Matheran is a wonderful hill station close to Mumbai. It’s proximity to the three Metros makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. The name Matheran means either “forest on top” or “mother forest”. It is a hill station on the western ghats, in karjat tahsil just 104 km away from Mumbai and 120km from Pune. It is the smallest hill station in India situated 803m above mean sea level. This hill station is seen at its best in the winter months of November-January.

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay laid the foundations of the development as a future hill station. The British developed Matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in the region.

Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, 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. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the Municipality. No private automobiles are allowed. Within Matheran transport facilities available are horses (Rs 150-200 on rent) and hand-pulled rickshaws.
Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors coming to visit throughout the year. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.
There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorma Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambgh Point, and more.

How is Matheran’s climate?

Matheran lies in an elevated region, enjoys a cooler and less humid climate which makes it popular during the summer months. Temperatures range from 32 °C in summers to 16 °C . Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, including Bonnet Macaques and Hanuman Langurs. The nearby Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran’s drinking water.
There are a lot of Parsi bungalows. Beautiful old British-style architecture is preserved in Matheran. The roads are not metalled and are made of red laterite earth.

What is the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is in Mumbai that is located around 100 km away from Matheran.

How to reach Matheran by Road?
Set off on the old Mumbai-Pune road (NH-4) through Dadar, Chembur, Navi Mumbai. Get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel (Near McDonalds). Get onto the expressway to avoid the congested road through Panvel. Take the first exit (Shedung/Khopoli Exit) that comes less than 5 minutes after you get onto the expressway at McDonalds. (Here you will need to Pay a Toll at the toll-booth for using the expressway).
This exit gets you back onto the Old Mumbai-Pune Road. Follow directions to proceed towards Pune. Once again you will have to pay a toll for using the old Bombay Pune Road. (Toll in both places is about Rs.25 each). Follow the old Mumbai-Pune road for approximately 10 km. This will bring you to a crossing where a big green sign asks you to turn left for Karjat/Matheran. (Do not miss this crossing as otherwise you will end up in Khopoli. There is a large statue of Hindu god Shiva on right side of the old Mumbai-Pune Highway which can be seen from a long distance. The left turn about 50 metres before the statue). 9 km after turning left you reach another crossing called Charphata Karjat where you need to turn left towards Neral. 11 km after turning left, you will reach the bottom of the Matheran Hill ghat road. Turn left here and climb 7 km to the Matheran Dasturi Car park.
Matheran Ghat
It is a steep and narrow road but well surfaced for the most part. When you reach the car park find a parking space in the designated area and park your car. The parking entrance fees and daily parking fees need to be paid here.

Matheran Entrance
No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. Matheran center is a 40-minute walk from Dasturi Car Park. Before you enter the limits of Matheran, Matheran Municipal council charges a fees of Rs 25 per adult and Rs 10 for children.
Once you enter, red dusty pathways welcome you to the nature. Porters are available to carry luggage. You can enjoy the walks through the red pathways or ride on horse. Manual ‘rikshaws’ are also available, each riskhaw is ‘driven’ by a couple of operators.

What is famous and close to Matheran?

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.
Charlotte Lake: Also called the Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in Matheran. On the right side of the lake, there is the ancient Pisarnath Temple. The two picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are located on the left side of the lake.
King George Point: King George Point is one of the major tourist attractions in Matheran. Best season to visit this place is monsoon. Tourist can experience the scenic view of waterfalls.
Valley Crossing: A very great activity like Valley crossing by a rope can be experienced at HoneyMoon 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!!!

Beautiful Lake in Matheran
There are altogether 28 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a racecourse to visit inside Matheran. If you want to see all of them then you may need 2–3 days on your feet. One can move around on foot or horseback, but it is recommended moving on feet to take the best glimpse of nature. If you are on Horse back you may not be able to spend your desired time on the points. All the points’ gives a unique view and you can’t miss them.There are many walking paths for a leisurly walk.

What are the famous points to see in Matheran?

• Alexander Pt.
• Rambag Pt
• Little Chowk Pt
• Chowk Pt
• One Tree Hill Pt
• Belvedere Pt
• Olympia Race Course
• Lords Pt
• Charlotte Lake
• Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
• Echo Pt.
• Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)
• Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)
• Khandala Pt
• Madhavji Garden & Point
• Matheran Railway Station
• Louisa Point
• Mayor Pt

How to reach Matheran?

Matheran is linked to Mumbai by rail and road. The train reaches Neral in about 2 hours. From Neral visitors must board a delightful toy train upto the top of the hill.