Matheran Or Mahabaleshwar City Wars
In the earlier post the city wars comparison was between Goa and Kerala. In the Goa vs Kerala post, we tried to cover all the points of distinction with much broader perspective. As we were making the state comparison, we were bound to make some major modifications in the guild of factors and parameters. Cruise circuit, cultural heritage, air connectivity, major airport, major railway station, railway connectivity, local connectivity, casinos, chain of hotels, ayurveda-spa option, local beverage, turtle nesting sites and forts/islands were the new parameters which provided the City Wars a different character. But returning back to the similar concept, this time Matheran vs Mahabaleshwar City Wars comparison will adhere to the old factors and parameters as seen and read by you in the Darjeeling vs Gangtok City Wars comparison.
In the cities like Mumbai and Pune, the young crowd brimming with exertion and busy routine always think of spending their weekend at the hill stations near Mumbai. Matheran and Mahabaleshwar remains the two hill stations which always confuse the revelers; which one to visit first? This situation is not really new for the weekenders. They always fall in trap and understanding their situation, we make a strong effort to provide them with the most possible solution. Matheran vs Mahabaleshwar City Wars would surely help you to decide which one can be visited first? As it has already been mentioned that this time their will be no major changes in the series of factors and parameters, instead we have deducted some points to make it more accurate and concise. Lush green environs, waterfalls, toy train, strawberry-tea estates, and rocky terrains are the god gifted faculties which brings the feeling of empathy for both the destinations. Matheran falls under the ecologically conserved sites allowing no vehicle to enter its precincts. The quixotic ambiance of Mahabaleshwar on the other hand is quiet inviting. If Matheran is famous for its wild beauty and toy train, Mahableshwar is known for its strawberry festival. Mahabaleshwar being so unique and special is adorned with spectacular view of sunrise and sunset. Both the destinations carrying the flavor of misty aroma are imbibing enough to bestow the revelers with the eternal memories. In Matheran vs Mahableshwar City wars, the fight is getting fiercer.
In fact, connecting to the above thought, City Wars is an exclusive podium where the travel enthusiasts will witness the virtual battle between the two hill stations. With the help of every staunch detail in the chart, we have weaved a robust description which will rhetorically create imaginative pictures in your mind. The factors or parameter genuinely fitting your perception or quiet intriguing could most probably be the answer of your dilemma. The comparison between Matheran and Mahabaleshwar is as follows:
| Approachability | Accommodation | Food Facilities | Attractions | Excursion |
| Factors | Parameters | Matheran | Mahabaleshwar |
| Approachability | |||
| Driving Distance from Mumbai | 100 km from Mumbai | 285 km from Mumbai | |
| Closest Station(Name/Distance) | Neral(50km)Toy train is available 4 times a day Neral to Karjat to Mumbai, Old Matheran station(75 km approx) | Pune and Wathar are nearest rail heads 120 km and 62 km | |
| Closest Airport (Name/Distance) | Mumbai Airport(120km) | Pune Airport Maharashtra is 120 km | |
| Volvo from Mumbai and Pune | Yes, Mumbai Central Bus Terminal- Mahasrashtra state transport buses | Yes, Mahasrashtra state transport buses, Pune terminus | |
| Road Condition | Good | Good | |
| State Transport Bus | Maharshtra State Transport | Yes, Mahasrashtra state transport buses, Pune terminus | |
| Uphill Climb KM | 21 km | 25 KM | |
| Hairpin Bends | 25 | 30 | |
| Night Driving Advisory | Yes | Yes | |
| Traffic Jam Probability | Yes | Yes | |
| Altitude | 2350 ft above sea level | 4500 ft above sea level | |
| Important Blockade on the way | Kamshet | Indapur and Sriwahal | |
| Highway Dhabas/Food Joints | Yes at Dasturi | Yes | |
| Important Milestone | Dasturi | Polad from Mumbai, Panchgani--Pune | |
| Accommodation | |||
| Premium Hotel Count (3 Star and above) | 10 | 12 | |
| Budget Hotel Count (below 3 star) | 23 | 66 | |
| Government Hotel Count | 2 | 2 | |
| Homestay | None | None | |
| Check-in / Check-out | 12 Noon to 12 Noon | 12 Noon to 12 Noon | |
