Matheran

Matheran (Marathi: Marathi: माथेरान is a city and a Hill Station municipal council in Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also 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. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran'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 was late when we reached Neral. We started our journey from Pune and we got the train which goes to Karjat. We had to get down in Neral. The journey was horrible because the train was too crowded. We did miss the site scene while we travel to Neral. We got to see many tunnels and bridges which reminds me our picnic to Yadakumeri. once we reached Neral thought of staying in Neral since we were not sure whether we get the vehicle or not. But Navs was not willing to go back to Mumbai by skipping Matheran. So I had to stay back with him. We were waiting for long for the cabs. Actually there are lot of omnis which take you to the peak but they need 5 passengers. Later three people came and so we went to the top. The vehicles will go to some point later we have to walk or ride on horse. We decided to walk. It was so dark that time,I was not sure whether we will get room or not. But still we went up. Once we make to the peak we started searching for room. So we got it in one small home stay. We stayed there. Morning we started to explore the places around. Better come to the peak by train. Since we couldn't get teh tickets we had to come by omni. The train starts from Neral station itself.

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. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles.

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.

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.

History

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.


How to reach

One can go via Mumbai/Pune. The toy train will get from Neral station. Should book well in advance.

Total distance

Appro. 6-8 kms from Neral railway station.