Matheran Hill Station

Matheran is a Hill Station in Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Town and is also the smallest hill station in India. The term 'Matheran' suggests "forest on top". Lusting greeneries, serene environments and unpolluted ambience. Matheran is a fantastic tourist destination at a height of about 2516 ft above sea level. Matheran, the jungle on the top, was developed by British after it was located in 1850 by the British Officer Hugh Mallet, who was the Collector of Thane.

Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by 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. 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.

The lush greenery, waterfalls and the lakes are a wonderful sight to watch during your tour to Matheran in Maharashtra. Beside the scenic splendors, you can visit the tourist attractions in Matheran that include:

Hart point
Malet Spring
Mount Berry
Luisa Point
Echo Point
Alexandria Point
Olympia Racecourse
Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)
Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)

Tourist attractions in Matheran

Matheran has 38 points at which can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are also easily availbale in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Following are few points which shouldn't miss.

We recommend following Popular Sightseeing spots in Matheran:

Alexander Point

Alexander Point is one of the great scenic locations in Matheran and is located on the side of Madhavji road. On the backdrop of jungle greeneries, the point offers grandeur picturesque views of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk point and downhill village of Borgaon.
The beautiful view of the towers of Bhivpuri Power house is amazing from this cliff. The view of the deep valley down from this point offers a breathtaking experience for any tourist. Soft cool breeze and serene environment add charm of this place.


Charlotte(Sharlott) Lake

Charlotte Lake, also known as Sharlott Lake is a serene scenic spot in Matheran and is the prime source of drinking water in the Matheran region. An ancient temple Pisarnath temple is located at the right of the lake and two beautiful picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are placed at the left of the lake. The lake location is rich in panoramic sceneries and lusting greeneries.
This lake 50 feet deep was built in 1956. Water from this lake gets filtered and is supplied to the entire town of Matheran. This popular tourist destination is splendid during Monsoon and mostly get dried up in summer. One can watch some domestic bird fauna flying over the lake adding the picturesque beauty of the lake.


Echo Point

As the name suggests well-known for allowing you to enjoy your echoes is Echo point. This has made the place very popular amongst locals as well as tourists. This is a central point that offers a panoramic view of the whole place.


Garbut Point

It is nearly 5 kms from the Post Office. While going to this place one meets with a wonderful union of sky with the earth, in other words, of the horizon. This point must be seen for its colourful Dawn and Sunrise. One should not miss this Point at the Sunrise.


Hart Point

Hart point located at the north western edge of Matheran hill station offer majestic views of the low lying lush plains and the greenish quite villages. Hart point is the one point in Matheran which offers panoramic view of the breathtaking Western Ghats and the night view of clear lights of the Mumbai urban city.
Hart point surrounded by dense green woods, offer a cool, calm and unspoiled spot for taking meditation and relaxation techniques. Thousands of tourists visit this location to enjoy the great offers of Nature.


Khandala Point

It is on the M.G. Road, ? 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.


King George Point

A must visit point in monsoon as it offers a beautiful view of the waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Chharlott Lake. One can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care. Strong wind prevents the water from falling down and throws it back.


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.


Louisa Point

Louisa Point is an imposing location in Matheran to have beautiful views of surrounding scenic places. The point located at a plateau offer the views of historical forts Vishalgad fort and Prabhal fort. This is a great spot for having eye catching views of sunset.
Right of this location, is enriched with an attractive point ?Lion's head, as it looks like a lion's head. The better views of a waterfall, Lake Gardens, Chowk point and Echo points are assured from this place. As this place is unspoiled, unexplored and offer calm environments, this is a gifted plain to have a stress free stroll.


Monkey Point

It is about 3 kms from the Post Office and so named because there were monkeys abounding on that side formerly. From here facing Hart Cliff, one makes a noise or sound, it echoes back nearly six/seven times and the echo is distinct, clear and full.


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.


Nawroji Lord Garden

Built in memory of Lord Nowroji, it is situated near the Kapadia Market. There is a fountain in the centre of the garden, erected in memory of Vithalrao Kotwal, who lost his life during the national movement in 1942. The garden is centrally situated and always well crowded. A radio is placed here for music-lovers.


One Tree Hill Point

One Tree Point or One tree hill is a unique hill spot with a single Jambhul tree perched at the top. The walk through the road known as Shivaji's ladder, going down from the hill to the plain is really a great experience. It is a good train fro trekkers. It is believed that the path was discovered by a British collector to Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet.
The surroundings are cool and calm. One can get a relaxed feeling while spending the pleasure times here. From the one tree hill point one can get eye feasting views of scenic spots such as tent hill and Chowk village.


Panorama Point

Panorama Point is the most popular location in Matheran which offers majestic view of sunrise. The location is the longest spacious place on the mount peak. A best place for picnics, this place provides the grand panoramic view of the surrounding scenic locations like Chanderi, Navara-Navari, Peb fort and Mhas-Mal.
The nature loving tourist can see beautiful views of Prabal fort in the backdrop of lush green forests and also the breathtaking cliffs of Hart point, Porcupine point and Monkey point. A magnificent scenic view of Louisa point is admirable form here. One can hear the echo of your voices from here. The cool and calm ambience make this place a most visited location in Matheran.


