Matheran is for Mumbaikar what Lansdowne is for Delhiites. It is the place that acts as a defense for Mumbaikars when they are about to lose a debate on ‘which places is better to live with their friends from Delhi. Delhi certainly has the upper hand when it comes to the number of hill stations and resort towns near it due to its geographical location. Still, Matheran is much more than just a face-saver.
It is an exotic hill station near Mumbai known for its dense greenery, pleasant atmosphere, gorgeous views, and hundreds of picturesque spots.
Located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Matheran is nestled atop an altitude of 800 meters and covers 7 km square. While people from different parts of the country flock to this magnificent hill station every year, Matheran mainly serves as a picnic spot for Mumbai, Pune, and other major cities in Maharashtra.
How to reach Matheran from Mumbai?
The distance by road between Mumbai and Matheran is between 82 to 87 km, and it takes a little more than 2 hours to cover this distance. The cheapest way to travel to Matheran is by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses that will drop you 2.5 km ahead of your destination point. You can either trek your way forward or take a horse or rickshaw to reach the destination. If you want to add the luxury factor to your journey, you can hire a taxi or take your personal car to the hill station.
Another way to reach Matheran is by train. You can travel by train till Neral which is 21 km from Matheran, and take the adventurous toy train from there for a 2-hour journey to the hill station. Neral railway station is well connected to Mumbai and Pune.
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How to reach Matheran from Pune?
The distance between Pune and Matheran by road is nearly 120 km. The travel time between Pune and Matheran is just 2.5 hours, thanks to the world-class connectivity provided through the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
Those driving their own vehicle must note that they can not drive all the way to the top of Matheran Hills. You will have to park your vehicle at Dasturi Car Parking Point. You can either walk on foot or take a toy train from there onwards.
Where to Stay?
You can find a lot of stay options starting from luxury hotels to resorts and homestays. For budget travelers, the hill station has more than 5 good quality hostels.
With travel and stay covered, you don’t really need to care about food as there are many eateries in Matheran where you can kill the hunger without leaving a hole in your pocket.
As far as exploring the hill station is concerned, there are so many places to visit that even an entire week can be spent here without getting bored.
Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Matheran.
Charlotte Lake:
Also known as Sharlott lake, Charlotte lake is one of the most visited spots in Matheran. The clear water lake surrounded by mountains is a treat to watch. It is one of the spots near which campers prefer to set up their camps. The place is equally popular among photography lovers and nature lovers who click some memorable pictures.
Shivaji’s Ladder:
Matheran has a lot of opportunities for adventure junkies, and Shivaji’s Ladder is one of them. It is situated downhill from the One Tree Hill viewpoint and is one of the most popular trekking points in Matheran. It is a pathway with the steps in the shape of a ladder, that’s why the name- Shivaji’s Ladder. For adventure junkies visiting the hill station, this is one of the spots that you can’t afford to miss.
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One Tree Hill Point:
Whether you have been to Matheran or not, you must have seen pictures of the One Tree Hill Point that are widely used as wallpapers. It is one of the scenic points in the entire state. With just a tree atop a grass-top cliff offering a panoramic view of the distant mountains and valleys, One Tree Hill Point is perfection personified. You simply can not miss this spot.
Prabalgad Fort:
Matheran also has a historical significance, and the Prabalgad fort is integral to it. Also known as Kalavantin Durg, Prabalgad Fort is located between Matheran and Panvel at an impressive height of 2,300 feet in the scenic Western Ghats. What makes the fort unique is how it has been built at the peak of a rocky plateau. For those who want to feel that adrenaline rush and take their adventurous journey to the next level, the Prabalgad Fort trek is a must visit. It is considered one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra.
