Matheran

About

Matheran is a Hill Station and a municipal council in the Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to many metropolitan cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. The name Matheran means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains).
Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles.
Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors coming to visit throughout the year.
There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.
There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more.

Attractions

Mount Berry: Mount Berry is a popular tourist destination that is located 5+ km from Matheran. It offers a bird’s eye view of Neral. The major attraction is the slow train that chugs up the hill in the midst of pristine natural beauty. matheran peak is visible from here.

Charlotte Lake: Also called the Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in Matheran. On the right side of the lake, there is the ancient Pisarnath Temple. The two picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are located on the left side of the lake.

Best season to visit this place is monsoon. Tourist can experience the scenic view of waterfalls.

Lookout points: There are around 38 different lookout points in Matheran, from where tourists can view the amazing beautiful valley. The spectacular view of the valley remains in the memory of the tourists for a long time.

Valley Crossing: An adventurous activity like Valley crossing by a rope can be experienced at Honey(Moon) Point. Though it appears risky, there are safety measures in place.

Places of interest

There are altogether 28 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a racecourse to visit inside Matheran. If you want to see all of them then you may need 2–3 days on your feet. One can move around on foot or horseback, but it is recommended moving on feet to take the best glimpse of nature. If you are on Horse back you may not be able to spend your desired time on the points. All the points’ gives a unique view and you can’t miss them.There are many walking paths for a leisurly walk. Points to see;

• Alexander Pt.
• Rambag Pt
• Little Chowk Pt
• Big Chowk Pt
• One Tree Hill Pt
• Belvedere Pt
• Olympia Race Course
• Lords Pt
• Charlotte Lake
• Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir
• Celia Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
• Echo Pt.
• Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)
• Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)
• Khandala Pt
• Madhavji Garden & Point
• Matheran Railway Station
• Louisa Point
• Mayra Point

Weather

Temperatures vary from 16° C in winter to 32° C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.

Getting There

Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 kms.

Mumbai-Neral, 90 kms. Neral-Matheran, 21 kms, Pune-Neral, 120 kms. (Neral-Matheran mountain train)

Mumbai-Neral-Matheran, 108 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Neral.

Reservation

Mumbai and Matheran.

Distance from Major cities..

Pune to Matheran : 125 KM

Mumbai to Matheran : 100 KM

Kolhapur to Matheran : 350 KM

Nagpur to Matheran : 850 KM

Ahm'bad to Matheran : 600 KM

B'lore to Matheran : 950 KM