Panthers Caves

One of the chief attractions of Matheran is the exciting Panther's Caves. Those who are young at heart or are children feel very joyful at this spot.


Paymaster Park

This historic park is a popular picnic spot in Matheran with different varieties of flowers and beautifully arranged benches. The statues of Malet, Lt.Col. Paymaster and S. L. Panday are erected here for their contribution to the place.


Pisharnath Temple

Pisharnath temple is located on the left side of the serene Charlott Lake and is surrounded by lush greeneries. It is a major Hindu Religious destination. The common belief is that the premier deity here has powers to bestow good fortunes on devotees.
The temple is located at the plain of the Charlott lake, the greenish lawns offer a relaxing place for the travelers. One can see the majestic views of the serene lake from the premise of the mandir. The temple location is rich in panoramic sceneries and lusting greeneries.


Porcupine(Sun-set) Point

Porcupine Point is an attractive view point in Matheran hills. The name is originated from the bird Porcupine as this place has the shape resembling that of Porcupine bird. A nearby majestic attraction is Cathedral rocks located on the western side from Porcupine point to Louisa point.
This spot offers the ideal view of sunset and also gives the majestic view of distant Prabalgad fort. The location is blessed with scenic surrounding and densely populated thick forests. The calm and cool atmosphere makes the travelers with a pleasant feeling.


Prabal Fort

Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat top of the hill named Prabhal hills in the western side of Matheran. The fort, which is of historical importance, was captured by Chathrapathi Shivaji from Mughals and it is believed that the forts enclosed price worthy treasure at the time of capture.
On top of Prabal hills, there is a pond. There were two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifications and in 1818 the gateways were destroyed in the uncongenial fights. Presently walls of three or four towers are remaining as a specimen of grand old days of Maratha rulers.


Rambagh Point

One of most attractive picnic spot which offer grandeur views of the vicinity and the wayside hilly ranges is Rambag Point in Matheran. This place is adorned with mind pleasing and eye catching environment, cool and pristine ambience and breathtaking sceneries. It is a perfect place to view the sunset.
One can get clear and majestic views of Karjat town, Garbut point and Khandala from this cliff. Rambaug point offers the great relaxing location for rejuvenating the mind and body to any of its privileged visitor.


Roman Catholic Church

A visit to the Old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour. Although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still a sight to behold. This deserted church is now looked after by a Hindu family.


Shivaji's Ladder

Shivaji's Ladder, as the name suggests with steps like a ladder, is the way down from one tree hill point to the Matheran valley. The path is surrounded by grandeur scenarios of lush green forests and soothing with cool winds. The great Maratha Emperor Chathrapathi Shivaji was using this way as a way for his pleasure trips and hunting options in the Matheran hills.
The Matheran local tribes were using the path for their day to day travels interior to the forests. The Historical path was rediscovered 1850 by Hugh Mallet the then collector of Thane District under British rule. This is a perfect trekking trail for adventurous tourists.


Troy Train

The toy train crawls its way, in a zigzag manner, 20 kilometers (12 miles) up the hill from Neral to Matheran. Due to the steep slope, it takes over two hours to cover the distance. Gradually the scenery changes from grassy slopes to shady, tree covered hills. Food vendors selling a range of snacks and cold drinks jump on and off the train along the way -- usually while it's moving, which is an indication of just how slow it travels! The train stops at a couple of quaint stations, where refreshments can be purchased as well. It also passes through one short tunnel, interestingly named "One Kiss Tunnel".


Valley Crossing

A very great activity like Valley crossing by a rope can be experienced at Honey(Moon) Point. It seems to be risky and dangerous but it is not as we are tightly hold by TWO safety belts and the adventure group conducting this activity does take care of us. You should experience this. Simply awesome!!!

Climate
Matheran is pleasant throughout the year but the best time to visit is from October to May.

Clothing
Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable during summer and in winter light woolens are preferred.

Languages Spoken
Marathi, Hindi and English

What to Buy
he famous 'Chikki' sweets, local honey, masterfully crafted footwear and unique cane goods which are very economical



Where to Stay
The MTDC holiday resort - located near Dasturi Naka - is the only resort that can be reached by road. Beyond this point, the dirt track begins and no vehicals are allowed. The rooms are charming and homely and as full of character as the views they offer.

How to get there
By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 Kms.

By Road
Mumbai - Neral - Matheran, 108 Kms.
(Neral - Matheran mountain rail operates throughout the year except monsoons). State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to neral. Taxi services are also available.

By Rail
Mumbai-Neral, 90 Kms.
Neral-Matheran, 21 Kms.
Pune-Neral, 120 Kms.

Other Places
The Anglican St. Paul's Church, Malet Spring, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Olympia Racecourse, Chowk Point, Madhavji Garden and Point etc.