Immersed in a sea of green, Matheran calls for a peaceful retreat away from the concrete city walls. Once here you will find yourself among dense forests, red-soiled roads, crisp cool air, and a sky overcast in a blanket of grey clouds. Perched merely 2600 feet above sea level, Matheran is classified as one of the smallest hill stations in the world and has been declared an ecologically sensitive zone by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
A completely car-free zone
Promising complete detachment from urban living, you will find Matheran- an automobile-free zone– untouched by pollution. Explore hill ranges submerged in green, trekking trails offering stunning views along the way, and crystal-clear lakes without hearing a single horn! You can easily reach your step goals for the day as this beautiful place is best explored on foot. You can further hire a horseback for the day, an e-cycle rickshaw, or the old-school hand-drawn rickshaw for commuting.
How to reach Matheran?
Located approximately 100 kilometers from Mumbai, you can reach this popular tourist destination by road, or by train.
🚗By Road: Take the Mumbai-Pune National Highway 4 for a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive to the Matheran Dasturi Car Park. This is the last point where you can travel by car as beyond this vehicles are strictly prohibited.
🚆By Train: Take the CST train to either Khopoli or Karjat and get off at Neral Station. The journey should take you approximately two and a half hours to three hours. Once at Neral, you can take the toy train to Matheran which would then further bank one and a half hours to two hours.
Things to do in Matheran
1. Explore the gorgeous Charlotte Lake
A glimmering lake surrounded by nature, a walk here is well worth it during the early hours of morning or sunset. You can catch stunning views of the Sahyadri range from here making it an ideal ground for camping or even a small picnic!
2. Drink in the beautiful views from one of the 36 viewpoints in Matheran
Love to experience some wondrous views of the Sahyadri range? Well, Matheran offers you 36! From Louisa Point offering panoramic views of the valley, lake, and the Pabal Fort, Panorama Point offering 360 views of the valley to One Tree Hill Point showcasing a stretch of green forest, Matheran is saturated with larger-than-life backdrops meant for some quiet soul-searching. You can also visit the Echo Point, Porcupine Point, Alexander Point, and Little Chowk Point for some truly fictitious views.
3. Shop around its small yet saturated Mall Road
Find Kolhapuri footwear, handcrafted novelties, and home decor pieces along with delicious packs of Chikki and sweet bottles of honey here.
4. Take in the picturesque Dhodani Waterfalls
A scene perfect for a postcard, the Dhodani waterfall is a beautiful spectacle that one must visit when in Matheran. If you want to stir up your relaxing weekend a bit, you can also try your hand at a few adventure sports offered here. Water rappelling being the most popular one!
5. Walk around the quaint town
A relatively small town that can easily be covered on foot, we would recommend wearing a pair of comfortable footwear and exploring the red pathways, lush canopies, and beautiful views every step of the way among others to truly know the wellscaped town.
Where to stay in Matheran?
You will find lines of old colonial bungalows here in Matheran all offering authentic staycations for a blissful weekend getaway.
1. Dune Barr
Roughly around two centuries old, Dune Barr Resort offers a gorgeous stay at their colonial British-Era rooms. Taking a slightly rustic approach you will find their 11 heritage room seeped in character providing you with stunning views of the mountains.
📅You can book your stay here.
2. Adamo, The Resort
Antique architecture, rustic charm, and a spa that takes your wellness very seriously. Adamo calls for a luxurious and comfortable stay that even houses an Indo-Chinese Restaurant that boasts delectable delicacies. Walk along cobbled roads, and well-manicured lawns, and even take a dip in its glistening outdoor pool.
📅You can book your stay here.
3. Hazel Villa
This five-bedroom bungalow with archaic architecture is the perfect place for a staycation with your friends. Enjoy a cup(s) of tea on its spacious and simply gorgeous balcony as the setting sun paints your surrounding honey.
📅You can book your stay here.