Matheran is the smallest hill station. It is in the Raigad district in the state of Maharashtra. Matheran was founded by an Englishman Hugh Mallet, the then collector of Thane in 1850. It is 2,625 ft above sea-level. Matheran is Asia’s only pedestrian hill station. It is declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.
Matheran has red soil (laterite), thick foliage, velvet moss, lush green landscape and crystalline quartz rocks. There are many medicinal plants, flowering trees and fruit bearing plants in the forests of Matheran. Animals like the black faced langur, Rhesus monkeys, giant squirrels, glow worms, beautiful butterflies and mostly nonpoisonous snakes can also be spotted. Birds such as the bulbuls, kestrels, mynhas, owls, sun-birds, woodpeckers, etc. can be seen among the forest trees.
The Matheran Hill Railway was built in the year 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy. As the train ascends through valleys and winding paths with the engine hooting, whistling and chugging along, you come across small scenic stations with food vendors and so also monkeys playing pranks.
Transport to Matheran
Air
Mumbai is the nearest airport.
Rail
Neral is the closest station which is on the Mumbai-Pune line of the Central Railways. From Neral one could take the Matheran Hill Train. Hire a vehicle which drops you at Dasturi Point. Then take a pony or foot it out.
Road
Good motorable roads connect Matheran to Neral, Pune and Mumbai. There are bus services and private taxis ply till Dasturi Naka which is 3 km from Matheran.
Accomodation
You will find a number of budget hotels just outside Matheran Station. The hotels that situated in the forest are expensive. Avoid holidays because of the tourist rush unless you have booked in advance.
Points of Interest
One Tree Hill Point
Trek up this little hill and soak in the scenic views all around you.
Porcupine Point
Do view the awesome setting sun from here.
Panorama Point
This point is for early birds, for you have to make it there before sunrise to enjoy the slowly peeping sun spreading its rays of light and taking away the darkness.
Other Tourist Attractions
Charlotte Lake and Alexander Point
Your pony man is your best guide, and he will take you to some other interesting points too.
In summer the red dust flies around. This may spoil your holiday. So you better visit Matheran after monsoon.
