Matheran, Maharashtra – A beautiful hill station adorned with spectacular natural beauty
Resting at an altitude of 800 metres is Matheran, an undulating hilltop covered in green. Since 1907, a narrow gauge railway line connects Matheran to Neral in the plains. The cliffs of Matheran with incredibly steep drops to the plains below offer stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light headed. Standing at Hart Point in pitch darkness you get a breathtaking glimpse of the lights of busy Mumbai.
Places to see at Matheran: Matheran being a serene hill station, its sight seeing destinations are:
Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake, also known as Sharlott Lake is a serene scenic spot in close proximity to The Verandah in the Forest. It is the prime source of drinking water in the Matheran region. The ancient Pisarnath temple is located at one end of the lake as also two beautiful picnic spots – Louisa Point and Echo Point. During the monsoon season there are waterfalls that spill out around the Lake which make a splendid site. These dry up in the summer even as the lake continues to shimmer.
Alexander Point
Alexander point is situated on Madhavji Road around 1 km from the Post Office towards the north of the place and it provides marvellous view of the Garbut point, Ulhas River, Towers of Bhivpuri Power House, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Borgaon Village, Rambaug Point and Chowk Point.
Echo Point
As the name suggests, Echo point reverberates what you speak from top while offering a panoramic view of the whole place. This is a major attraction for lovers and romantics. It is about 2 kms from the Post Office. During the Manson, the view of water fall from here is awesome which can be seen till month of September to October.
King George Point
During monsoon, water fall from Charlotte Lake and gather at different points around the place to form beautiful sight. This is one of the best places to see in Matheran.
LouisaPoint
It is about 2 km from Post Office.This point is located on a plateau to offer marvelous view of ruined forts of Prabal and Vishalgarh. One can see Neral on the east and Panvel on the west from here. At night, lights of MumbaiCity can be also viewed. The end of this point looks like a ”Lion’s Head” This Matheran spot is most suitable for picnic.
Monkey Point
It is around 3 kms from the Post Office. This place is always thronged by monkeys as the name suggests and fills children and elders with delight. It is also famous for echo sound. If one makes a noise or sound, it echoes back nearly five/six times and the echo is distinct, clear and full.
Panoramic Point
It gives good view of the Sahayadri ranges and is one of the best Matheran points of sightseeing. It is around 6 kms from the Post Office but if you reach there the magnificent view from this point make you forgot all your worries. This place is most suitable for school picnic and is very popular among the all visitors. One can easily see Chanderi, Jagged peaks of Mhas-Mal, Navara-Navari.
Sunset/Porcupine Point
Located at a distance of 4 kms from the main market, this place is famous for view of the rising sun making it as one of the best Matheran sightseeing places. One can also enjoy Prabalgarh from here.
Heart Point
This point gives splendid view of night where a thousand lights flicker and the city below appear like a tinsel town.
Rambaug Point
It is about 2 kms from the Post Office. From here Garbut Point, Karjat Town and Khandala Point can be viewed.
Chowk Point
It is about 4 km from the Post Office. From here one can see Karnala Fort, Vishalgad, Prabal Fort, One Tree Hill, Karjat, Palasdari and Chowk Village.
Malet Spring
It is about 1.5 km from the Post Office. During whole year passers by and tourists can drink the cool water of this spring.
Mount Berry
It is about 5 kms from the Post Office. It showcase a splendid view of train coming up the hill from Neral. Also it gives perfect Aerial view of NeralCity. Mount berry is one of the highest spots in Matheran.
Garbut Point
It is nearly 5 kms from the Post Office. This point must be seen for its colourful Dawn and Sunrise. One should not miss this Point at the Sunrise.
Nearby attractions of Matheran: Matheran can be a good base for the excursion trips to places like:
One Tree Hill
It is about 3 kms from the Post Office on Shivaji Road. This is a very beautiful place as a huge Jambhul Tree attracts visitor’s attention. A tent Hill, ChowkVillage, Mumbai-Pune Highway and PanvelCity can be seen from here.
Khandala Point
It is on the M.G. Road, ½ km away from Post Office. One can see Garbut Point in front of it and at the right side of it, Khandala Hills, Bhivpuri Power House and Karjat town can be seen from this point.
Prabal Fort
Named after the Prabal Hill, on which the ruins of the fort stand, the Prabal Fort has a rural charm and historical significance. The fort was once captured by Chathrapati Shivaji from Mughals and as believed, the fort treasures of high price till date. Prabal Fort has two gateways and 11 towers in the fortifications. Presently, there are three-four walls inside the strengthening that remind of the olden days.
Things to do at Matheran: Matheran is an ideal site for trekking and enjoying the splendid views of the lish green mountains. Horse riding is a popular pastime in Matheran. If you are doing nothing just enjoy nature walk along the beautiful roads guarded by green hills. Shopaholics can enjoy shopping in the central bazaar where goods reflecting the local culture are available.
Best time to visit Matheran: It is absolutely fine to visit Matheran during any time of the year as the temperature remains very soothing and pleasant.
How to go ?
By Air
The nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 kms from the place. It is well connected with national and international flights. From here you have to hire a car to reach Matheran.
By Train
A narrow gauge train runs from Matheran to Neral, a town at the foot of the hill. Neral is well connected by rail with cities such as Mumbai and Pune. Trains such as the Deccan Express which run on the Mumbai (CST) – Pune route stop at Neral Junction (A town at the foot of the hill). Apart from the above local trains also ply on the Mumbai – Karjat/ Khapoli (Via Neral) route frequently. You need to take a local train on the central line in Mumbai going to Karjat/ Khapoli and get off at Neral. From Pune the Sahyadri Express is the only long-distance passenger train that stops at Neral.
By Road
Mumbai and Pune are two Major cities connected to Matheran by Road. From Mumbai you need to go to Navi Mumbai and from there towards Panvel. You get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel. 8 km ahead you exit at the Shedung/ Khopoli turnoff and get onto the old Bombay Poona road. After some time there will be a turnoff on your left, at a place called Chowk where a big green sign over the road asks you to turn left for Matheran. From then on there are regular road signs to guide you. From Chowk to Karjat rail crossing is 9 km, then 12 km to Neral at the tip of the hill.
After that the last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.
From Pune You need to get onto the Pune Mumbai Expressway and get off the Pune Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit after passing Lonavala/ Khandala and get onto the old Poona Bombay road. Approximately 18 km later, you turn right at a place called Chowk where a big green sign over the road asks you to turn right for Matheran. From then on there are regular road signs to guide you. From Chowk to Karjat rail crossing is 9 km, then 12 km to Neral at the tip of the hill.
After that the last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.
Where to stay ?
There are plenty of accommodation options in Matheran. Some are:
Hotel Panorama: +91-952148-230254, 230241, +91-22-26183411 Website: www.hotelpanorama.in
Horseland Hotel: +91-952148, 230421, 22, 23 Website: www.horselandhotel.com
CecilHotel: +91-8108878821, 8108040091 Website: www.cecilhotelmatheran.com
Westend Hotel :+91-02148 – 230259 Website: www.westendmatheran.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
