Night time Wonders: A Dusk to Dark Nature Trail in Matheran

Our recent Matheran nature trail with Jungle Buddies was an enchanting journey into the forest’s nocturnal world, offering a unique perspective on this beloved hill station. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with twilight hues, our group gathered, eager to explore the secrets Matheran holds after dark.

At our meeting point, the Matheran main ticket counter, the initial lively commotion of macaques set the stage for the wild encounters to come. As 7:15 PM approached, the perfect time for nocturnal action, our leader provided a comprehensive briefing on the routes and safety measures for our adventure into the dimly lit forest.

Our walk immediately introduced us to the fascinating endemic species of the North Western Ghats. We frequently encountered the “Matheran Leaping Frog,” a common sight with its distinctive movements, often appearing every few meters. Next, the beautiful “Deccan Banded” gecko, another common endemic ground-dweller, revealed itself, patiently awaiting its small prey.

Venturing deeper from Aman Lodge station into the forest trail, it wasn’t long before we located our first “Common Vine Snake,” a slender reptile that can grow to an impressive five feet. As we continued our silent trek, the forest floor revealed more wonders: the unique “Dead Man’s Finger Fungus,” industrious “Ants” hunting down an “Earthworm,” and the ambient sounds of “Crickets” and “Forest Roaches.”

Still marvelling at the Vine Snake sighting, we soon stumbled upon a “Bamboo Pit Viper” right on the trail. This venomous snake, with its heat-sensing pits and incredibly fast strike, showcased its patient hunting strategy. Around 8:30 PM, as our torch batteries began to wane, a spontaneous decision led to a magical sight: hundreds of “Fireflies” illuminating the pitch-dark forest, creating a truly mesmerising spectacle.

In the quiet darkness, we heard the distant hoot of a “Brown Wood Owl,” followed by the highly vocal “Bombay Bush Frog.” This common local species is affectionately known as the “Typewriter Frog” due to the male’s distinctive call that resembles typing on a keyboard. At 9:10 PM, on our return, we encountered another impressive “Common Vine Snake,” measuring about four feet long. The walk concluded by 9:45 PM, with all participants having enjoyed a truly engaging and interactive experience with our tour leader.

After dropping off our guests, the Jungle Buddies team extended their exploration, discovering a “Cat Snake (Boiga sps),” two “Travancore Wolf Snakes,” and approximately twenty “Giant Forest Scorpions,” adding even more fascinating observations to an already excellent trip. This Matheran adventure offered a unique blend of discovery and interaction, leaving everyone with wonderful memories of the forest’s hidden nightlife.

Huge thanks to everyone who joined in. And to those who missed out, don’t worry. The wild always has more stories to tell.

Check out the upcoming tour on https://junglebuddies.in/join-our-tours/