Clement DsouzaThere are places which we like to visit time and again. Matheran is one of them. Be it winter, monsoon or summer, we have seen it in all seasons. Matheran is truly a hidden gem of the Sahyadris. The long walks along the cool shaded trails, red mud beneath the feet and the green cover above is nothing less than heaven. What makes Matheran more interesting and adventurous is that it provides various trekking opportunites. There are many approach routes to Matheran that can be done trekking. You just have to awaken the explorer in you and gear up to explore the hill station the way it was discovered by the Englishmen.
So far, we have completed four treks to Matheran, all by ourselves. Two treks we did before starting the blog i.e Dudhani village (Panvel) to Sunset Point (Matheran) in 2021 and Ambewadi village (Karjat) to One Tree Hill Point (Matheran) in 2022.
DID YOU KNOW? - Matheran was discovered through One Tree Hill Point by collector Mr. Hugh Pointz Malet while he was hiking the hills with the help of a local villager. He returned back through the Rambaug Point.
The below two treks we did in 2024:
1) Neral to Matheran – the 21 km toy train railway line trek (June 2024)
The trek from Neral to Matheran on the toy train rail track was done in the month of June when the silvery streaks of waterfalls cascaded down the hills roaringly. Read more about this trek here 👇https://roamingwithroads.com/neral-to-matheran-the-amazing-hill-railway-trek-for-the-offbeat-wanderer-in-you/
2) Pokharwadi to Rambaug Point (Sep 2024)
In this blog post, we share with you our experience of trekking to Rambaug Point in Matheran from a village in Karjat.
Continue reading below..
| Base Village | Pokharwadi / Dhanwadi (Karjat) |
| Trek Duration | 4 to 5 hours |
| Trek Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Terrain Type | Forest Hill Trek (mix of walk & climb) |
| Elevation | 2543 feet |
HOW RAMBAUG TREK WAS PLANNED
The trek to Rambaug point was up in the air for a long time. The idea for the trek came while we were on a holiday to Matheran in the year 2021. At dawn, we were at Rambaug point to watch the glorious sunrise. A time, a moment which always brings a sense of calmness, freshness and hope. Rambaug is known for displaying the best sunrise views in Matheran apart from Panorama point. The sunrise was nothing less than magical. First rays of the rising sun illuminated the plateau and slowly the sun peeked out between the two peaks.
Three women carrying a bundle on their heads and holding a sickle descended down the stony path from Rambaug Point. Out of curiosity, we followed them for 15-20 minutes and enquired about the route and where they were heading to. And thus we discovered a trek route which could possibly be done from a village in Karjat. And the idea which occurred in 2021 was finally executed in 2024.
REACHING BASE VILLAGE FOR THE TREK
Starting the trek as early as possible in the morning is always a good idea. This allows more time to observe nature around. But that is not always possible for us during the one day treks. The first fast local train departing from CST station takes two hours to transport us out of the city limits. Time is very limited and planning has to be up to the mark.
The trek to Rambaug can be started from any of the three hamlets – Dhanwadi, Burujwadi or Dandwadi (Borichi Gaani). All three of them are nestled beneath the hills on the road towards Katwan, 15 kms from Karjat east. We did the trek from Dhanwadi. No shared transport is available till the base village. Auto or EECO drivers charge anywhere between 300-400 rupees.
As per your time and budget, you can consider the below options:
Option 1 – Drive/ride all the way to the Dhanwadi (75-80 kms from Mumbai). Save time. Start the trek early. On Google Maps, the Dhanwadi is spelt as ‘Dhanghad Wadi’
Option 2 – Depending on your group size, hire an auto or EECO till the base village. The return journey can be done from Matheran (Dasturi) to Neral. If you wish to descend back to base village, take the driver’s contact number and ask them for a return pickup in the evening.
Option 3 – For budget travellers, take any shared transport or ST bus till Borgaon Phata. From here, you can walk 4 kms till the base village enjoying the scenic views of Morbe Dam. But then, you cannot descend back again as no transport will be available to Karjat from the base village. Return back to Neral from Matheran.