| Camping | Yes near sunset point | Near Arthurs Seat | |
| Parking Options | Bad | bad | |
| Hotels Bookable Online | Plenty | Plenty | |
| Food | |||
| South Indian,Punjabi, Chinese Food, Israelly food, Gujarati, Mughlai | Yes | Yes | |
| Pizza Joint,Continental,Any other | Hakimi`s, Khan`s, Gujarat Bhavan | Hotel Templeview-Vegetarian restaurant at old Mahabaleshwar, Mapro Garden | |
| Street Treats/Market stroll | Matheran Bazaar | Central Bazaar | |
| Regional Cuisines | Vada Pav,chikki | Vada Pav | |
| Special Beverage | Yes, plenty at Matheran Main Market | At Echo Point, Kates Point, Connautght peak, Near Venna Lake | |
| Any special hangout | Little Chowk Point -Spectacular view and towards the Southmost tip of Matheran, Matheran main market, Sunset(Porcupine) Point,Hart point-Western Matheran, Honeymoon Hill, Malet Spring, charollete Point--2 Km from Matheran Post Office, Khandala Point-- half kilometer away. | Savitri Point, Marjori Point, Lordwick Point-west of the Mahabaleshwar, almost 5 km, Bombay Point, Lingamala Waterfalls-1470 ft above the sea level, Window’s Point, Window’s Point, Connaught Peak aka Mount Olympia | |
| Attractions | |||
| Natural Lakes | Charlotte Lake--2 Km from the Post Office | Venna Lake | |
| Boating Option - Motor,Paddle | None | Boating at Venna Lake | |
| Artificial Lakes | None | None | |
| Telescopic Point | Panorama point, echo point, Charlott Lake, King George point and Louisa point, Alexander point, Monkey Point | Elphistone Point, Kate`s Point, Echo Point & Needle’s Hole - 4 km from Venna Lake on the road to Panchgani, Wilson’s Point, Situated at 4,710 ft sea level, Rosamund Rock and Makhria Point--6 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, Marjori Point, Lordwick Point, Connaught Peak aka Mount Olympia,Connaught Peak aka Mount Olympia | |
| Observatory | None | ||
| Plantations | None | Mapro Strawberry Farms | |
| Relegious Places | Pisarnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple | Mahabaleshwar Temple--Lord Shiva | |
| Water Falls | Yes near charlotte lake. | Chinaman’s fall-2 ½ km away from Mahabaleshwar, Dhobi Waterfalls-3km from the town area, Lingamala Waterfalls--located at 600ft height | |
| Main Road - for stroll,market,food joints | Khandala Point- Very close to the Matheran Market Place | at main market, street bazaar at Venna Lake | |
| Tourist Reception Centre | Private and Government | Private and Government | |
| Local sightseeing circuit - Fixed Departures | Shivaji`s Ladder-Panorama Point - One Tree Hill Point-Prabal Fort on Prabal Hill(captured by Shivaji from mughals)--Little Chowk Point--Rambaug Point--Sunset(Porcupine) Point | Elephant`s head-Venna Lake-Arthurs point-Mahabaleshwar temple-Strawberry Farms-Waterfalls | |
| Zoo | Monkey Point | None | |
| Theme Park / Water Park | Vijaya Beach Park, Dream World-- Athirappilly, Bekal Hole Aqua Park(Bekal Hole Aqua Park) | None | |
| Museum | None | None | |
| Gardens / Children Park | Paymasters Park, Madhavji Garden & Point | Mapro Garden | |
| Nightlife options | Few Beer Bars | None | |
| Excursion | |||
| Wildlife Sactuary or Park (Distance) | None | None | |
| Further Destinations | Chanderi, Navara-Navari, Peb fort and Mhas-Mal | Panchgani, Pratapgarh Fort, Tapola, Mapro Garden, Old Mahabaleshwar | |
| Special Events | |||
| Sporting Events / Festivals / Carnivals | Dandia raas, fancy dress competetion, rikshway pulling comptetion | Strawberry Festival at Mapro Farms b/w April and May | |
| Trekking and Adventure | Valley crossing | Available at all hill points | |
| Miscelleneous | |||
| Banks and ATMs | At Matheran Bazaar | At Mahabaleshwar Bazaar |
Matheran sways to a beat its own in the shadow of protective coniferous fronds, a gentle laid back beat thats all pervasive. Located 100 km from Mumbai and 132 km from Pune, this destination in Maharasthra can easily be reached by boarding Karjat-Mumbai bound train. Matheran is a refreshing capital to the Mumbaikars who love take a nap amidst the overlapping branches of banyan trees. On the other hand, Mahabaleshwar is another hill station in Maharashtra which gives a tough competition to its sibling sharing borders with Mumbai. Nestled 285 km from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is evident of filmy tales spun around each of its favorite points. Yesteryears blockbusters like Swades