we faced a hurdle – private vehicles weren't allowed further. With only two options available – the toy train or horseback (walking being the last resort) – we found ourselves compelled to choose the latter. Opting for three horses to carry our luggage, we commenced a horseback journey through dense forests, 2625 feet above sea level. Each person managed two horses, and despite the initial discomfort, the well-trained and friendly horses guided us through various viewpoints.

Arriving late, we had limited time to explore as darkness set in. We made stops at certain points, each requiring a few minutes of walking. The terrain was slippery and tricky, demanding good shoes and promising a potential bout of back pain. Yet, adhering to the mantra – No Pain, No Gain – all the efforts proved worthwhile.

By the time we reached the town at around 8 o'clock, Matheran showcased its magic. Checking into our rooms, we embarked on a dreamlike walk through foggy streets, surrounded by the chaos of the market, horses, and charming orange bulbs. The hotels seamlessly blended with the houses, creating an immersive experience that etched memories never fade.

We wrapped up the day with a late-night meal of homemade food and prepared for the highlight – catching the Toy train at 8 o'clock the next morning.

Toy Train Excitement: With enthusiasm, we readied ourselves by 7:30, embarking on a leisurely 5-7 minute walk to the railway station. The early morning scene, with horses bustling in groups, the sounds of their movement, the fog, people going about their work, and the local chaos, provided a unique and special experience.

Boarding the train, we disembarked near Neral and chose to walk to our car from Neral to Aman Lodge, a 30-45 minute journey that posed a challenge with luggage in tow. Unfortunately, the track from Neral to Aman Lodge was under construction during our visit, causing us to miss a potentially beautiful part of the route.