IMPORTANT TIP - Not many drivers know about Dhanwadi hamlet. You need to either tell them to drop you at Pokharwadi Bridge which comes on the way towards Ambewadi. You can start the trek from Pokharwadi. A walk of 1 km will lead you to the hamlet of Dhanwadi.
Thanks to Steffe, for waking up before 4 am to prepare dosa for breakfast which we gulped down in the train itself. We reached Karjat at 8:00 am. Being a Monday, it was a normal working day and people rushed towards their work places.
We took an auto till Pokharwadi Bridge. A scenic ride awaits you once you leave the Karjat-Chouk road and enter the road to Borgaon. This road further goes till Ambewadi – the base village for One Tree Hill Point Trek. The glistening view of the waters of the Morbe Dam will leave you spellbound. Before Pokharwadi, the road splits towards Sondewadi – the base village for trek to Sondai Fort. This region is undoubtedly a trekkers paradise.
LET’S START THE TREK
The sun shone brightly from above the Sondai hills. Intermittent clouds created a pattern of alternating clear and cloudy skies. The water that flowed from the hills looked totally calm near the bridge. The reflection of a cloud looked beautiful in the water creating a mirror-like effect. Soaking in the sublime view of the rolling and lush green hills surrounding the pretty villages; we started the trek at 9 am from Pokharwadi Bridge.
There is a small shop at the end of the bridge. Besides it there is a short climb that passes through a thicket of bushes for 10 minutes and meets a tar road which goes to Dhanwadi. Dhanwadi with its small cluster of huts looked pastoral amidst the paddy fields. Wildflowers on the roadside added hues of colour to the green terrain. The clouds wandered over the Matheran hills. But in the village, the weather was still pleasant and sunny. The morning light was good for photography. A villager grazing cows guided us towards the start point of the trek.
It was 9:25 am when we started the trail from Dhanwadi. The trail starts on the left side near the electric pole, little ahead of the last house on the roadside. Burujwadi is 5-10 min walk from here. And Katwan is further at a distance of 40 minutes. From whichever village you decide to trek, all 3 trails meet at a plateau from where a single forest trail goes towards Rambaug Point. But what makes Dhanwadi trail special in monsoon is a waterfall on the way that flows down from somewhere near the Chowk point in Matheran.
Initially the trail was narrow and straight, passing through small bushes before a dirt path took it over. A small flow of water ran along the path. We continuously heard the sound of a flowing stream somewhere and we searched for a way to the waterfall. The trail went through a patch of rice field. As we moved cautiously on the muddy trail; the sound of the running water seemed nearer and nearer. A profusion of ‘junglee bhindi’ had bloomed in abundance. The yellow flowers shone brightly among the greens.
After some effortless ascend, we found a diversion to the left which led downwards towards the crest of a rocky ledge. The flow was less but eventually water made its way through small boulders. The water falling from two sides of the crest looked beautiful. We spent around 15-20 minutes at the waterfall soaking in absolute solitude. I like sitting near the falls. The feeling of mist on my face and the sound of the pounding water as it crashes on the rocks seems magical. And especially with no crowd around, it was a more peaceful experience.
The sound of the water faded away gradually as we walked further. The trail straightened towards the plateau where we had to cross a small stream. Besides the stream, the flowering ‘sonki’ looked attractive amidst the backdrop of mist-laden hills. Behind us, the view of the Morbe Dam looked more scenic from the top; while ahead the Little Chowk Point was hidden in the clouds. The trail was a mix of walk and climb for the next 45 minutes. It turned out to be a sunny day. The clouds kept themselves above the hill station. The climb turned perspiring. We took a small brunch break finding a place in the shade.
Pink buds of Karvi plant adorned the hilly terrain. The purple petals tried sneaking out from the bracts but it was still time to bloom in a full grown flower. There were few Karvi shrubs on this patch of climb but none had blossomed. Oh! Would we have to come next week to see the flowering or wait for another 8 years?
