Get some fresh air, and plan a budget-friendly trip to Matheran this weekend!

Planning for a trip this weekend? Then head to Matheran for a soul-satiating experience. A trip to Matheran is definitely what you need after a long tiring week. Pack your bags, and get ready for a fun-packed, and budget-friendly trip with friends, and family!

Matheran is one of the best hill-stations near Mumbai and is loved for its cool weather, pollution, and noise-free atmosphere. A trip to Matheran will help you unwind, and will soothe your soul. Breathe in the fresh air, ride on horses, bless your eyes with lush green surroundings, and enjoy various adventurous activities at this gorgeous hill-station. Matheran is an excellent option if you are looking out for a short escape from the monotony of your busy routine life in the city. The best time to visit is from October to May. Normally people avoid visiting during the monsoon.

Best way to reach Matheran:

Neral is the closest railway station where you can reach using the local trains shuttling between CSMT and Kajat / Khopoli. Presently the mini train services from Neral to Matheran are suspended due to repair work, but the taxis are available easily. They will charge you Rs.100 per person. The taxi will drop you at Dasturi point. Here, you will have to pay an entry fee of Rs.50, and from there you can either go for a quick trek or enjoy a horse-ride (No vehicles are allowed after this point), or from Neral east up to Dasturi point and then trek, horse ride or use a palki up to Matheran railway station. I recommend that you should trek at a leisurely pace and enjoy Nature's bounties.

Best budget stay options:

One can choose from a luxury resort offering meals, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a dance floor (starting from Rs,3,000 for a night), or select a budget-friendly lodge charging up to Rs.700 for a room (including wifi).

Best local restaurants:

You can visit the Ghargutti Jevan eateries where the cooks will make the food according to your taste and choice. These eateries are located off the main road. You can also bite on some epic meals at Garden View restaurant, Pooja Pav Bhaji at MG Road, Shabbir Bhai biryani wala at Neral Majid, Kokkon Kattha at Bazar Peth. Gorge on some delicious veg thalis at Ramkrihsna restaurant, and Sakril restaurant at Khan Road.

Food to try :

Chikki is quite popular here. There's nothing specific that you MUST try but if you are not from Mumbai or Maharashtra then you will find good authentic Maharashtrian food too.

Places to visit :

There are 38 points that are open for visits. Matheran map will help while visiting. Popular points to visit are Louisa point, Echo point, Honeymoon point, Alexander point, and Sunset point. You can also visit the Charlotte lake situated near Lords point for a beautiful boat ride and day picnic.

Matheran has gambling joints with slot machines and other games. There is also a magic house, a haunted house and if you love cricket, then you can try your skill at the net with a bowling machine.

Things to do :

One should definitely trek through the paths of Chanderi caves and Kalavantin Pinnacle. An afternoon at charlotte lake will leave you mesmerized. Louisa Point and Porcupine Point are just so ideal to watch the sun go down. Seek blessings at Ambarnath Shiv temple, hop on the toy train, shop, or perform some adventure air sports.

Shopping spots :

The main market area is the only shopping place that I came across. You can buy hats & footwear that are very inexpensive. Matheran is well known for its chikkis, fruit squashes, fancy hats, Kolhapuri leather chappals, leather toys, etc.

Tips for a safe trip :

A trip to Matheran would be safe, but you will find it difficult to walk after sunset. Though the lamps are there, it gets dark. So, return soon after the sun has set. There are plenty of monkeys in Matheran. Keep your room doors closed. Never tease them or feed them with your hands. While moving around take care of your handbags. They are used to snatching the bags. Don't go to the periphery or the edge of the points. Also, Please bargain on shops and services or you will end up paying more.

Minimum per person(one day)budget trip to Matheran (Approximately).

Train ticket: (Dadar to Neral) To & fro- Rs.40
Taxi charges to & fro- Rs.200
Matheran entry tax- Rs.50
Room for three- (Rs.700) Rs.235
Food & water- Rs.450
Total: Rs.975

So, now that you know what, all is to be done, then why delay more. Head to Matheran, and enjoy your weekends in the lap of mother nature!

This article is written by Vritti Khawani. Follow her on Instagram for more such travel tips, and itineraries!

Also Read: Escape to these serene places near Mumbai and begin this new year with nature!

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