Matheran is a beautiful, panoramic hill station situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Read on for more information.

Matheran

Location: 54 km from Mumbai
Attractions: Toy Train, Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, Louisa Point, Hart Point, Paymaster Park and Panthers Caves
Best Time to Visit: October to March

Charlotte Lake, Matheran
Matheran is an eco-friendly hill station and attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Known as 'Maharashtra's Gift', Matheran, with its 38 peak points, is a great getaway from the pandemonium of city life. One of the closest hill-stations to Mumbai, Matheran is around two hours from Mumbai, by road. The hill station is tucked away at the base of the Sahayadri Mountains and is unpolluted. Since, vehicles are banned from entering this hill station limit, be prepared to be on foot once you get to this place! One of the finest hill stations in Maharashtra, Matheran is a beautiful tourist destination that offers stunning views of the Sahayadri ranges, a bird's eye view of the lights of Mumbai and chilly nights. A number of boarding and lodging facilities are available here to cater to the huge inflow of tourists. For those wanting to savor the delights of this scenic beauty, the 38 peaks offer the best views of the hill station; local vendors whipping out local delights to enjoy with the views is another highlight of this place. The Toy Train is also another popular tourist attraction of this hill station. If you are intrigued and want to know more, read on.

A Panoramic Hill Station

Places To See
All the 38 look-out points of Matheran are worth a visit but some points are out of bounds for tourists due to safety reasons. Some of the best peaks and points in Matheran that offer the best views of the hill station are Panorama Point, King George Point, Louisa Point, Echo Point and the Charlotte Lake. The Paymaster Park and the Panthers Caves are also great places to visit for those wanting to witness wildlife. The cliffs of Matheran can be enjoyed and viewed from the tops of restaurants and even through hotel rooms. One of the most eco-sensitive regions, Matheran is best explored on foot or on mountain bikes. Apart from the usual sightseeing, Matheran also offers activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing etc. One of the biggest attractions here is the famous Toy Train. Trips from Matheran to Neral and back, take a thrilling 280 zigzag turns through the Sahayadri ranges, making it an exciting experience for all tourists.

Shopping
This charming hill station is also a popular shopping destination for tourists. Local Matheran Hats, sandals and sweet 'Chikki' are popular here. The honey available in Matheran is also considered to be very popular.

Eating Out
Fancy restaurants are not easily available in Matheran. Try the stalls, the food vendors and the dhabas, who promise authentic Maharashtrian and Punjabi food.

Accommodation
Budget Hotel
  • Hotel Panorama
    Matheran, MH
    022 2618 3411
  • Usha Ascot Hotel
    Matheran, MH
    022 22078292
  • Anandritz
    Near Matheran Police Station, Raigarh District
    Matheran
Star Hotels
  • Horse land hotel and Mountain Spa
    Vithalrao Kotwal
    Matheran
  • Riviera Hotel
    Kasturba Road, Taluk Karjat, Matheran, Raigarh Dist.
    Matheran, MH
    02148 230804
How To Reach

By Road
Matheran is located 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Neral. One can reach Matheran via train or hired cabs from Neral. Once you reach Matheran, you can either choose to travel on foot, rent a bicycle or ride a horse at the hill station since vehicles are not allowed within city limits. Matheran is just on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

By Rail
Matheran is acclaimed for its rail services and operates over four toy trains. A train runs from Neral to Matheran and you can take a train from the Pune Central station or from CST to Neral, and from Neral you can opt for the Toy Train services to Matheran. Not only will it offer you breathtaking views, the experience of travelling in a Toy Train will definitely be a unique experience in itself.

Matheran is a beautiful hill station and tourists are drawn to this place every year because of the tranquility, the fresh air and the old-world charm, which the town still retains. It is best to visit Matheran during the end of the Monsoon season as the hill station springs to life then and offers you the best views of Mumbai and Matheran.