To know more about Karvi Flower, read here https://roamingwithroads.com/karvi-flower-special-a-walk-in-the-woods/
After some climbing we reached another plateau. The panoramic view looked more beautiful with greenery all around. It was a great place to listen to birds.The flock of angry looking ash-brown babblers were highly vocal and noisy. Their continual chattering and squeaking gave the forest some kind of music which was so far noiseless. We were missing the song of the whistling thrush. It was not heard throughout the day, not even in Matheran. I remember the hike towards Panorama point in Matheran. Whenever the call of the Whistling Thrush resonated in the air, we followed our instinct to spot the bird.
Read our blog post on hike to Panorama Point – https://roamingwithroads.com/a-misty-voyage-rain-in-the-mountains/
The walk on the plateau gave a little respite before another climb.The plateau led towards a trail that went through a forest. The path covered by huge trees and the wild growth of shrubs and creepers formed a lovely canopy.
As we entered the forest, we witnessed something miraculous. The Karvi blossoms had transformed the forest into a purple wonderland. A plethora of Karvi shrubs dominated the entire hillside.The forest floor was carpeted with withered purple flowers. The sight enthralled us so much that we lost all track of time. A troop of Hanuman Langur scattered in the Karvi forest kept an eye on us while feasting on the Karvi buds. Whenever my eyes met accidentally with theirs, they would try to scare me away. After all, we were trespassing in their home.
NOTE- Do not tease or make direct eye contact with the monkeys. Keep walking on your way and they will mind their own business.
This climb in the entire Karvi dominated stretch will lead you to a point known as ‘Chowki. A place for a break after a long climb. It took us 90 minutes to reach here after the brunch break. The view of the Morbe Dam is visible for one last time. I stretched myself on the parapet, closed my eyes and waited for a breeze to caress me. Steffe took another brunch to energise herself. The rest was needed.
Villagers often use this trail for work purposes in Matheran. We met two men descending towards their home. They had gone to Matheran to supply a bundle of grass to the horse owners. This is their daily routine. They supply essential goods to Matheran which aids them in earning a living.
NOTE- You can do this trek even on a weekday without the fear of getting lost. The trail is very much in line with minimum diversions. And you will come across locals using the route. We advise doing it on a weekday with no crowd around to truly understand the connection of being one with nature.
This last stretch from Chowki to Rambaug consisted of a 30-45 minute walk in the forest with some tall and old trees and then a last climb of 30 minutes on the stony path and rocks leading to the Rambaug point. There were a couple of streams on the way. As we were splashing some cool water on our face, the clouds gathered above the hills to welcome us with their pouring love. It could rain anytime.
With every curvy climb towards Rambaug, the air became cooler. Water sprouted from the top of the hills, seeped through the big boulders and fell on the stony trail. We packed all our stuff in the bag and prepared ourselves to enjoy the last rain of this monsoon. And whoa! It finally rained. Showery rain in the Sahyadri mountains. Standing beneath the falling spring, we got completely drenched to our contentment. The cold water brought freshness and made us forget the tiredness of the climb.
Once we saw the railings, we felt relieved, as we knew we had reached Rambaug. Three years ago we were contemplating the trek. Gazing at the Garbett plateau, from the same place after completing the trek, gave a feeling of fulfillment.
Concluding the trek with happy memories!
| Start time from Pokharwadi Bridge | 9 am |
| End time at Rambaug Point | 2 pm |
| Duration | 5 hours |
| Breaks | Waterfall / Plateau / Karvi Forest / Chowki |
If the traveller in you still wants to explore further, the first left from Rambaug will take you to Little Chowk Point, right towards Alexander Point and the straight trail goes towards Matheran Market. Go straight and a U-turn from Shivaji Maharaj statue will take you to Charlotte lake. All the trails are at a distance of 1 to 2.5 km from Rambaug point. Charlotte lake will be a better option considering the eatery options there as you would surely be hungry. Relax at the lake and plan your return journey.
Happy Trekking! Happy Exploring!
