Introduction:

Matheran hill station is one of the only few places in the world where all vehicles are banned which makes the place unique. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no cars. The unpolluted air, beautiful surroundings, charming shady walks and magnificent panoramic views are what make a stay in Matheran a totally different experience in itself. Hikers and Trekkers love Matheran and do it again and again from different routes. Matheran is a destination for those who love to walk and explore nature. The tropical forest here has remained untouched and therefore home to a variety of birds, butterflies, insects and reptiles.

Destination Facts:

Location: Maharashtra, District Raigarh
Altitude: 800 Meters
Area: 7 Sq. Km.
Temperature: (Summer 20 to 35°C) & (Winter 12 to 33°C)
Languages Spoken: Marathi, Hindi and English

Getting There:

Nearest Airports- Mumbai airport is the nearest
Main Railway Station- A narrow gauge trains runs from Neral to Matheran, from Mumbai to Neral there are many trains available and even Pune to Neral there are many trains available.
Main Bus Station or Road- Bus service and taxi services and also Private vehicles are there to reach Matheran from Mumbai and Pune.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Matheran:

Panvel- 16km, Mumbai-54km, Lonavala-70km, Khandala- 65km.

Eating Around:

Fancy restaurants are not easily available in Matheran. Try the stalls, the food vendors and the dhabas, who promise authentic Maharashtrian and Punjabi food. Vada Pav, Sabunada Khichdi, Misal Pav, Pohe are some famous dishes found here.

Places of Tourist Interest:

Echo Point:
This is a crucial point that offers a panoramic view of the whole place. As the name suggests, Echo point is well-known for allowing you to enjoy your echoes.

Louisa Point:
Located on a plateau, this famous lookout point offers a spectacular view of the ruined forts of Prabal and Vishalgarh. The famous "Lion's Head" (a rock resembling a lion's head) is located close to it.

Alexander Point:
This point provides splendid views of the Garbut Point, the Chowk valley and the Ulhas River, and is a favorite among the sightseers.

King George Point:
This is the point that beautifully captures these waterfalls and hence is a popular point during the season of showers.

Sunset/Porcupine Point:
This point offer views of a dark forest below. Prabalgad can also be seen from this point.

PORCUPINE POINT-MATHERAN

Monkey Point:
It is a well-known point, famous for the large number of mischievous monkeys that throng the place. The point also offers a mesmerizing view of the verdant plains below.

Getting around the Destination:

The best way of transportation is horses and man pulled Rickshaw.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:

Leather accessories like hats, belts, foot wares, decorative items etc. This charming hill station is also a popular shopping destination for tourists. Local Matheran Hats, sandals and sweet 'Chikki' are popular here. The honey available in Matheran is also considered to be very popular.

Best time to Visit:

October to May is the best time to visit the destination.

Festival:

Almost all the festivals celebrated by Hindus and Muslims at Mumbai are celebrated here also. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival celebrated throughout the Maharashtra state.
Matheran Mahotsav is a mega festival organised by the Matheran Municipal Council (MMC). This is a five day festival held annually, in the month of May.