Matheran. Paul and I had been wanting to visit this idyllic place for almost three years. We learned that our friends Emma and John were taking their son, Jack, on a trip to visit Matheran this past weekend. Last minute, they invited us to join them on their overnight journey, and so Paul and I decided to join them. We set out early Friday morning on the two hour journey to Matheran to begin a 4 kilometer hike up a hill to the hill station in India known to have no cars, rickshaws, or motorbikes--only pedestrians, horses and a small toy train make their way to this hill station. Photos are courtesy of Paul.
Here are me, Anna, Paul and Emma about to start our hike uphill for 4 kilometers, in the sweltering 94+ degree F heat, following the porters who carried our luggage uphill. Thanks to John and Jack for taking the photo.
A view en route . . .
A merry band of travellers are we! Me, Anna, Emma, John, Jack and porters climbing up the train tracks before the train comes!
These horses carry propane tanks to their destination . . .
Nearing the end of our uphill journey, Anna and I move along determined to find cooler ground, well, at least more shade.
A view en route . . .A merry band of travellers are we! Me, Anna, Emma, John, Jack and porters climbing up the train tracks before the train comes!Choo-Choo! Along comes the toy train . . .
Donkeys and horses carry supplies uphill to restaurants, hotels, and shops.
These horses carry propane tanks to their destination . . .Nearing the end of our uphill journey, Anna and I move along determined to find cooler ground, well, at least more shade. Downtown Matheran. Now, we walk 15 more minutes to reach our destination . . . The Verandah in the Forest.
Monkeys!
We finally arrived at The Verandah in the Forest to enjoy a lovely Indian lunch of salad, okra, mutter paneer, chicken, lamb, rice, dahi, chapatis, and lemon ginger drink. We then retired for a short rest before high tea. Anna and I decide to look at books before tea. 
At tea, Jack plays outside the rooms . . .
Sunset view from where we were sitting on the verandah enjoying our tea.
Our quaint room . . .
Monkeys!We finally arrived at The Verandah in the Forest to enjoy a lovely Indian lunch of salad, okra, mutter paneer, chicken, lamb, rice, dahi, chapatis, and lemon ginger drink. We then retired for a short rest before high tea. Anna and I decide to look at books before tea. 
At tea, Jack plays outside the rooms . . . Sunset view from where we were sitting on the verandah enjoying our tea.Our quaint room . . . Our room from the exterior. . .
Anna decided to have a 'real' breakfast at the hotel that morning with Mommy's help feeding her a bit. Anna had scrambled eggs, toast, and watermelon. She's was pretty pleased with herself and her plate.
Later that evening, while the children were sleeping. Emma, John, Paul and I went to dinner and had a lovely meal of cucumber and cabbage soup, bread, roasted chicken with vegetables, and a fruit pie with chocolate sauce. Then, we all had a nice chat after dinner on the verandah before bed while listening to crickets and deeply breathing in the fresh air to finish off the day.
The next morning at breakfast, Anna decided to try walking a bit.
Anna decided to have a 'real' breakfast at the hotel that morning with Mommy's help feeding her a bit. Anna had scrambled eggs, toast, and watermelon. She's was pretty pleased with herself and her plate. Here's a little family photo of us after breakfast before our short hike to Sunset Point. . .
Tree lined path up to our hotel . . .
View from Sunset Point . . .
Goodbye Verandah in the Hills! Back to Pune!
Tree lined path up to our hotel . . .View from Sunset Point . . .Goodbye Verandah in the Hills! Back to Pune!We then hiked down the hill and drove back to Pune to celebrate Holi the following day.
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