Image Credits : Omkar A Kamale
Image Credits : Travel Miles With Smiles
Image Credits : Arne Hückelheim
Image Credits : Sushant savla
Image Credits : Mony Panicker
Situated near Mumbai, Matheran is a tiny hill station in Raigad District of Maharashtra. Matheran, the bewitching hill station, sits at an elevation of 2636 ft above the sea level. It is a perfect place to go away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a great place for adventure and nature lovers. Matheran becomes very beautiful in the monsoon season when the nearby waterfalls are at their best and forests are lush green. This heritage town is known to preserve the old-world charm. Thus, it is a must-visit place in Maharashtra for travelers willing to go on a short trip to rejuvenate their mind and body.
Matheran refers to “a forest on a forehead.” The verdant beauty, pleasing atmosphere, and dense green cover of this hill station allure tourists and travelers from around the world. The remarkable cliffs offer picture-perfect views and help people knock down all their worries and stress. There are nearly 38 designated points in Matheran for lookout that offer 360-degree views of all the surrounding areas. Matheran is the only automobile free hill station in Asia. This smallest hill station in India is an ideal weekend getaway famous for short trips. This hill station in Maharashtra treats the adventurous souls with its forested and verdant routes rich in fauna.
Hugh Poyntz Malet, the Thane’s district collector identified Matheran in May 1850. It was Lord Elphinstone, the Governor-General of Bombay who laid the foundation of developments as a hill station of the future. Matheran was developed as a resort for beating the summer heat by the British. In 1907, Matheran Hill Railway also was built by Adamjee Peerbhoy that exists still in Matheran. It covers a small distance of nearly 20 km over the forest territory.
Matheran is also the birthplace of Veer Bhai Kotwal, the famous freedom fighter who was born in the Barber family on December 1, 1912.
The hill station of Matheran has many attractions that open umpteen opportunities for one and all. The delightful places to visit in Matheran will make your vacation a memorable one for sure. They include:
Rock Climbing: This hill station is popular for its beautiful natural surroundings and thus is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts. Rock climbing is one of the best activities to enjoy in Matheran. Destinations perfect for this activity include Louisa Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, Prabal Fort, and Alexander Point.
Visit Sunset Point: If you want to relish the scenic vistas of stunning mountains and lush greenery, you can visit Rambagh Point which also offers the best sunset view.
Seek Blessings: This hill station has a very rich heritage which is quite interesting, making it one of the best tourist spots in Maharashtra. You can visit the different temples located here to seek blessings from God.
Trekking: Matheran has many famous and interesting trekking points. Going on a trek in Matheran can be the best decision you can make during the stay here. You will really like to explore and reveal all the wonders while trekking in Matheran. When you will trek through the windy trails, you will see the gorgeous landscape surrounding you.
Rappelling: Waterfall Rappelling is another thrilling activity for those in search of fun activities in Matheran. You can enjoy this activity at the Dodhani Waterfalls. You will fall in love with the experience of falling from a rock or slope with water rushing. You should definitely go for this activity to have a lifetime experience.
Shopping: When in Matheran, you can go and shop for Kohlapuri footwear, leather items, honey, Chikki, and more. You can even go to the famous Mall road.
Toy Train ride: If you have always dreamt of going in a “Choo Choo Train,” try the Toy Train Ride in Matheran. This train is known to cover a 21 km distance and it travels across beautiful hills and verdant forests of Matheran.
Matheran is located at a distance of 100 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune. This hills station is connected by roads to all the nearby cities. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport of Mumbai is the nearest airport to Matheran. It is located at a distance of 44 km from Matheran. The nearest railhead is the Neral railway station. It is located at a distance of only 21 km from Matheran.
Whether you wish to have some adventure or go away from the city life, Matheran is an excellent place to head to. Plan a trip to Matheran today and embark on a lifetime memorable journey to this paradise!