MATHERAN

Matheran is truly what it means: Forest on Top. This lush, green hill station, at an altitude of 800 mts., is close to Mumbai, but starkly contrasts with the latter in terms of life, nature and environment. Ever since Hugh Malet, the then collector of Thane District, chanced upon it during one of his expeditions in 1850, it has remained a popular weekend gateway with the city crowd.

Matheran is perhaps Asia’s only hill station where there is a total ban on all type of motor vehicles within the town limits. This concerted efforts to curb noise and environmental pollution has made Matheran an unbelievably tranquil reite, and a walker’s delight. Just follow the red mud tracks and zig – zag trails and you will come to point offering panoramic views of the plains below. In fact, on a clear day you can see (and supposedly ever hear) far – away Mumbai from Porcupine Point or Louisa Point.

Just getting to Matheran is an experience to remember. You take a guaint little toy train from Neral, which leisurely winds its way uphill, through dense forests and past intently watching monkeys. On arrival, you might want to stretch your legs a bit as you walk through the town’s back streets and by – lanes, or explore the trails leading out on horseback.

Matheran’s scenic Points beckon you…. Porcupine Point is a good place for catching a glorious sunset, but Panorama Point, at the extreme north, is said to offer the finest views. The western side is know as Cathedral Rocks and at the south, near One Tree Hill, is a trail down to the valley known as Shivaji’s Ladder, which, as legend has it, the great Maratha Leader actually used!

But that’s not all. Matheran is also home to some of the most beautiful Parsee bungalows, which are reminiscent of the Britesh Raj. Almost hidden under the dense meshwork of greenery, these bungalows are passionately maintained, their old – world charm as new as ever.

Getting Around

LOCATION: Matheran is situated in the Sahyadri Range at a height of 2.516 feet, in the Raigad District of Maharashtra State.

Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 km.

Rail: Mumbai –  Neral, 90 km. Pune – Neral, 120 km. Neral – Matheran, 21 km. Neral – Matheran Toy Train

Road: Mumbai – Neral – Matheran, 108 km. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Neral.

City Map of MATHERAN

Essential Attractions in MATHERAN

There are 33 great viewing points in Matheran,

Panorama Point:

The farthest point in the matheran, it offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri Range. Watching sunrise from this point is an unforgettable experience!

Charlotte Lake:

This is Matheran’s main source of drinking water, and a favorites picnic sport. The lake has a dam at one end a temple at the other. During the monsoons, Charlotte Lake makes quit a scene!

Mount Barry:

standing high and proud, Mount Barry provides one of the best view of the plains. While visiting this point you could also visit Governor's Hill, another that lies between Mount Barry and Panorama Point.

King George Point:

The king may or may not have witnessed the splendour of the splendour of this point, but you should visit it if you are in Matheran during, or immediately after, the monsoon. The sight of the beautiful waterfall overflowing from Charlotte Lake will make your journey worth it. You could even reach the mouth of the waterfall if you are cautious enough, as strong winds throw the cascading water back in the opposite direction.

Besides these, Matheran has many other location offering distant but panoramic views. While Louisa Point provides a good view of the plateau and the ruins of the Prabalaged Fort, Hart Point offers you a superb view of the glittering city of Mumbai at night.

Porcupine Point is noted for its sunset views, while Echo Point can be a thrill to children when they hear their voices booming back at them across the valleys.