and Omkara were shot in Mahabaleshwar making it a thrust amongst the travelers. This destination is an excellent tourist spot for the revelers who demand epicurean experience. Dotted with Mahabaleshwar temple, Venna Lake in close proximity and Arthurs point, this place at first glance may create an illusionary picture similar to Kashmir. During monsoon season the picturesque mountains sing the unrehearsed opera with the cacophonous sound of rivers and waterfalls. Mahabaleshwar temple is the oldest Shiva temple in the region. It can be visited by walking also. The Arthurs point is a fabulous place from where the travelers can view the mesmerizing spectacle of sun rise and sun set. Sharing the similar cables, Matheran declaring a mutiny, strong holds its position. With the presence of Pisarnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, King George Point, Rambaug Point and Prabal Fort, Matheran looks like scoring equal points. By visiting the above mentioned destinations the travelers may feel like drawing the similar scenes of dusk and dawn on the blank canvass. In this emotional turbulence, Mahableshwar looks waging an outrageous attempt. Mahabaleshwar being so dynamic is blessed with Chinaman falls, Dhobi falls and Lingmala Falls. Whereas the travelers visiting Matheran may not enjoy such type of symphony originated from the repercussions of the waterfalls. Connaught Peak, Wilsons point, Needles and hole point, Kates Point, Marjori Point nudges off the tough stance acquired by Matheran. Mahableshwar is assumed to be showing its supremacy after the mention of above destinations. Retrieving back its position from Mahabaleshwar, the different telescopic points in Matheran are revered with great heights, which is surely the declaration of their splendor and pride. All the mountain peaks and hills located at an altitude of 1000 to 3000 ft above the sea level gets engulfed by the dense clouds during rainy season. The experience of standing on the apex tip of the rocky hill is certainly inexplicable. This is the only reason Matheran being a carbon free hamlet receives clump of populace from older to younger generation. Exploring Matheran by foot would bring travelers more close to the Mother Nature. The rivers making its way through the valleys, gorges, jungles do wonders to your senses and urge of discovery.
Both the destinations are still raw and rate of commercialization has been quiet slow. Charolette Lake in Matheran although does not offer the boating option but getting lazed around its shores could fill up the lacunae. Mahabaleshwar with certain lapses doesnt have any children park. A visit to strawberry Mapro garden can be an interesting feast for the tiny toddlers. In this aspect, Matheran is like a special extravaganza for the people of all age groups. Paymasters Park, Madhavji Garden & Point are the two entertainment circuits. In these entertainment circuits, the travelers can spent the best time of lives with their family or friends. Both the sibling destinations offering the adventure trails, provides an option of trekking, rappelling and rock climbing. Veering to the darker side, both the destinations dont offer ropeway ride. In terms of accommodation, Mahabaleshwar has good numbers of budget hotels in contrast to Matheran. The hotels in Matheran come with the best price range. Blessed with an excellent spate of facilities, the budget as well as luxury hotels in India sharing the similar bastion of qualities offer the travelers with an excellent stay. There are also good numbers of budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar which greets one of the best holidaying experiences to the revelers. Perched near the well known destinations, the hotels in Mahabaleshwar endow the travelers with an unmatched window view of the picturesque landscapes. Matheran or Mahableshwar looks like scoring same marks in the report card. But still the situation is completely vague. At any point of time if the changes are made and some more destinations emerges in the bio scope of Matheran or Mahabaleshwar then it would not be called as the tie match. If the present situation continues for ever, the war between Matheran and Mahabaleshwar will not end. Its now the sole discretion of the travel enthusiasts to decide which one to visit first? Matheran or Mahabaleshwar.
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