A trek to Matheran

Walking is therapeutic, especially when it is outside Bombay, amidst nature. Our trek began at the Karjat junction. We, 19 happy trekkers guided by Chandan, walked through a village and then up a tiny hill which brought us to a beautiful serene lake. There was no one in sight except for a few villagers. The lake itself reminded me of the fjords of Norway.

The trek itself was graded as "difficult" and had 3 stages. The sun was quite intense to begin with and we were all drained out before we had even reached the second stage. Just when we were beginning to wonder if we would make it through, the sun disappeared, the temperature dropped and the weather became much more bearable. The second stage began at the base of another village where I doubt there was even electricity! Amazing to think that we were just a few hours away from the big metropolis of Bombay and even closer to Matheran which is prominent hill station, yet the abject poverty right at their doorsteps.

Anyway, we had all run out of water by then and there were no shops at the village. We had to refill our bottles at the stream that flowed from a well. All of us (city dwellers) were concerned about the quality of the water but took the chance and drank deeply. We refilled our bottles as for the next 5 hours we were not going to come across any shops! Still living to tell the tale. :)

The second stage was the longest and a bit difficult but the reward at the end of it was supreme bliss. The meadow was absolutely beautiful - a sea of bright green with a little bit of yellow from the wild flowers and hills all around. In the distance we saw some lakes and the entire scenery was pretty peaceful, relaxing and destressing.

Finally, we climbed the 3rd stage which was the steepest and the riskiest. We had to literally climb rocks whilst gripping the ones above. The path was very narrow and we were forewarned if there was strong wind to just stay in place rather than move. Everyone made it up safely and then we took "Titanic" style pictures at the edge of the Garbut Point. From there it was a good hour and a half walk to where the lunch was served. Imagine us, hungry trekkers, having lunch at half past 6 in the evening. We were all exhausted but still able to protect our food from the naughty monkeys around.

Some of the things I learned on the trek:

• We are as strong as our weakest link. True teamwork got us through this tough trek.
• The power of the mind is incredible. One of our team was not keeping too well and had the choice to quit the trek at the first stage but he opted to go for it and he made it!!
• God's creation is absolutely wonderful and cannot be replicated. A few hours out of Bombay and we had a gorgeous place to destress. Further, it was so beautiful and serene, it kind of reminded me of Norway at one stage.
• We are truly privileged to lead the lives we do. We came across some villages where there may or may not have been electricity. We were struggling on the trek but that is the route used by the villagers in their daily lives. We even came across a pregnant woman walking up and down the hill with a load on her head!!
• Life is actually simple. We make it complicated.

Some trivia about Matheran:

• Matheran is in the Western Ghats, 90 kms away from Mumbai and 120 kms away from Pune.
• The British discovered it in 1850 and developed it as a hill station.
• It is 2625 kms above sea level and has panoramic views and breathtaking charm.
• The roads/paths are made of red laterite earth and there are no paved roads in Matheran.
• Beyond Dasturi which is 9 kms from Matheran, no vehicles are allowed. So you have to actually walk or hire a horse or be carried up.
• There is a narrow gauge railway line that connects Neral to Matheran.

Fjords in Matheran!

Pretty streams added to the beauty.

I love the rice terraces.

Absolutely gorgeous views of the lake.

The wild flowers gave a different perspective.

The beautiful meadow.