Matheran-Hill Station

Amid the green Jambol forest, situated at 803 meters (2,636 ft) above sea level, Matheran is the most splendid hill-station in Maharashtra. It covers an area of 8 square kilometers in Sahyadris. Its pastoral beauty is especially pristine thanks to a blanket motor transport ban.
This lovely spot was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the collector of Thane district. He was camping around the village of Chowk, when on hill top he stopped for a drink of water from a spring - which still bears his name.
Matheran grew more accessible and popular under the patronage of Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay. He visited Matheran in 1855 and was mesmerized. He chose a beautiful site for a bungalow and named the mansion Elphinstone Lodge. He introduced roadways and, in 1907, opened a mountain railway for the first time. A quaint little train chugs slowly for miles along this track. The toy train journey takes you through spectacular grassy hills sides, plains, sheer cliffs, plateau and thick forest cover.

The best season to visit Matheran is between October and May. The Sahyadris attract the monsoon clouds and see heavy rainfalls every year. The hill-station is at its best during the tail-end of monsoons. The season of breathtaking waterfalls, mist covered valleys, dew dripped greenery and floating clouds.
Matheran is dotted with around 33 lookout points - from where you get spectacular view of the plains below or across the Western Ghats. You can hike your way to these through the woodlands. Panorama Point, 5 kms. north of the post office, has the finest view. Below lies Neral, to the west, Mumbai and north are the Ghats. The sunrise and sunsets here are very dramatic. Hart Point and Monkey Point look down on the plains. Porcupine Point is mostly crowded during sunset, so to avoid the rush, consider Panorama Point. Coronation Point, to the south, marked the ceremony of King Edward VII in 1903. You could visit a small Hanuman temple, at 'Hashya Cha Patti' village, a short walk away from Malang Point. To the west of the post office, Lousia Point shows off a beautiful plateau and the ruins of the Prabal Fort. Hear your own voice thrown back at you at Echo Point. One Tree Point, Shivaji's Ladder and Chowk Point are also worth a look. To the east, Rambagh lies just two kilometers away, looking straight onto Khandala and Karjat. You can see Chowk valley and the Ulhas river from Alexander Point. Khandala Point and Mount Barry are a couple of other worthy sight seeing spots.
The main drinking water for the town comes from Charlotte Lake, away from the edge of the hill top. The lake has a splendid view with the dam at one end a temple, 'Pisarnath Mandir' at the other.

Breathtaking and shrouded in mist, these sights of sheer beauty cover the length and breadth of Matheran. The Main Mahatama Gandhi Road is lined with shops of all shapes and sizes, that form the main bazaar. called Kapadia Market, it was set up by Mr. P.N. Kapadia in 1919, in the memory of his wife. You could shop around for the famous "chikki" sweet and local honey. There are other things of interest too, especially the footwear. Master craftsmen take orders for sandals, shoes or riding boots and are quick with their service. You could buy walking sticks, snacks etc. from the bazaar around.

Climate

Matheran is pleasant throughout the year but the best time to visit is from October to May.

Clothing
Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable during summer and in winter light woolens are preferred.

Languages Spoken
Marathi, Hindi and English

What to Buy
the famous 'Chikki' sweets, local honey, masterfully crafted footwear and unique cane goods which are very economical

Where to Stay
The MTDC holiday resort - located near Dasturi Naka - is the only resort that can be reached by road. Beyond this point, the dirt track begins and no vehicals are allowed. The rooms are charming and homely and as full of character as the views they offer.


How to get there

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 Kms.

By Road
Mumbai - Neral - Matheran, 108 Kms.
(Neral - Matheran mountain rail operates throughout the year except monsoons). State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to neral. Taxi services are also available.

By Rail

Mumbai-Neral, 90 Kms.

Neral-Matheran, 21 Kms.

Pune-Neral, 120 Kms.

Shimla-Queen of Hills

Shimla is the capital capital of scotland- Himachal Pradesh. The city of Shimla is made over several hillsides and hooking up side rails. The key hillsides are Jakhu ( 2,455 meters ), Prospect Hill ( 2,328 meters ), Observatory Hill ( 2,350 meters ), Elysigim Hill ( 2,466 meters ) and Summer time Hill ( 2,300 meters ). A location of peace and pleasure, Shimla is really a tourist resort in tangible sense around the globe. The very best season of the season here's fall however the springtime runs a detailed second. Shimla is associated with air, rail, and road traffics. Shimla under snow is an excellent sight also it provides the unique attraction of the outside roller skating rink. Even the legendary Ridge under snow and snow sports at Kufri make Shimla an excellent winter location.

Sightseeing places in shimla

The Mall:

The Mall, like the majority of hill stations in North India, may be the primary shopping center of Shimla. Additionally, it has numerous restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Publish Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre can also be situated there. People walk up and lower the Mall gradually, preventing to gossip, because it is the primary meeting spot for everybody. The Ridge and Scandal point would be the two primary meeting points in the Mall.

