Matheran – Smallest Hill Station of India

If you hear birds singing in groups, if you see little animals through cold mist, if you see nobody in rush, if you see no vehicles honking around, if you can smell fresh air with fragrance of woods, Pinch yourself – you may have woken up at Matheran

How to Reach Matheran

The Nearest city to Matheran is Mumbai. There are 2 ways to reach Mathran from Mumbai

A: By Road – Matheran is around 80 Kms drive from Mumbai. You will start enjoying the drive once you have crossed Karjat. The roads go narrow as you are about to reach Matheran. You will have to park your vehicle at the pay and park there coz Matheran is a Zero Vehicle Hill Station.  Park your vehicle and walk 3 kms to reach Matheran main chowk.  You may also take a horse ride. We recommend you to walk along the rail tracks and enjoy scenery.

 

B:  By Toy Train -  Toy Train is the best option to go to matheran. Catch a toy train from Neral Station(not Nerul). It will be a journey you wont forget for lifetime. The thrilling zog zag turns and the breathtaking view of the waterfalls is amazing. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach matheran main market. If you have luggage with you, we recommend this toy train ride strongly.

Must See Places In Matheran: 

There are around 38 official points for tourists to watch. However if you are on a relaxing weekend trip, we suggest you to view lesser points and just relax. Here are some of the better out of the best points you must see in Matheran,

1. Echo Point

This scenic spot, as the name suggests, is famous for its echoes. Give it a mood and it will return it back to you. The pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, not only relaxes your mind but also leaves you with a soul rejuvenating memory.

2. Louisa Point

A sightseeing spot is for hikers and photographers, the Louisa Point offers an enchanting view of the Prabal Fort and Vishalgarh. The beauty of this hillock increases by leaps and bounds during monsoons.

3. Panorama Point

As the name suggests, this point offers a 360 degree view of the Western Ghats, the Panorama Point is among the comparatively quiet Matheran tourist spots. Come here to experience the magical sunrise of Matheran

4. Porcupine Point

This point is famous as the Sunset Point, this hillside offers a blend of adventure and quietude. It should definitely be included in your list of places to visit in Matheran in one day for its lush green surroundings and a majestic view of the distant Prabal Fort.

5. One Tree Hill Point

The One Tree Hill Point offers a sweeping view of the Western Ghats range and is among the iconic places to visit in Matheran. The trek trail up to the hill is easy and the verdant forest cover envelopes the hill as far as the eyes can see.

6. Honeymoon Point

Your Sightseeing in Matheran would be incomplete without a trip to the romantic and aesthetically pleasing Honeymoon Point. Way back in the British Era, this was a popular honeymoon spot and then the Parsis took it over. You will see a lot of heritage bunglows on the way to this point.

7. Charlotte Lake

Charlotte Lake is located close to the Louisa Point and the Echo Point. Head to Charlotte Lake when you are confused about what to see in Matheran and cannot choose between the various hill points. Charlotte Lake is usually visited by nature enthusiasts and bird lovers.

Few other points which you may see if you are an enthusiast,

• Little Cowk Point
• Belvedere Point
• Olympia Race Course
• Lords Point
• Cecil Point
• Madhavji Garden & Point
• Mayor Point

Interesting Facts about Matheran –

 

1.    Matheran is the smallest hill station in India.

2.    Mathran is an eco-sensitive region with zero plastic.

3.    The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort.

4.    There are around 38 designated View points in Matheran

5.    The roads are of red laterite earth (kachha Road).

6.    Matheran is the birthplace of famous freedom fighter Veer Bhai Kotwal.

7.    The town also has a large monkey population, including bonnet macaques and Hanuman langurs.

8.    Inside the forest animals like leopard, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, fox, wild boar, mongoose are also found.

What Not to Miss when in Matheran,

1.    Feed Monkeys and squirrels healthy stuff. Like chana, Corn Flakes, Peanuts.  Just open your palm with peanuts and wait for then to come and pick it. They are cute, not dangerous.

2.    Play some luck games in main market. They are inexpensive and good fun.

3.    Shopping – get some good kolhapuri chappals and handicrafts

4.    Do not miss to taste Marathi cuisine in Matheran. You get amazing traditional dishes such as Vada Pav and Chikkis.

Special Tip for Matheran Trip

·      Take light luggage as you will have to walk a lot

·      Avoid horse rides after you have experienced it once, all points are nearby

·      Leave early from Mumbai to avoid traffic

·      Beware of monkeys do not carry any food in your hand, pack it in your bag.

·      Carry water always when you walk

·      Charge your phone battery, you might need it as a torch

·      Wear comfortable shoes, there is lot to walk.

Get away from the city chaos, Leave back your work stress, Forget your daily routine and get lost in the breathtaking and serene atmosphere of this tiny yet unique Hill Station Matheran..