Paymaster Park
A Green Oasis: Paymaster Park (sometimes spelled Paymasters Park) is a beautiful, well-maintained recreational garden and picnic spot located right in the heart of Matheran, a short walk from the market. It is named and dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Paymaster and S.L. Panday, who were significant contributors to the development of the hill station during the British era. The park features lush, meticulously landscaped gardens, a variety of colorful and fragrant flower beds, equipped benches for relaxation, and a distinctive central gazebo. It is a perfect, peaceful retreat from the dust and bustle of the nearby market and horse trails. The park's flat ground and small playground make it highly popular with families and children, providing a safe, tranquil space for relaxation and enjoyment, showcasing a different, gentler side of Matheran away from the rugged viewpoints. It often hosts effigies or statues in honor of its namesakes.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Park/Garden/Picnic Spot/Historic Monument:Entry Fees:
Matheran Town Entry Fee: Mandatory fee (approx. Rs 50) at Dasturi Naka.
Point Specific Fee: The park generally has a nominal entry fee (reported to be around Rs 20 per person) for maintenance, which is collected by local authorities at the ...Matheran Town Entry Fee: Mandatory fee (approx. Rs 50) at Dasturi Naka.
Point Specific Fee: The park generally has a nominal entry fee (reported to be around Rs 20 per person) for maintenance, which is collected by local authorities at the park entrance gate.
Other Costs: There are no hidden costs. Horse rides are only needed to reach the park if coming from Dasturi Naka. The cost for a horse from the market is minimal or negligible, as it is a very short distance. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with access permitted during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) is ideal for a stroll when the park is bathed in soft sunlight and is less crowded. Late A...Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with access permitted during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) is ideal for a stroll when the park is bathed in soft sunlight and is less crowded. Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) is the busiest time, favored by families and for evening relaxation.
Best Viewing Time: The flowers are often at their best during the winter months (November to February). :Special Events:
Local Flower and Garden Shows: Given its nature as a garden, the local municipality occasionally hosts small flower shows or seasonal planting exhibits, typically in January or February, celebrating the variety of flora in the region.
Children's...Local Flower and Garden Shows: Given its nature as a garden, the local municipality occasionally hosts small flower shows or seasonal planting exhibits, typically in January or February, celebrating the variety of flora in the region.
Children's Day Events: Due to its popularity with families, the park is sometimes the venue for small, local events and fun activities organized for children during holidays or weekends. :Best Photo Spots:
The Central Gazebo Frame: Use the central, decorative gazebo as a strong architectural focal point or a frame for a family portrait, especially with the flower beds in the foreground.
Flower Bed Close-ups: Focus on the vibrant colors and del...The Central Gazebo Frame: Use the central, decorative gazebo as a strong architectural focal point or a frame for a family portrait, especially with the flower beds in the foreground.
Flower Bed Close-ups: Focus on the vibrant colors and delicate details of the various flowers and foliage in the park, utilizing the soft light filtering through the trees.
Statue and Monument Shots: Capture the statues of the colonial figures, using the lush greenery as a dignified backdrop to emphasize the park's historical nature.
The Shady Avenue: Photograph the avenues of trees or the long pathways, using the sunlight dappling through the leaves to create a calming, natural effect. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Strolling and Relaxation: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the paved paths, sitting on the benches to soak in the peaceful ambiance and fresh air.
Family Picnic: Utilize the grassy areas and benches for a relaxing family picnic lunch or snack (ensure the park rules regarding littering are followed).
Children's Playtime: Let younger children enjoy the small, dedicated playground area in a safe, vehicle-free environment.
Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of the flower beds, the colonial charm of the gazebo, and the historic statues.
Reading and Writing: The quiet setting makes it an ideal spot for reading, journaling, or sketching the surrounding greenery.
Observing the Statues: Spend a moment ap...
Information
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Why Famous:
Colonial Heritage: Famous for its historical significance as a recreational center established during the British period and its commemoration of figures instrumental in Matheran's development.
Family-Friendly: Its flat, safe, and well-maint...Colonial Heritage: Famous for its historical significance as a recreational center established during the British period and its commemoration of figures instrumental in Matheran's development.
Family-Friendly: Its flat, safe, and well-maintained grounds, complete with a small playground, make it the premier family and children's spot in the hill station, offering a break from trekking and horse riding.
Central Location: Its high accessibility, being only steps away from the main Matheran Market and numerous hotels, makes it a favored spot for a quick, refreshing visit.
Variety of Flora: The park is known for its beautiful display of contrasting types of flora, including seasonal flower beds and towering, shady trees, making it a peaceful, fragrant oasis. : -
Architecture:
Colonial Garden Design: The park is a prime example of a planned British-era recreational garden, featuring formal landscaping with clear paths, manicured lawns, and distinct flower beds, a stark contrast to the wilder nature of the viewpoints.
...Colonial Garden Design: The park is a prime example of a planned British-era recreational garden, featuring formal landscaping with clear paths, manicured lawns, and distinct flower beds, a stark contrast to the wilder nature of the viewpoints.
Central Gazebo and Statuary: Key architectural elements include a prominent central gazebo (often a simple, wooden or wrought-iron structure for shade) and statues or busts of figures like Lt. Col. Paymaster, S. L. Panday, and Malet, which serve as commemorative monuments. Dimension wise, the park is a medium-sized, roughly rectangular clearing, generally less than an acre, laid out for easy strolling and public assembly. Its design is for leisure and quiet reflection, marked by carefully placed benches and decorative urns. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) (approx. 90 KMS). Taxi to Neral, then Dasturi Naka.
By Train: Take a local train from Mumbai to Neral Junction. From Neral, take a taxi to Dasturi ...
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The park is very safe, but children should be supervised in the playground area. Beware of playful monkeys, though they are less aggressive here than at the viewpoints.
Packing: No special packing is required due to the cen...
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