Matheran Hill Station is one of the popular scenic hill stations in the Western Ghats located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It’s a culminating end of the week getaway from Mumbai and Pune, nestled at a rise of 2,625 feet above sea level. Matheran Hill Station is also popularly called as “the cutest hill station of India” but a well known destination for short trip and long trips amid scenic vistas, breathtaking viewpoints and serenity.
Matheran Hill Station – Places to Visit in Matheran, Travel Guide
The word Matheran truly implies “forest on the forehead“, and was distinguished in 1850 by the district collector Hugh Poyntz Malet. Later it was developed as the hill station and was a summer retreat for the British officers as well.
Veer Bhai Kotwal a famous warrior was born here, and the ancient Matheran Hill Railroad built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy covers a 20km path through the timberland region. A ride on the Matheran hill railway is one of the must experience things to do, the narrow tracks offer incredible views of the basin. Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, and the most surprising thing is that, only place in Asia where automobiles are strictly prohibited on the hill station.
No vehicles are allowed into provenience, travelers need to drive up to Dasturi Point which is approximately 2.5 km from Matheran, take a walk, hire a hand-pulled rickshaw or a pony. Automobile free hill station means you have a great time from the modern noise pollution of life.
How to Reach Matheran Hill Station
To travel within the city you need to walk, hire hand-pulled rickshaws, Horse riding are only the means of transportation.
By Air:
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the closest airplane terminal to Matheran. It’s around 90 Km away and is well associated with major cities. Both International and domestic flights will be traveling from this airfield.
At the airport hire a cab to Dasturi Point, as no motor vehicles are allowed beyond this point. Hike up the hill or hire a hand-pulled rickshaw or get a pony ride to reach Matheran which is almost 2.5km away.
By Rail:
Neral Railway Station is the closest railway track, which is just 11 km away from Matheran or take a toy train which connects Neral Junction, ride through local trains from Mumbai and Pune to reach Neral.
There are various train options available from Mumbai, Karjat, Pune, and Kolhapur. But Mumbai and Pune are the two major railway tracks near Matheran which connect to major cities. From the station hire a cab to Dasturi Point.
By Road or By Bus:
The most ideal way to enjoy the road journey to Matheran is from Mumbai, which is around 90 km. As Neral is the closest town to the hill station and has well connected bus routes from Mumbai and Pune.
Road Distance to Matheran Hill Station from Various Cities:
- Pune to Matheran – 120Km
- Mumbai to Matheran – 90Km
- Lonavala to Matheran – 55km
- Mahabaleshwar to Matheran – 233 km
- Nashik to Matheran – 168 Km
- Thane to Matheran -68km
- Karjat to Matheran – 24km
Best Time to Visit Matheran Hill Station
No matter what season it is, being a hill station, you can enjoy a cool climate throughout the year in Matheran. It’s one of those destinations which looks eye appealing in every season as nature keeps changing its essence and colors through the year.
However, the best time to visit the Matheran is from October to May when the climate is at its best and good for sightseeing and trekking. Monsoons start from July to September and winter from October to February.
Places to Visit in Matheran Hill Station
Panorama Point
Panorama point is the best spot to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and it’s just 5 km away from Matheran Railway Station. It is one of the highest points in Matheran and popularly known as Sunrise point which offers scenic views of the Western Ghats and lush greenery spotted with the village.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Louisa Point
It is located at an elevation of 2,625 feet above sea level which is near to Charlotte Lake and offers the best views of the historical Vishalgad and Prabalgad forts. Louisa Point is a photographer’s paradise, and nature is surrounded by sky-touching mountains and lush greenery.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Charlotte Lake
This Lake is considered as the prime source of drinking water in the Matheran region, which is 50 feet in depth, built in 1956 AD. Charlotte Lake is also well known as Sharlott Lake and towards the left side of the bank there is an ancient Pisharnath Mahadev Temple and the best viewpoint of the region, Louisa point and Echo point are situated close to the lake. Few popular activities at the lake are Bird watching, boating and fishing.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Monkey Point Matheran
As the name suggests, this place is filled with a group of monkeys that live in the area. The surrounding area has rich flora and fauna and can experience the phenomenon of echoing here while facing the Hart Cliff. It is positioned at an elevation of 1400 ft above sea level.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
One Tree Hill Point
One of the best things to do in Matheran hill station is to opt for trekking to reach the top view of the One Tree Hill Point. It is renowned for its single Jambhul tree which has been held on its crest for decades. It’s almost a 1.5-hour hike starting from Ambewadi near Karjat and taking through the Shivaji Ladder, a popular spot in the region.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Ambarnath Temple
It is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of Waldhuni River in Ambarnath and is a popular heritage site in Maharashtra. King Mahamandaleshwar built this temple in 1060 AD and is well known for Hemadpanthi architectural style and resemblance with the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Mahashivaratri festival is celebrated very grandly every year for almost 4 days.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: 6 am to 8 pm every day.
Porcupine Point / Sunset Point
Porcupine Point got its name as the spot looks just like the shape of the Porcupine bird and is an ideal place to enjoy the spectacular sunset views. During the sunset the sky looks like a painted rainbow of colors presenting a vivid scenery alongside the Western Ghats.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: 6 am to 6.30 pm every day
Echo Point Matheran
Echo point is considered as one of the most magnificent points out of the 38 viewpoints in Matheran, which is just 2.5 km from Matheran Rail track. As the name suggests, you can experience the phenomenon of echoing here from the mountains. This place is known for its hygiene and exceptionally pleasurable weather.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: 6 am to 7.30 pm every day
Alexander Point
Best spot for nature lovers, which offers mesmerizing scenic views of the surrounding areas like Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk Point, Borgaon village and the rambling Ulhas River. The major attraction at this place is the 1300 feet long zip line which started recently from Alexander point to Rambaug point.
- Entry Fee: No Fee
- Timings: 5 am to 6 pm every day
Toy Train Ride
From the comfort of your seat, travelers can enjoy the best panoramic views of Matheran by taking a Toy train ride. It connects Neral and Matheran and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train, officially known as the Matheran Hill Railway, is one of the best activities not to miss, the train covers 21 kilometers distance and passes through the stunning mountains and lush forests.
- Timings: Two Trains travel connecting the two destinations at 8:50 am and 10:25 am.
- Train Fare: Deluxe Class: INR 1,325. First Class: INR 300 for adults and INR 180 for Kids. Second Class: INR 45 for adults and INR 30 for kids.
There are almost 38 best viewpoints to be covered in the stunning hill station of Matheran. Each point has its own importance, and they offer the best panoramic view of the summits of Western Ghats. A few of them have been described and the remaining which need to be explored in the area are King George Point, Hart Point Matheran, Paymaster Park, Panthers’ Caves, Rambaug Point, Heart Point, Honeymoon Point etc. Apart from just viewpoints Matheran also offers adventure activities like trekking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, Toy Train Travel and many more.
Conclusion
Matheran Hill Station is the gem of Maharashtra, a trip to this small hill station likely to create a huge and lovely impact on your heart and soul. This city has a 360° view surrounded by the best view of Panorama viewpoints and tourists can feel nature very closely. This nature kissed hill station is very near to Mumbai and Pune and it’s a perfect getaway for weekends.
Apart from just scenic views, the region’s biodiversity makes it more attractive for hikers and nature lovers. The food here is an exotic fusion of typical Maharashtrian flavors with delicious mixtures of the Mughlai, Konkani and Gujarathi thalis. People can have a great time in Matheran Hill Station away from the modern noise pollution as it is the only hill station in Asia where vehicles are not allowed in the province.
