Matheran Reviews

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Diwadkars opposite the station always serves wholesome, tasty, VFM veg thalis - recommended for those who do not fancy the sweetish Guju thali available everywhere else. MTDC where we stayed served tasty food but the ambience of the restaurant was rather PWD for want of a better description. Chikki, honey etc are must buys. Avoid the fudge, it is not a patch on the Ooty fudge. Footwear, tiny kolhapuri slippers, bags and local straw handicrafts are good buys. Sight seeing - the forest trails, Points, Charlotte Lake. If you prefer nature, do the Garbut, Panorama and Beri trails rather than the tourist 5 pt circuit. A walk from Simpson Well to Mary Pt to Monkey Pt is also rewarding. Try and spot a giant squirrel on the tree tops, they are very cute. Dont miss the huge blue mormon butterflies and the equally pretty smaller varieties, as well as the surfeit of wildflowers.

Activities & things to do
Ramble leisurely through the forest on the many trails leading to various view points. At night you will get a brilliant view of the stars from any clearing - a sight not to be missed. Feed the monkeys, but be warned that they can get quite aggressive. Just inhale the lovely fresh air and forget the pressures of city life.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Carry thick soled walking shoes, a sturdy bamboo or walking stick - to walk on the pebble strewn trails and to ward off the monkeys. Carry a rechargeable flashlight, the power goes off at regular intervals. If you are an early riser, carry a tea making kit as hotels do not provide tea before 7am. The drive from Bombay is approx 11/2 hrs by rd. taking the Expressway to Shedung, then via Chowk and Neral. Leave Bombay by 7 and you will reach there in an hour. From Dasturi Car Park you will have to walk or go on horseback or hand riksha to reach your hotel. MTDC is the closest, 5 min away - not fancy, but right in the middle of the forest. Go in off season and enjoy Matheran at its best.