Staycations are quite trendy these days. And why not? Everyone
deserves a short break not too far from home that's also light on the pocket. I
went for one such staycation recently and it offered me the digital
detoxification I required. I stayed at the 'Veranda in the Forest'. This is the
name of a property managed by the Neemrana Hotels. The hotel chain is famous
for operating some of the best and quaint heritage properties (24 in all) that
span across centuries - from the 14th right till the 21st century. These
include heritage forts, mansions, havelis and bungalows. Your stay at any of
these hotels will be seeped in history.
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| Matheran is declared an eco-sensitive region |
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| The ultimate veranda! |
The Veranda in the Forest is nestled high up on the secluded part
of Matheran in the Western Ghats. This is a 19th century mansion and was only
the second bungalow to be built in Matheran. It was built by Captain Harry Barr
and is known among the locals as the Barr House. I did some digging around on
the internet and found that Captain Henry James (Harry) Barr was born in 1815
in Bombay and belonged to the 8th Bombay Native Infantry. He was a photography
enthusiast and India's raw untouched picturesque vistas were the apt canvas for
enthusiasts like him. A deep admirer of India's magnificent natural
scenery, it is little wonder than that he chose the hilly solitude of Matheran
as the spot for his home.
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| Gates to the Barr House |
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| The 19th century bungalow, Barr's former residence |
Matheran was a loved verdant paradise for the Britishers. It was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet Today it remains as Asia's only pedestrian hill resort. That's
right - vehicles are not permitted entry (barring ambulances), so access inside Matheran is allowed
only by foot or man-powered carts. This is where the horses come into picture. Horses are a main
source of transport in the hill station. The toy train is also very popular
among tourists for getting in and around Matheran, however, when we visited
this month, it was non-functional due to several recent accidents.
We relied on our robust looking horses to take us up to the hotel.
Be smart and haggle with the 'sherpas' - a ride to the Veranda should cost you
Rs. 450. If you need assistance with luggage, there's a coolie too and he
should charge you Rs. 100. As the horses trotted on the water drenched muddy
pathways, you notice how impressively untouched Matheran still looks (barring
some trash along the route). Mischievous monkeys congregate under the trees chewing on wrappers and you hear the sweet cooing of the birds of Matheran. Keep looking out for glorious old British bungalows still maintained by their Parsi owners.
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| Where would we be without these horses |
Entering through the green gate of the Veranda, you witness the
magnificence of the monumental bungalow and get a sense that time has stood
still. The not so manicured garden at entrance does not look out of place. In fact it organically fits in with the ageing bungalow. Wet towels, lemon sherbet and warm smiles of the staff greet you upon entry. The British era bungalow now has the visible Parsi touch. The living room with its high ceiling, the dining room and the 11 rooms are propped with antique furniture (diwans, chairs, old glass lamps), coffee table books on Parsi history, nature, bird species and art, and, framed old photographs of Major Generals, Lords, Princes, Dukes, Earls and even prominent Parsis - all lend the space its vintage elegant look. The rooms are named after Parsi families - Jeejeebhoy, Jehangir, Panday and Kapadia, to name a few.
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| The living room propped vintage style |
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| The Panday room |
So let's talk food. Don't expect meals off of lavish buffets and a la carte menus here. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served in the vast open space of the veranda. Wake up to a comforting breakfast of hot upma, eggs, coffee, fruits and toast with Neemrana jams and honey. Continue enjoying the view from the veranda of the lush foliage for lunch which is all Indian. Home-style, freshly made sabzi, meat, dal, roti and rice are served to you on the table - the cool mountain weather just won't make you stop gorging on all the delicious food! Tea time is made special too - choose from a selection of teas and coffee and complement it with the locally made delicacy chikki, homemade cookies and hot bhajjiyas. Dinner is yet another meal to really look forward to - this time it is served to guests in the dining hall (it's named 'Malet' - remember the guy who discovered Matheran?) along a long elegant wooden dining table doubling up as a community table to aide interaction between guests; the lights are dimmed and the table top candles are lit; classical western instrumental is played and the stage is set for a fitting continental meal to be served to you. Expect indulgent desserts like apple crumble and creme brulee! I tip my hat off to the chefs,
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| View at the breakfast table |
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| The Malet Dining Hall |
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| The Indian lunch spread |
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| Not a bad looking high tea |
As for how you can spend time between meals, here is your best opportunity to catch up on long lost hobbies for mind you, your phone will not receive network nor is there WiFi access here. Digitally detoxify. Download your favourite podcast episodes (may I suggest Serial), carry a book or two to read, sharpen your color pencils and fill in an adult coloring book, sleep (naps come by easily in such environs), or indulge in a round of table tennis, chess and carrom on property. If you're visiting in the monsoon, chances are it's raining non-stop, but in the slight event the rain gods are on a break, venture out to the nearby Charlotte Lake, the main source of drinking water for the locals. Take the forest route to the main market - your pathway is studded with green and brown fallen leaves and the walk is made entertaining courtesy the monkeys and squirrels. Like most Indian hill stations, Matheran too has its share of 'Points'. Marvel at panoramic vistas offered by the majestic ghats sprouting with waterfalls from Khandala, Echo, Porcupine, Rambaug, King George, Louisa and many other Points.
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| A breathtaking view of the ghats from Khandala Point |
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| A video for the view |
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| A walk to the market through this verdant route |
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| Lake Charlotte |
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| It is easy to get distracted during your reading |
Address: Barr House, District Raigarh, Charlotte Lake Road, Matheran, Maharashtra 410102
Great post.
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