Matheran is a beautiful hill station located in Maharashtra, India, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. To plan your trip, you can start by deciding on the dates of your travel, researching accommodation options, and booking your stay in advance. It’s also recommended to pack comfortable walking shoes and light clothing as vehicles are not allowed inside the hill station. Are you planning to go to Matheran? Book a Savaari taxi from Mumbai to Matheran and travel comfortably.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Matheran
- About Matheran
- How to Plan a trip to Matheran
- Places to stay in Matheran
- Road trips taken from Matheran
The town is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a vehicle-free zone, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful retreat. Travelling in Matheran is an exciting experience as visitors can explore the town on foot, on horseback or by riding the famous toy train. The town offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range and is home to several viewpoints, including the famous Panorama Point. Matheran is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Things to do in Matheran by booking a cab
The picturesque hill station located near Mumbai boasts of lush green forests, serene waterfalls, and stunning panoramic views. With its peaceful and natural surroundings, Matheran is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re planning to visit Matheran, there’s a lot to explore and experience by booking a budget cab to Matheran.
Here are some of the top things to do in Matheran:
- Take a scenic walk: Matheran is a pedestrian-only town, and walking is the best way to explore the area. Stroll along the many paths and trails, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. One of the most popular walks is the Charlotte Lake walk, which is a pleasant 2-hour hike around the serene lake.
- Go horse riding: Horse riding is a fun and exciting way to explore the hill station. Hire a horse and rider for the day, and take a leisurely ride through the winding roads and scenic trails. The horseback ride will take you through lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and gorgeous viewpoints.
- Road trips taken from Matheran: Alexander Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Matheran, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The viewpoint is named after Sir Alexander, a British officer who discovered the hill station in the 19th century.
- Explore the Echo Point: Echo Point is another popular viewpoint in Matheran, famous for its echo effects. The point offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and you can shout out your name and hear it echo back to you.
- Take a toy train ride: The hill station is home to the Matheran Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a charming ride through the hills and valleys. The train takes you on a scenic journey, passing through lush forests, serene waterfalls, and picturesque viewpoints.
- Go trekking: The hill station is an excellent destination for trekking enthusiasts. The town has several trekking trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The most popular trek is the Garbett Point trek, which takes you through lush forests, steep valleys, and rocky terrain.
Shopping in Matheran
Matheran may be a small hill station, but it offers plenty of shopping opportunities for visitors. Here are some of the top places to shop in Matheran:
- Street Markets: The town is renowned for its street markets, where you can find a wide variety of local products, including handmade pottery, leather goods, wooden toys, and souvenirs. The street markets are located in the town’s central area, and you can find a range of products at reasonable prices.
- Handicraft Stores: Matheran is home to several handicraft stores that offer unique and traditional handicrafts, including handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and handloom products. These stores offer high-quality products, and you can be sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.
- Chikki Shops: Chikki is a popular sweet made from jaggery and nuts, and the town is famous for its delicious chikki. You can find many chikki shops in the town that offer a range of flavors, including chocolate, sesame, and peanut. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out this delicious sweet.
- Petha Shops: Petha is a sweet made from ash gourd, and the town is known for its delectable petha. You can find many Petha shops in the town that offer different varieties, including plain, kesar, and angoori petha. These shops offer high-quality petha at reasonable prices.
- Mini Bazaar: Mini Bazaar is a popular shopping destination in the town that offers a range of products, including clothes, shoes, accessories, and souvenirs. The market is located in the central area of the town and offers a range of products at reasonable prices.
Nightlife in Matheran
Despite being a small hill station, Matheran has some unique things to offer its visitors. From stargazing to bonfires, night walks to silent discos, and local cuisine, the nightlife here is filled with excitement and calming energy. One might also find some people gathering around a bonfire for a jamming session. But here are some things to do in Matheran after dark:
- Stargazing: The town is renowned for its clear and pollution-free skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see a multitude of stars twinkling in the sky, making for a beautiful and serene experience.
- Bonfire: Many hotels and resorts in the town offer bonfire services to their guests, providing a perfect opportunity for visitors to gather around the fire, socialize, and enjoy a warm and cozy atmosphere on chilly nights.
- Night Walks: Matheran is a beautiful place to explore on foot, and night walks offer a unique and thrilling experience. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the town’s scenic paths and enjoy the tranquillity of the night.
- Silent Disco: Silent discos have become popular in many tourist destinations, and Matheran is no exception. Many hotels and resorts in the town offer silent disco parties, where guests can dance to music played through wireless headphones without disturbing the town’s peaceful atmosphere.
