Matheran is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Maharashtra. With the best panoramic scenic views, warmth and beauty of the place, Matheran hill station attracts lots to tourists every year.
Location of Matheran:
Matheran is located in the district of Raigad, in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the smallest hill stations in India located on the Sahyadri ranges of hills at the height of around 800m, above the sea level.
Attractions in Matheran:
Matheran has a peaceful and pollution free atmosphere as cars are strictly banned inside the hill station. There are 38 places to look out for once in Matheran, few of the famous spots are listed below:
1. Charlotte Lake:
Charlotte Lake is a beautiful sight with waterfalls during the monsoon and lush greenery all around the lake. It is the main source of water supply in the hill station and a major point of sightseeing to look out for.
2. Echo point:
Echo point with breathtaking views allows one to enjoy the echo of their own voice. The place has got some great echo effect which adds zest in the spirit of the tourists.
3. Sunset point/ porcupine point:
This point offers an amazing view of the sun settling down with the view of a dark green forest below the point.
4. Monkey point:
Matheran is famous for the fun and adventures along with the monkeys at the monkey point. With the mesmerizing views from the monkey-point adds more thrill to the experience.
5. Louisa point:
It is a plateau point which offers a scenic view of the forts Vishalgarh and Prabal. The famous rock named as Lion’s head is also located near the Louisa point.
6. Alexander point:
This point is famous and favorite amongst the tourists for its scenic views of the Chowk valley, Garbut point, and the Ulhas River.
Best time to explore Matheran Hill Station in Maharashtra
Matheran weather is pleasant throughout the year and chilly during the winters. October to May is the best time to explore the beauty of the place, but there are many travelers from Mumbai and around who visit Matheran even during rains as it is only 100kms from Mumbai and thus a proper weekend getaway.
Things to do in Matheran:
Horse riding, rock-climbing, small treks, valley crossing etc. are the adventures one should opt for in Matheran. There are various places to explore species of birds and butterflies in Matheran.
Accommodation options:
There are various hotels, lodges, and resorts available all over the hill station of Matheran. Woodlands hotel, Lords central, Byke resort, MTDC, etc. are few of the many options available.
How to Reach Matheran Hill Station:
There is an entry fee of Rs.50 for all visitors to Matheran for the maintenance of the place. There is a toy train from Neral station to Matheran available for visitors for a few months in the year.
By Road: One can take a car from Mumbai or any part of the state only till Dasturi point or Neral railway station. After that point, no cars are allowed to enter Matheran and the only option is to go walking or by Matheran toy train when they are available or by horse riding.
By Rail: one can catch a train from Mumbai (CST) to Neral station. Karjat bound local trains or any Deccan express train halts at neral station. From Neral station one can opt for toy train or vehicles on a sharing basis to Dasturi point.
By Air: The nearest airport to Matheran is Mumbai
Matheran is thus a perfect weekend getaway treat to rejoice one’s mind, body, and soul with family.
