Trekking in Matheran

1. Chanderi Caves: One of the most popular spots for Trekking in Matheran, this trek takes you from the Chanderi base camp to the Chanderi mountain top at an altitude of 800 mtr. There is a fort too here that one can explore. The trek is moderately easy and en route, trekkers can enjoy the pristine beauty of the Sahyadri ranges.

2. Kalavantin Peak: Kalavantin Durg or Kalavantin Pinnacle is famous for the Kalavantin’s Fort that is located at the top. The trekking path that leads to the fort is the easiest Matheran Trekking trail and is through the lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats.

3. Garbett Plateau: Located in the south-west of Matheran, Garbett Plateau is a big basket of the natural bounty with stunning views of densely forested mountain ranges in the monsoons. The views of the crystal clear lake and the cold winds here are something that can energize the totally drained trekker.

4. Vikatgad (Peb) Fort: Vikatgad or Fort Peb is a historical hilltop fort that is located at an altitude of 2050 feet above sea level near Neral. The trek to this fort takes you through lush greenery and a waterfall. After reaching the top, one can enjoy arresting views of the Matheran valley below.

Matheran trekking trails are classified as easy to moderate depending on their difficult quotient and are classified as difficult based on the trekking endurance levels. Hence, trekking in Matheran is recommended for those with normal physical fitness and high stamina. Even the normally strong individuals should carry first aid kits and basic medications to prevent any health accidents on the way.

Others who are generally fit but with complications like BP, and diabetes are advised to carry all necessary medicines and seek the guide’s permission after informing him about your physical condition. Pregnant women and others with serious comorbidities are advised not to indulge in adventurous activities like trekking, rappelling, rafting, etc.

Here is a list of things that you should carry for trekking in Matheran:

-Comfortable trekking clothes
-Sturdy Shoes
-Sunglasses
-Hoodies
-Umbrella
-Water
-Electoral powder and Glucon powders
-First aid kit
-Torch
-Ready to eat snacks.

Chanderi Caves trekking and Garbett Plateau trekking are relatively harder than other trails in Matheran. Chanderi Caves trekking is hard as it takes you to an altitude of about 800 mtr (2645 feet) and Garbett Plateau trekking requires trekkers to have strong endurance levels during the entire long trek.

During the monsoon season, Kalavantin Durg trek is daunting due to the slippery nature of the steps.

All the trekking trails of Matheran like Vikatgad, Chanderi Caves, Garbett Plateau, and Kalavantin Durg are well-defined and hence, they are suitable for even first-time trekkers under expert supervision. However, during the monsoon season, these trekking trails are lashed by rains and turn imposing.

The cooler months from October to March are the best months to go on a trekking tour to Matheran. During these months, the climate is pleasant with clear skies making it just so ideal for trekking.

Also, during the months from October to March, the monsoon rains had just receded and the mountain summits beautiful and the dense forests of the Sahyadri ranges looked refreshingly green.

Yes, of course. Matheran is a trekker’s Heaven with a handful of beautiful trekking trails like Chanderi Caves, Garbett Plateau, KalVikathir. The difficulty quotient of Matheran trekking varies only between easy and moderate and so even if you are a first-time trekker, Matheran is a great choice. The pleasant climate of Matheran is the icing on the cake for your trekking trip.

Trekking is an adventurous activity and one could face impediments like bad weather, route misleads, health issues, etc on the way. Hence, solo travelers are not advised to trek alone. You should always undertake trekking as a group activity under the guidance of someone who is aware of the dangers of the trekking trail.