Christ Chapel:

Found on the Ridge is Christ Chapel, the second earliest chapel in Northern India. It features a very regal appearance and inside you will find stained glass home windows which represent belief, hope, charitable organisation, fortitude, persistence and humbleness. Christ Chapel is really a place all site visitors should spend a while in.

Jakhu Hill:

2 kms. from Shimla, in a height of 8000 foot, Jakhu Hill may be the greatest peak while offering an attractive look at the city as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. Towards the top of the Hill, is definitely an old temple of Hanuman, also is the house of numerous playful apes waiting to become given by all site visitors.

Shimla Condition Museum:

The Museum, that was opened up in 1974, has attempted to project hill-out and also the cultural insightful the condition. Art objects within the Museum collection are mainly associated with art, the archaeology of gortyn and cultural anthropology of Himachal along with other states asia. At the moment Museum, has about 9000 objects in the collection. In the start, museum began with four art galleries. Since that time more art galleries happen to be added. These art galleries have to do with Pre- historic, Indian The archaeology of gortyn, Woodcarvings, Himachal The archaeology of gortyn, Pahari Miniature Works of art Monuments, Photographs, Rajasthan works of art, Bronzes, Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Works of art gallery. Additionally to those art galleries museum has one exhibition hall for organizing the exhibition along with other museum activities.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:

This institute is located within the Viceregal Lodge, that was built-in 1884-88 throughout the British occasions. It's spacious gardens and it is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and peaceful the perfect atmosphere for students of literature or politics.

Summer time Hill:

Situated far away of 5 kms. in the Ridge may be the lovely township of Summer time Hill in a height of 6,500 foot. around the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi resided during these quiet surroundings throughout his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh College can be found here.

Annandale:

Developed because the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. in the Ridge in a height of 6,117 foot. It's a favourite place for cricket, picnics and also the princely bet on polo.

Around Shimla

Tara Devi:

11kms. in the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi includes a temple devoted towards the goddess of stars on the top from the hill. There's a military Dairy Town here along with the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. In a height of 6,070 foot. Tara Devi is a perfect place for an individual wanting peace plus some relaxation.

Sankat Mochan:

A well known Hanuman temple is situated here. We obtain a great look at Shimla in the temple. It may be arrived at by vehicle or by walking.

Mashobra:

13 kms. from Shimla, Mashobra has lots of excellent have a picnic spots. Mashobra offers ideal walks amongst oak and pine trees. Mashobra may be the site from the annual Sipi fair in June. The closest relaxation home is at Craignano that is 3 kms. from Mashobra, and it is an attractive location.

Naldehra:

23 kms. Within skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra provides a well groomed nine-hole Course undulating hillsides and giant deodars, turn it into a unique place for picnics. Regular bus and taxi run. HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade and Club.

Tattapani:

43 kms. Found on the bank of river Sutlej it established fact of their hot springs. Regular bus and taxi run.

Wildflower Hall:

13 kms. Nestling among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel Wildflower Hall from the HPTDC offers an impressive look at the mighty Himalayas and perennial snows. Charming in summer time and engaging in fall, when winter casts its layer of snow Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.

Fruit Research Station:

18 km. The greatest fruit research station in northern India.

Kufri:

16 kms. Well-known because of its ski slopes. Instructions good sights. Additionally, it includes a Potato Research Station. Shimla comes with an added attraction of Small zoo amongst dense forest towards the vacationers in which a rare variety of wildlife and pheasants species generally present in Himalayan forest region happen to be stored in natural habitat. Spread over a place of twenty hectares of land with wealthy plants and creatures about 140 wildlife including pheasants of various verities ‘Monal’ the Condition bird of Himachal Pradesh and among the endangered types of Himalayan region continues to be another points of interest of the zoo been placed securely within this small zoo. Another attraction of the zoo are Tibetan wolf, Brown Bear and Woofing Deer. You will find other popular wildlife species within the Small zoo for example leopard, Ghoral, Samber, Himalayan Thar, Yak, black bear and quantity of pheasants types. Himalayan Character Park continues to be setup at Kufri in 1992 that is spread in 90 hectare area and small zoo continues to be placed in this Park.

Indira Holiday Home:
18 kms. Deodar forests in an altitude of two,623 metres. Small zoo, and yak and pony riding.

Chail:

43 kms. (via Kufri) and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, in a height of two,250 metres, combines the charm and sweetness of the remote and peaceful mountain resort using the splendor and magnificence of the princely reserve. Chail was the summer time capital from the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail are alive with lots of types of wild birds and deer.

