Matheran
Matheran is a Hill Station and a municipal council in the Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran’s proximity to many metropolitan cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. The name Matheran means “forest on the forehead” (of the mountains).
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is in Mumbai that is located around 100 km away from Matheran. Matheran has a narrow gauge railway station in the town center. The old Matheran Hill Railway is offering several daily trains to Neral – this takes some hours for just a 8 km distance but is a railway adventure. At Neral you will have to change to Mumbai suburban railway which is taking you directly to Mumbai CST Station on the CST-Karjat route. Matheran is also very well connected by road with Mumbai and Pune. Matheran can be reached from Mumbai via Navi Mumbai and Panvel. Just after going up you will reach Dastiru Naka, which is the last stop up to which the vehicles are allowed and about 1.5 miles or 2.3 km away from the town center. Up to this point, one can also hire a direct taxi from Mumbai or from Neral.
Rail:Matheran is connected by toy train to the mainline rail route at Neral Junction. Neral Junction is well connected by local trains from CST along the CST-Karjat route. Many trains on Pune-Mumbai route can serve the tourists coming from Pune side.
Accommodation:
MTDC Resort is available at Matheran having Economy Room, Family Room, Family Suite, Special Room, Deluxe Room , E Group Accommodation.
1.Ushaascot Resort
Matheran, MH
022 2207 8292
2.Horseland Hotel & Mountain Spa
Vithalrao Kotwal Road
Matheran, MH
022 2600 7281
3.Anandritz Prestige
Near Matheran Police Station
Matheran, MH
02148 230 001
4.Riviera Hotel
Kasturba Road, Taluk Karjat, Matheran, Raigarh Dist
Matheran
02148 230 804
5.The Verandah in the Forest
Barr House, District Raigarh
Matheran, MH
02148 230 810
Tourist Attractions:
Prabal Fort
Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat top of the hill named Prabhal hills in the western side of Matheran.
Alexander Point
Alexander Point is one of the great scenic locations in Matheran and is located on the side of Madhavji road. On the backdrop of jungle greeneries, the point offers grandeur picturesque views of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk point and downhill village of Borgaon.
Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake, also known as Sharlott Lake is a serene scenic spot in Matheran and is the prime source of drinking water in the Matheran region.
Hart Point
Hart point located at the north western edge of Matheran hill station offer majestic views of the low lying lush plains and the greenish quite villages.
Louisa Point
Louisa Point is an imposing location in Matheran to have beautiful views of surrounding scenic places. The point located at a plateau offer the views of historical forts Vishalgad fort and Prabhal fort.
One Tree Hill Point
One Tree Point or One tree hill is a unique hill spot with a single Jambhul tree perched at the top. The walk through the road known as Shivaji’s ladder, going down from the hill to the plain is really a great experience. It is a good train fro trekkers.
Panorama Point
Panorama Point is the most popular location in Matheran which offers majestic view of sunrise. The location is the longest spacious place on the mount peak.
Rambagh Point
One of most attractive picnic spot which offer grandeur views of the vicinity and the wayside hilly ranges is Rambag Point in Matheran.
Weather:
Matheran enjoys a cooler but pleasant and less humid climate all through the year. The best time for visiting the place is from October to May.
Winters (December to February) are cool with temperature lies above 11°C in all the days. It is good for all tourist activities.
Summers (March to May) have the mercury levels not crossing 35°C and very pleasant for outings and sightseeing.
Monsoons (June to September) offer very heavy showers, and tourists in general avoid rainy days in July and August. But it looks beautiful in rains and if you enjoy rains, you can consider visiting it during this time.
September to June is very pleasant, cool and energetic and ideal for sight-seeing. July and August are rainy and may opt for outing by those tourists liking rainy outings.
