Day 00: Departure from Hometown
Your adventure begins with an exciting journey from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Participants choosing the Ahmedabad package will gather at the designated railway station as mentioned in the itinerary. The journey is scheduled for a duration of approximately 7 hours on the Gujarat Mail (12902). The reporting locations and times are as follows.
Rest assured, you’ll receive the instructor or guide contact details a day before departure. Please note, train tickets are subject to availability, and any changes will be communicated promptly.
Day 01: Arrival at Mumbai & Drive to Matheran
Upon arrival at Dadar Railway Station at 6:15 AM, participants choosing the Mumbai package will meet at the specified location. Vehicles will be waiting to take you on a scenic road trip to Matheran. Breakfast will be served en route.
Upon reaching Aman Lodge Parking, just 3 km from Matheran Railway Station, you have three exciting options to reach Matheran:
– Trek to Matheran Hill
– Toy Train Ride
– Horse/Hand Cart Ride
We recommend carrying rucksacks or backpacks for ease of travel. Ensure you make all necessary calls before the trek, as only Airtel and Vodafone networks are available in Matheran.
After checking in at the hotel, enjoy a hot and delicious lunch. Following some relaxation, explore the serene beauty of Matheran. Visit famous viewpoints like Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, and Echo Point. Stroll down Mall Road for some shopping before returning to the hotel for dinner and a restful night.
Day 02: Trek to Garbett Plateau or Peb Fort
Today promises to be one of the most picturesque hikes of your journey. After breakfast, the trek begins. Depending on weather conditions and participant fitness, the instructor will choose between Garbett Plateau Trek or Peb Fort Trek.
Peb Fort Trek
Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad Fort, offers a 360-degree view of the Matheran hill range. At the summit, there’s a small temple dedicated to Peb Devi. The fort’s history is fascinating, with ties back to 1818 when Captain Dickinson visited it. From the top, you can see Chanderi Fort, Nakhind, Tavli, Navra-Navri, Malang Gad, Prabalgad, Kalavantin Durg, and Dhom Lake.
Garbett Plateau Trek
Garbett Plateau offers a mesmerizing 360-degree view of Matheran’s hills. First identified in 1850, this stunning location spans about 8 square kilometers. The trek is an opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty of verdant forests, serene lakes, and tranquil streams.
After reaching the summit, participants will have free time for photos and videos. Don’t forget to tag @junoon_trekking_and_holidays on Instagram! By the afternoon, you’ll descend back to the hotel for a hot lunch. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or team games at the hotel. End the day with a lively DJ and Garba session.
Day 03: Free Time at Matheran and Return
After enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet, participants can choose to explore the market or trek down to Aman Lodge to visit Panorama Point. Known as the ‘Sunrise Point,’ this location offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Western Ghats, the town of Neral, and the entire valley. The sunrise and sunset views here are truly magical.
After some leisure time, the return drive to Mumbai begins at 2:00 PM, with an expected arrival by 6:00 PM. The journey back to Ahmedabad on the Gujarat Mail (12901) will follow.
Bid farewell to your memorable Matheran adventure, having experienced the natural beauty, serene landscapes, and the rich history of this charming hill station. This trip promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to return to the tranquil embrace of Matheran.
Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!
By: Nisha Rajput
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