Nasik vs Matheran

linus2503

Hello! We have about 5 days to explore around Mumbay. The goal is to visit the caverns of Ajanta and Ellora. But we are unsure what to do on our way there. Sould we spend 2 nights in Nasik? or in Matheran?? Try to do one night at each place? (the transportation between those two places seems a bit complicated).
We have to come back to Mumbay for a plane, so no too much far destination within Maharashtra.
Open to any suggestion!

Thanks a lot,
Jonathan

MangoKulfi

I've not been to Nasik but Matheran is a delightful place. Not much to see there (not like Ajanta/Ellora) except for beautiful scenary and certain'points' or areas from which to view the surrounding beauty. It's very different from a city, it has red earth roads and the only way to travel is by foot or horseback or richshaws. It's peaceful (if you discount the hordes of monkeys that you see everywhere) and worth a look. You can even go on horseback to the various points.

Oh! forgot to add....delicious Gujarati food.

Here's some info about the place: http://matheran.org/aboutmatheran.htm

freenote

Depends what you want ,a rest, a bit of peace and quiet, Matheran is lovely , way to go . For atmosphere and colour Nasik must win .Love it , would go back tomorrow ,Well maybe next month
From what a can remember there is an excellent train service Bombay /Nasik witch should make life a little easier ... Hope this helps in the decision .

shahronakm

Welcome to IM.
Breaking two days is not advisable.
Matheran is highly recommended.
The only hill station in India where Motor vechicles are not allowed. Take the toy train at least for one way of your trip.

Ronak.

ms.n

hey ...
we recently went to Nasik to do wine tasting in Sula wineyards- and it was a neat experience. the triambakeshwar temple close to it is also good. (not been there myself thought, but heard)

freenote, what did u particualrly mean by colour and life in Nazik?

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freenote

Lots of people ,rickshaws ,cows , mega horn blowing ,the general hustle and bustle of an Indian city ,that's the life side of it . ,For the colour just walk down to the Ghats ,maybe should have added spirituality /colour . Stayed at the Hotel Panchavati which is not far from the Ghats .

shahronakm

Gujarati thali At Hotel Panchavati is excellent.

Ronak.

navinkurian2002

Here are some cool places a couple of hours drive from mumbai where locals like to drive down to for a couple of days. Matheran is also really cool though would be a bit chill these days (it used to be chilly in summer )

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MangoKulfi

I'm sure Nasik is a very nice place to visit but this hustle and bustle is what the OP will find in any city. Matheran is quieter and though a tourist spot, still maintains its old world charm. No cars and a toy train are an added bonus.

Nasik has the spirituality angle for sure.

linus2503

Well, thanks all for the advice. It seems I might be able to squeeze in 3 nights, so I'll spend 2 in Matheran and 1 in NAsik, or vice-versa.
Any input about what the best way to make the transit between the two cities might be? It does not seem to be on the same train line...

steven_ber

I really have no idea of access to/from Matheran to places other than Neral, and I think a local train from Neral to Kalyan, then another train from Kalyan to Nasik Road is probibly the best option. (the same in reverse)

There was a train announced in the last budget (but still not started operating) between Pune and Nasik Road, this train will call at both Karjat and Panvel.

Another option (if getting between Matheran & Panvel is easy)....

Train 2617 departs Panvel daily at 13:00 and gets to Nasik Rd at 16:38 (2A, 3A, SL)

Train 2618 departs Nasik Rd daily at 05:40 and gets to Panvel at 09:30 (2A, 3A, SL.)

None of those trains are ideal though, they run between Delhi and Cochin, so may be late, however, bookings are allowed on the Panvel-Nasik Rd section, so it is an option.

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Train information.

pontesnm

It is on the Karjat line. But the Nasik area has enough to keep you busy for 3 days. Matheran is a bit like Igatpuri in scenery anyway.

shahronakm

I agree with steven, this is the best & fastest option.

Ronak.

linus2503

Hum... Neral to Kalyan is only a 25 minutes train ride. Any idea if it would be possible to hire a taxi from Matheran`s parking lot to bring us directly to Kalyan ? (and then take the train to Nasik?).