- Local Cuisine: Matheran is home to several local restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine. Many of these restaurants are open late into the night, providing an opportunity for visitors to savour the local delicacies after dark.
Places to visit in Matheran
From scenic viewpoints and lakes to hiking trails and birdwatching, there is something for everyone in Matheran. The quaint hill station offers a range of attractions for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and scenic escape equally. Here are a few places you must add to your itinerary in Matheran.
Charlotte Lake: A popular tourist attraction, Charlotte Lake is a serene and scenic spot located in the heart of Matheran. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
Panorama Point: Also known as the sunrise point, Panorama Point offers stunning panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range and the surrounding valley. Visitors can witness a breathtaking sunrise and sunset from this point.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
Louisa Point: Louisa Point is another popular viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is also an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature walks.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
One Tree Hill: As the name suggests, One Tree Hill is a hill that has only one tree at its summit. It offers panoramic views of the entire town and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
Echo Point: Echo Point is a scenic spot located in the heart of Matheran, famous for its echo effect. Visitors can shout out their names, and the sound echoes back to them several times, making it a fun and exciting experience.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
Alexander Point: Alexander Point is a popular viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Garbut Point and the surrounding valley. Visitors can witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset from this point.
- Entry Fees: Rs. 0
- Working Hours: Open all-day
Places to visit near Matheran
Matheran is located in close proximity to several other popular tourist destinations, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. Here are some of the top places to visit near Matheran:
- Prabal Fort: Located approximately 20 kilometers from Matheran, Prabal Fort is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The fort offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley, and visitors can explore its ancient ruins and learn about its history.
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary: Located approximately 35 kilometers from Matheran, Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds, including several rare and endangered species.
- Karjat: Located approximately 25 kilometers from Matheran, Karjat is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can go trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, and other adventure activities in Karjat. Karjat is also home to several ancient temples and forts.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located approximately 70 kilometers from Matheran, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including the Indian Giant Squirrel, Bengal Tiger, and Indian Rock Python.
- Lonavala and Khandala: Located approximately 40 kilometers from Matheran, Lonavala and Khandala are popular hill stations known for their scenic beauty, waterfalls, and ancient caves. Visitors can explore the Karla and Bhaja Caves, take a dip in the Kune Waterfalls, and enjoy a scenic drive along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Savaari customer verified: Best Places to Eat in Matheran
Matheran offers a unique culinary experience to its visitors. From local Maharashtrian cuisine to continental and international dishes, there is no shortage of good food in Matheran. Here are some of the best places to eat in Matheran with their names and locations:
- Shabbir Bhai’s Biryani, Matheran market: Shabbir Bhai’s Biryani is a must-visit for biryani lovers. The place serves authentic Hyderabadi-style biryani, and the mutton biryani is a must-try. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
- Gujarat Bhavan, Dasturi Naka: Gujarat Bhavan is a popular eatery known for its delicious thalis. The thalis are served on banana leaves and include a variety of Gujarati dishes such as dhokla, kadhi, and aamras. The place is budget-friendly, and the portions are generous.
- The Byke Heritage, Matheran: The Byke Heritage is a popular hotel known for its multi-cuisine restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. The place is perfect for families and large groups.
- Hiralal Poha Center, Matheran Bazaar: Hiralal Poha Center is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious poha and upma. The place also serves hot chai, which is perfect for a chilly morning in Matheran.
- Hotel Panorama: Located near Charlotte Lake, Hotel Panorama is a popular eatery known for its stunning views and delicious food. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. The place is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.
Matheran has several excellent options for foodies, from budget-friendly eateries to high-end restaurants. These are just a few of the best places to eat in Matheran, and visitors should not miss out on the opportunity to explore the local cuisine while enjoying the scenic beauty of the hill station.
About Matheran
Matheran is a picturesque hill station located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and tranquil environment, which make it a popular weekend getaway destination for people from Mumbai and Pune. The hill station is also famous for its toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and runs through a dense forest, offering stunning views of the surroundings. Matheran has around 38 designated viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Sahyadri range and is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Additionally, the hill station has the unique feature of being a pollution-free zone as vehicles are not allowed inside, making it an eco-friendly tourist destination.
History Matheran
Matheran has a rich history that dates back to the British colonial era in India. The hill station was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then-district collector of Thane. The British developed Matheran as a popular summer retreat for their officials, and the hill station soon became a favourite among tourists for its salubrious climate and stunning scenery. The famous toy train was introduced in 1907 to transport visitors to Matheran. The hill station was declared a heritage site in 1988, and efforts have been made to preserve its natural beauty and ecosystem. Today, Matheran is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Facts about Matheran
Matheran is a beautiful hill station located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its stunning scenery, pleasant weather, and eco-friendly environment. Here are some interesting facts about Matheran that you may not know:
- Matheran is the smallest hill station in India, covering an area of just 7.2 square kilometres.
