All you need to know before planning a trip to Matheran
Matheran is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil in the Raigad
district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is one of the smallest hill
station in India, it is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of
around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. Matheran's proximity to many
metropolitan cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents.
Matheran, which means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) is
an eco-sensitive region. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill station.
There are around 28 designated look-out "points"
(viewpoints) in Matheran, including the Panorama 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 dramatic.
The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal
Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point,
Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more.
Transport
Matheran is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by rail and road.
By train
Whether travelling from Pune or Mumbai, Neral is the nearest
rail station.
From neral station you have to take the Matheran Light
Railway (MLR) or the “Toy Train” to matheran. The toy train runs to Matheran
about 4 times in a day. It is not operational when railway route is under
maintenance or when there is a perceived hazard e.g. the monsoons.
By car
Cars are not allowed within Matheran. However you can drive
up and park your car at Dasturi car point, or take the newly introduced mini
bus shuttle from Karjat or Neral railway stations upto Dasturi. From Dasturi
you must take a 40 minute horseback or man-pulled rickshaw ride to Matheran
along a mud track.
Alternately you can walk from Dasturi along the rail line
& make your way up to Matheran - 20minutes to half an hour.
On Foot
There are several walking trails which ascend the Matheran Plateau. These are used by local people commuting to the hill station as well as the occasional intrepid holiday-maker. Trekkers start at Neral or Dudhoni.
Entry fee to matheran is Rs 50 for adult visitors and Rs.25
for children.
Stay
There are many hotels available in Matheran with a wide range
of prices.
Food is available in most hotels but you can opt street food
as well.
Things to do
There are more than 20 viewpoints that you can go to by foot
or rickshaw or by horseback ride. Horseback riding is very famous as travelling
around the narrow muddy road surrounded by beautiful greenery on a horse is an
experience you will remember forever.
All the viewpoints offer mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets.
There are various street markets that you can explore.
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