Barog:

55 kms. A verdant host to considerable scenic charm and sweetness giving extensive sights of high mountain tops stretching range after range and valleys swooping lower the Haryana and Punjab flatlands.

Kasauli:

61 kms. from Chandigarh, 77 kms. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is charming and quiet a perfect spot for individuals looking for peace and relaxation.

Solan:

48 kms. A well known place, named after Shoolini Devi is really a Mushroom Town of India. The Dr. Y S. Parmar College of Horticulture & Forestry, unique in Asia, can be found here.

India Tour And Travel - Visa Requirement

Visa is a mandatory requirement for anyone to enter India, including children. One should ensure its possession before planning to enter India. Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with Government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries. The visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian Mission. If planning to visit a neighboring country such as Nepal and then re-entering India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained. Tourist visas are issued for one month, six months or five years. Tourist visas can be extended by three months at the foreigner's registration office in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai, or, with the Superintendent of Police at any District Headquarters. If your stay in the country exceeds 180 days, then tourists are required to get a tax clearance certificate, available at the foreigner's section of the income tax department in every major city. It is also advisable to keep bank receipts to show that the money has been changed legally. However, the general requirements for visas are:

1. Original passport valid for at least six months

2. Correct visa fee

3. Two recent passport-size photographs (five photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)

4. Supporting documents, where necessary

5. Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals need to apply on special application forms)

If your visa formalities have been completed, now you must have a bird eye view of this vast subcontinent so that you should not face any problem while traveling to any parts. India forms a natural subcontinent with the Himalayas to the north. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are sections of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east respectively. India's neighbors are China (Tibet), Bhutan and Nepal to the north, Pakistan to the north-west, and Burma to the north-east. To the east, almost surrounded by India, is Bangladesh. Near India's southern tip, across the Palk Strait, is Sri Lanka. India has 28 states with constitutionally defined powers of government. The 28 states are: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. There are also seven Union Territories including the National Capital Territory of Delhi, administered by Lieutenant Governors or Administrators, all of whom are appointed by the President. The Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry also have elected chief ministers and state assemblies. The Territories are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.

Special permits may be required additionally with the visa to visit certain areas of the country. Certain parts of the country need special permits before they can be visited. Such areas where special permission is required are as under:

Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland

These States/Union Territories have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110 003 at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.

Sikkim

Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pemayangtse have been excluded from the inner line and declared as restricted areas. After getting permission, individual tourists can visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang, Zongri and Pemayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian Missions abroad, all Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) and the Foreigners Regional Registration office (FRROS), Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi. Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists; permits can be issued by all Missions abroad, all FRROs, Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days. Permits are no longer required for Darjeeling, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Individual foreign tourists are required to get the prior permission to Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhuban where only day visits are allowed.

Lakshadweep Islands

Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadweep Administration, Wellington Island, Harbor Road, Kochi - 3.

Collective Visas

The facilities exist for issuing collective visas to group tours of not less than 4 members and sponsored by a government recognized travel agency. Such groups may split into smaller groups to visit different places in India after obtaining a collective "license to travel" from Indian immigration authorities. They must reassemble and depart as the original group.

Visa Relaxations

Visa relaxations have been given to the nationals of the countries like Nepal and Bhutan. One can obtain the details from the respective Indian Embassy.

Visa for Trekking and Mountaineering Expeditions

When the proposed tour itinerary includes taking people to the height of more than 6000 metres, visa is granted after 'No Objection' of the Indian Mountaineering Federation. When the itinerary proposes visit to the areas below 6000 metres, it is mandatory to forward with the visa application an itinerary which indicates days and places to be visited along with their height.

Points to Remember

1. Granting of visa does not mean that one is armed with the right to enter India. One's entry is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.

2. The documents can be verified whenever the need arises.

3. Some cases might need clearance from the government level.

4. Time taken for issuing visa differs for every application.

5. Persons who desire to visit restricted/protected areas need special permits.

6. If one plans to visit a neighboring country and then re-enter India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.

Types of Visa

Indian Government issues various types of visa, suitable for different purposes of travel. Given below are some of the different types of Indian visas.

Tourist Visa: This visa is issued when you are coming to India on a holiday to explore the country.

Business Visa: For a business related trip, you need to apply for the business visa.

Student Visa: This visa is issued exclusively for study purpose in India.

Transit Visa: It is meant for transit passengers only, to enable them to travel through India to reach the ultimate destination.

Missionaries Visa: This visa is for people coming to India to act as missionaries.

Employment Visa: This visa is meant for skilled professionals or those people who have been appointed by Indian companies, organizations, firms, etc.

Journalist Visa: Professional journalists and photographers visiting India should apply for the Journalist visa.

Conference Visa: This visa is issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in India.

Research Visa: This visa is issued by the Government of India for research purposes.

Entry Visa: It is given only to persons of Indian origin or the family members of a person employed in India.