Matheran Hill Station is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Maharashtra, India. Situated in the Western Ghats mountain range, Matheran is known for its stunning views, lush greenery, and pleasant climate. It is located at an altitude of 2,625 feet above sea level and is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the unique features of Matheran is that it is a vehicle-free zone. Visitors have to park their vehicles at the base of the hill and take a train or horseback ride to reach the top. This not only adds to the charm of the place but also helps in preserving the environment.
The hill station is home to several lookout points or “points” as they are commonly called. These points offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the popular points include Panorama Point, Echo Point, Louisa Point, and Charlotte Lake.
Another must-visit attraction in Matheran is the century-old Neral-Matheran Toy Train. This narrow-gauge train ride is a unique experience as it passes through steep hills and dense forests, offering scenic views of the landscape. The train ride starts from Neral, which is the nearest town to Matheran.
Apart from the scenic beauty, Matheran is also known for its adventure activities. Trekking and hiking are popular activities here, with several trails leading to different points and waterfalls. Horse riding and cycling are other popular activities that tourists can enjoy.
The hill station has several accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious resorts. There are also several restaurants and cafes that serve local and international cuisines.
Matheran Hill Station is a perfect getaway destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. With its vehicle-free zone, stunning views, and plethora of activities, Matheran offers a unique and memorable experience to its visitors.
Places / Points to visit in Matheran
There are several points / places to visit in Matheran. We have grouped these points which can help you to visit them together and save on cost and energy. We are assuming you to be starting from Matheran Railway station or the Market. When you bargain for horse riding, ask for all the sites in the Group or else you will have to pay twice to see some of the points missed in the first attempt.
GROUP A:
Madhavji Point
Khandala Point
Alexander Point
Rambaug Point
Sunrise Point
Little Chowk Point
Chowk Point
One Tree Hill
Belvedere Point
GROUP B:
Charlotte Lake
Lord Point
Celia Point
King George Point
Edward Point
Echo Point
Honeymoon Point
Louisa Point
Malang Point
Coronation Point
Rustomjee Point
Chenoy Point
Bombay Point
Porcupine Point (Sun Set)
GROUP C:
Maldunga Point
Monkey Point
Heart Point
Mary Point
Panorama Point (Sun Rise)
Garbut Point
How to reach Matheran Railway Station?
By Road: Matheran is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra by road. Visitors can take a taxi, private car, or state transport bus from Mumbai or Pune to reach Matheran. The nearest town to Matheran is Neral, which is around 11 kilometers away. Once you reach Neral station, make use of the Taxi / Cab services outside the Neral station. The Cab driver charges Rs 100/- per passenger.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Matheran is Neral Railway Station, which is well-connected to Mumbai and Pune. From Neral, visitors can take the toy train that runs on the narrow gauge railway line and reaches Matheran in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The lowest fare for the second class passengers is Rs 85/- per passenger. The frequency of train ride is quite low. It is advisable to check out the latest timings before you reach Neral destination.
By Air: The nearest airport to Matheran is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is around 44 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Neral, and then take a toy train or a horseback ride to reach Matheran.
Once visitors reach Matheran, they need to park their vehicles at the parking lot at Dasturi Naka and take a toy train or a horseback ride to reach the hill station as it is a vehicle-free zone.
Matheran Hill Station is easily accessible by road, train, and air, and visitors can choose the mode of transportation based on their convenience and budget. The toy train ride from Neral to Matheran is a unique and memorable experience and is highly recommended for visitors.
