My World of Pictures: Matheran

Last weekend (6-7 Dec) I went to Matheran for a night trail. Last Saturday was full moon night. It was a thrilling experience to trail in the jungle of Matheran in full moon light.

Matheran is probably one of the most frequently visited weekend getaways for the Mumbaikars. Situated at an altitude of 2625 feet above the sea level, it is one of the most approachable hill stations being just 90 km away from the maddening crowd. Matheran is a mesmerizing biodiversity hotspot for the wildlife.

Matheran was declared an Eco sensitive region by the union environment ministry and is called a health sanatorium. It is clean, green and vast. Landscapes spreading till the horizon and the vastness of the valleys are just mesmerizing.

Matheran plateau forests consists of trees like Parjamun, Amba, Phasi, Kokam, Anjani, Alu, and medicinal plants such as Shatavari, Medshing Gul-wel, Kal-lavi, Ranwanji and ranbhendi etc.

The fauna includes Bonnett macaque, Langur, Barking deer, Mongoos, Porcupine etc. The major birds found in Matheran are Palm swift, crested Lark, Indian small sky lark, common Green Pigeon, Blue Breasted Barbet.

At night we walked in the jungle to explore the nocturnal creatures. We saw snakes like Bamboo Pit Viper, Green Vine Snake. We also saw Deccan banded Gecko.

Bamboo pit vipers live on trees and active at night. They are often found in forested areas. To catch the prey, they use their highly evolved heat sensitive pits. The pits are located between the snake’s eye and nostril. Like all pit vipers, they are venomous.

Green Vine Snake has thin, long and slender body. Head long, clearly broader than neck with extremely pointed snout. Oval shape eyes have horizontal pupils. Very long, thin and slender tail ends with pointed tip

The night beauty of Matheran was really fascinating.