Matheran In The Monsoons

Being one of the closest hill stations to Mumbai, Matheran is the foremost choice for Mumbaikars while looking for a respite from the heat. Having said that, how does one get there? Here, I recall my own journey to this heavenly place, and hope that it will prod you to get off your back and get going too!

Being one of the closest hill stations to Mumbai, Matheran is the foremost choice for Mumbaikars while looking for a respite from the heat. Having said that, how does one get there? Here, I recall my own journey to this heavenly place, and hope that it will prod you to get off your back and get going too!

Assembling at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 6:30 in the morning, we caught a local train which would deliver us to Neral Station, the one closest to our destination. The journey to Neral was accentuated by pleasant sightings of greenery owing to the good rainfall received that year. Gushing waterfalls, mountains crowned by clouds, and vegetation as far as the eye could see kept us company.

There is a special narrow-gauge train from Neral which takes tourists up to Matheran. However, it is not functional until late after the monsoons. As an alternative, taxis which take you up to the entry point of Matheran, Dasturi Naka are present. On the way, nothing was in sight for miles except mountain ranges filled with lush greenery; brightened to a light green colour by the occasional sunlight. The breeze touching our faces started to get cooler as we started going feet above sea level, while the pattering of waterfalls filled our ears.

It seemed like just mere seconds had gone by when we reached Dasturi Naka. The earth was a squishy dark red due to the continuous drizzle. Horses tottered by, carrying tourists on their backs. There was mist all around us giving the forest an eerie sense of calm. Occasionally, the silence was broken by monkeys gliding onto branches overhead.

After about an hour of trekking, we arrived at the Louisa Point. Far in the distance, sunshine shone over a cliff. A huge stream of water, which went down to the foot of the valley was gushing forth from over the structure. I sat there on the grass transfixed by the beauty which nature beheld.

Within twenty minutes of leaving Louisa Point, we reached Charlotte Lake, one of the most visited spots of Matheran. There were collective gasps in the group showcasing awe at the scenery which came into view. Going further ahead, we saw a mini-dam constructed across a point on the lake creating an artificial waterfall. A few dead trees lined the path of the stream contrasting them to the life-affirming background.

Sounds of glee filled our ears as we saw tourists frolicking in the crystal water. Without losing another moment, a few of us descended down the hillock into the water body, unmindful of the chill in the air and the lingering fog. Having been to many water parks, I can safely say that no joy could compare to the one I had underneath the miniature waterfall that day.

Soon, we started out from the Lake, and headed towards our starting point. Though dark had fallen, we could feel the calm and beauty that still encompassed us.

Though Matheran remains open for tourists all year round, nothing compares with the experience of visiting it right in the heart of the seasonal showers. Being very accessible, it will remain one of the most popular and economical tourist destinations of all time!