History of Matheran
Matheran is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra's Raigad district, situated 2,600 feet above sea level. It was discovered by British Officer Hugh Poyntz Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a summer retreat. In 1907, they began constructing the famous narrow-gauge railway from Neral to Matheran. This train route is now a world heritage site, and tourists love to travel by the Neral-Matheran toy train.
Matheran is Asia's only automobile-free hill station. Tourists can reach Matheran by walking or taking a horse ride. Over the years, Matheran has become a fully developed tourist destination, especially for visitors from Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.
Best Places to Visit in Matheran
1. Echo Point
Echo Point is a must-visit spot in Matheran, famous for its echo phenomenon. It is just 1.5 km from Matheran's main market. Tourists can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys and lush greenery, especially during the rainy season. This is a perfect place for families with children and photographers to capture breathtaking pictures.
2. Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake , located in Matheran, is a picturesque and popular tourist destination. Surrounded by lush greenery and featuring the nearby Pisharnath Mahadev Temple, the lake is approximately 2 km from the main market area. To protect the lake as the primary water source for Matheran, swimming and boating are prohibited. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of a waterfall near the lake.
3. Panorama Point
Panorama Point is a breathtaking viewpoint in Matheran, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Western Ghats. Located about 7 km from the main market, it’s an ideal spot to catch the sunrise. The scenic beauty and cool breeze make it a favourite among tourists and nature lovers, perfect for photography and relaxation.
4. Louisa Point
Louisa Point is a stunning viewpoint in Matheran, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Located about 2 km from the Matheran railway station, it provides a clear view of Prabal Fort and the lush landscape. This spot is perfect for nature lovers and photographers, especially during sunset, making it a must-visit destination.
5. One Tree Hill Point
One Tree Hill Point is a popular spot in Matheran, located about 4 km from the main market. True to its name, this viewpoint has just one tree on top of the hill, providing beautiful views of the area. It's a great place for trekking and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, making it a favourite among visitors.
6. Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
Porcupine Point, also known as Sunset Point, is a stunning viewpoint in Matheran, situated about 2 km from the main market. This spot is famous for its breathtaking sunset views, where the sky fills with vibrant colours as the sun sets behind the mountains. It's an ideal place for couples and families to enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
7. Alexander Point
Alexander Point is a serene viewpoint located around 2 km from Matheran's main market. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and Palasdari Lake. This peaceful spot is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Early morning visits are recommended for the best experience and stunning views.
8. Shivaji’s Ladder
Shivaji’s Ladder is a trekking path about 4 km from Matheran's main market. It’s named after Shivaji Maharaj, who used this route for hunting. The trek has beautiful views of the area and connects to One Tree Hill Point, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and those interested in history.
9. Neral-Matheran Toy Train
The Neral-Matheran Toy Train is a small train that connects Neral to Matheran. It takes about two hours to travel and gives beautiful views of the mountains. Many visitors love this train ride because it feels special and fun. It’s a great way to see the scenery while getting to Matheran.
10. Monkey Point
Monkey Point is a popular spot in Matheran known for its playful monkeys. It offers great views of the valleys and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy the scenery while watching the monkeys play around. However, it's important to keep a safe distance from the monkeys and not bring food, as they can be a bit mischievous.
11. Chowk Point
Chowk Point is a lesser-known viewpoint in Matheran, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, including nearby Karnala Fort. The area is less crowded, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break or a picnic. It's a great place to enjoy nature and take in the scenic beauty.
12. Honeymoon Point
Honeymoon Point is a romantic spot in Matheran, perfect for couples. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, creating a serene atmosphere. The gentle breeze and peaceful setting make it an ideal place for couples to relax and enjoy each other's company. Many visitors love to capture memories here, especially during sunset.
How to Reach Matheran
Mumbai to Matheran
By road: Matheran is about 85 km from Mumbai city, depending on where you start. By road you have 2 road routes: first, is Mumbai-Thane-Kalyan-Badlapur-Neral-Matheran and second, is Mumbai-Vashi-Panvel-Karjat-Matheran.
By Train: Take a train from the nearest central railway station which is going to Karjat or Khopoli and get it down at Neral railway station. From Neral railway station you can take the Neral-Matheran toy train or shared taxi, and they will drop you at Dasturi Naka.
Pune to Matheran
By road: The Pune to Matheran distance is around 120 km depending on where you start your journey. The easiest route to reach Matheran is Pune-Lonavala-Karjat-Matheran.
By Train: Reach Karjat railway station, and from there you can hire a private taxi to Matheran hill station. They will drop you at Dasturi Naka. Or you can take the train from Karjat to Neral, and you will have the option of a toy train and a shared taxi.
Neral to Matheran
By road: Neral to Matheran distance is just 12 km and you have a shared taxi option available to reach Matheran.
By train: The Neral to Matheran toy train is one of the most famous options for tourists. This train service is in high demand, and tourists love to travel by this train. This train takes around 3 hours to reach Matheran, but during this journey, you will see the beauty of Matheran hill station.
Best Time to Visit Matheran
The best time to visit Matheran is during the winter and spring months, from October to May.
- October to February: The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- March to May: Spring brings mild temperatures, making it enjoyable to explore the hill station and witness the blooming flowers.
Although the monsoon season (June to September) offers lush greenery, it can lead to heavy rains and slippery paths, making travel more challenging.
Nearest Railway Station to Matheran
The nearest railway station to Matheran is Neral Railway Station, and it is just 11 km away.
Flight to Matheran
The nearest airport is in Mumbai, and it will take around 3 hours to reach Matheran from Mumbai airport.
Accommodation in Matheran
Matheran offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget homestays to luxury resorts. Prices for local stays range from ₹800 to ₹1200 per person, while resort prices start at ₹2000 and above, depending on the property.