- Matheran is a pollution-free zone as vehicles are not allowed inside. The only modes of transportation are horses, hand-pulled rickshaws, and toy trains.
- The famous toy train of Matheran was built in 1907 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Matheran has around 38 designated viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Sahyadri range.
- Charlotte Lake, located in the town, is the primary source of drinking water for the town of Neral and neighbouring villages.
- The hill station has a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants and herbs, making it a popular destination for Ayurvedic treatments.
- Matheran has a unique climate that ranges from cool in winter to mild in summer, making it an ideal year-round destination.
- Matheran is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, foxes, and numerous species of birds.
- The hill station has several trekking trails, including the famous Garbett Plateau trek, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Planning a trip to Matheran
The best time to visit Matheran is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, if you want to experience the monsoon season and see the lush green surroundings, you can visit from June to September. When planning your trip, make sure to choose the best mode of transportation as there are no vehicles allowed in the town. But you can make the drive to Matheran comfortable by booking a cab from Mumbai. Book a Savaari taxi to Matheran today. Here are the ways to reach Matheran:
By Train
Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, so the only way to reach the hill station is by train. You can take a local train from Mumbai to Neral, which is the nearest railway station to Matheran. From there, you can board the toy train that runs from Neral to Matheran.
By Road
You can drive to Dasturi Naka, which is the entry point to Matheran. From there, you can either walk or take a horse ride to reach the hill station. Alternatively, you can park your car at Dasturi Naka and take a toy train or a hand-pulled rickshaw to reach the town. You can also book a cab directly from Pune to Matheran.
By Bus
Several state-run and private buses operate between Mumbai and Matheran. You can take a bus from Mumbai to Karjat, which is the nearest town to Matheran, and then take a taxi or toy train from there to reach the hill station.
By Trekking
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can trek to Matheran from nearby villages like Karjat, Neral, and Panvel. The trekking routes offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
In summary, you can reach the town by train, road, bus, or even trekking, depending on your preference and convenience. Each mode of transportation offers a unique experience and allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
Best time to visit Matheran
The best time to visit is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature during this time ranges from 8 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time to visit as the hill station comes alive with lush greenery and waterfalls. However, the trekking routes may be slippery and difficult to navigate during this time. Avoid visiting the hill station during the summer months, from March to May, as the temperature can soar up to 35 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
Places to stay in Matheran
When planning a trip to the hill station, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your overall experience. From budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, the town has something for every kind of traveller. Here are some of the best places to stay:
| Name of the Hotel | Distance from City Center | Phone Number |
| The Byke Heritage | Approximately 1 km from City Center | +91 2148 230 365 |
| Westend Hotel | Approximately 700m from City Center | +91 22 6777 8700 |
| Horseland Hotel and Mountain Spa | Approximately 2.5 km from City Center | +91 93210 16112 |
| Usha Ascot | Approximately 800m from City Center | +91 2148 230 240 |
| Adamo The Resort | Approximately 1 km from City Center | +91 2148 230 390 |
Savaari Customer Verified: Highest road trips taken from Matheran
Are you planning a road trip to this quaint hill-town? If so, here are some popular destinations that you might want to consider, for a road trip from the hill station. But be sure to book your Savaari ride in advance for these road trips
| Destination | Distance from Matheran |
| Matheran to Lonavala | 47 km |
| Matheran to Pune | 120 km |
| Matheran to Alibaug | 70 km |
| Matheran to Mumbai | 80 km |
| Matheran to Mahabaleshwar | 235 km |
| Matheran to Nashik | 175 km |
In conclusion, Matheran is a perfect destination for those who seek a break from their busy city life and want to spend some time in the lap of nature. It is a unique hill station that offers a blissful experience with its breathtaking views, lush green forests, and serene surroundings. From adventure activities to peaceful walks, the town has something to offer to everyone. So, if you are planning a trip here, make sure to plan well in advance, carry warm clothes during the winter season, and explore the beautiful natural beauty this place has to offer.
For suggestions on best food joints, shopping centres and local sightseeing you can also download the Savaari app and make the most of your trip and be a part of the travel community.
Useful Travel Links
- Matheran among 4 sites in Maharashtra set to get ropeway
- Matheran toy train gets 8-seater AC saloon coach
Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
