Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cozy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometers away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in India but is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Matheran is one of the very few places in the world that do not allow any vehicles at all, so the moment you step into this little town, you will be transported back to an idyllic old-world era of red-soiled roads, automobile-free pathways, and lush green hills all around. The cold breeze and the fresh air devoid of pollution is reason enough for tourists to throng to Matheran all year round.
As with any other hill station, Matheran is famous for its viewpoints. It has a total of 36 viewpoints from where you can enjoy alluring views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Most of these points have easy trekking trails, and they offer sweeping views of the mountains, the sunrise, sunset, and everything in between. A favorite for trekkers, the actual magic of Matheran is experienced while exploring the region on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene town.
Places to visit in Matheran
Louisa Point: Louisa Point is one of the most famous viewpoints in Matheran. It offers two different views from the top – one view is of the sky touching the mountain and a panoramic view of the valley below. The other view is of the picturesque Charlotte Lake looking like a diamond necklace.
Charlotte Lake: Also known as the Sharlott lake, Charlotte Lake is one of the most spectacular attractions of Matheran. It is an ideal quick retreat for those who seek silence in the lap of nature and a perfect spot for the campers and picnickers. Set amidst a densely populated forest, bird watching is a popular activity here. Visit Charlotte Lake during sunrise and sunset to catch scenic view of Echo Point and Louisa Point.
Monkey Point: The Monkey Point of Matheran is located in the state of Maharashtra. This unique destination overlooks beautiful scenery of the Western Ghats and its intimidating mountains and deep gorges. As the name suggests, this place is often frequented by troops of monkeys. This destination also has abundant quantities of indigenous flora and fauna and makes up for an interesting way to learn about the local weather and vegetation. You can also experience the phenomenon of echoing here if you shout out into the mountains while facing the Hart Cliff.
Shivaji’s Ladder: Downhill from One tree hill viewpoint in Matheran, Shivaji’s Ladder is a pathway with the steps in the shape of a ladder. Surrounded by lush green woods, it is one of the most popular trekking points in Matheran. It is said that Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji used this pathway for his hunting trip in Matheran.
Panorama Point: Panorama Point is a scenic point in Matheran that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the verdant plains dotted with villages far below. An ideal picnic spot, this place is comparatively less crowded than other points in Matheran, as it requires one to trek. One can also take a horse-trek, which takes about one hour from the main city or take the Neral-Matheran toy train and trek for 2 kilometers on a rocky path.
One Tree Hill Point: One Tree Hill point in Matheran is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Maharashtra. It is named so because it has just one tree growing on top of the hill. The one tree hill viewpoint affords a panoramic and unobstructed view of the deep valleys and stretching forests that surround the hill station of Matheran. It is also famous for trekking.
Echo Point: Echo Point is a popular viewpoint in Matheran. It is famous for the reverberations and echoes it generates. In addition to this phenomenon, this destination is also famous for its natural virgin beauty. The hilltop also gives a bird’s eye view of the entire region. Carpeted with a blanket of green grass, the mountains of Sahyadri are a sight to behold.
Neral Matheran Toy Train: Neral Matheran Toy Train is a heritage railway that connects Neral to Matheran via a 21-kilometer railway line. It is a two feet narrow gauge railway built by Adamjee Peerbhoy in early 1900 and is now run by the Central Railways. It serves as an interesting mode of transport to explore the Western Ghats of India.
What is the best time to visit Matheran?
The best time to visit Matheran is from April to May and October to January
How to reach Matheran
The nearest airport to Matheran is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. You can board flights to Mumbai, which is well connected to all major cities of India and then travel to Matheran by road or rail. Tourists can also travel via the Pune Airport.
Also Read: Matheran: Smallest, peaceful & vehicle-free hill station
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