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City Information
Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternatively, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there just as well.
Matheran's cliffs, with incredibly steep drops to the plains below, create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children.
The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality -- Chikki. Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet and serene place.
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