Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State. There are a number of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valley.
Matheran is situated at a height of above sea level. Since 1907, a narrow gauge railway line connects Matheran to Neral in the plains. Motor vehicles are completely banned in Matheran, making it quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors that come here, mostly from Mumbai.
Matheran is a plateau with a reasonably dense forest cover. Being a hill station it is pleasant almost throughout the year. In winter, the nights can get a bit chilly though. The best time to go to Matheran is post-monsoon. It is truly spectacular at this time of the year with lush greenery, waterfalls and the lake full with water.
There is a entry fee (of ₹ 50 for adult visitors and ₹ 25 for children from May 1, 2019) to Matheran. The proceeds from this is used for the upkeep of the place considering its fragile ecosystem.
You can catch either
If coming from Pune, catch any Mumbai bound train and get off at Karjat (Around 95 km from Pune). Then catch a CST bound local train from Karjat and get down at Neral (21 km, would take around 15 min).
From Neral Station, there is the so-called toy train which runs to Matheran about 4 times in a day. This toy train is not operational when railway route is under maintenance or when there is a perceived hazard e.g. the monsoons. Unfortunately, the only way to find this out is at the Neral Station.
Neral to Matheran tickets as of November 2009 costs are 1st Class ₹210, 2nd Class Reserved ₹35, 2nd class unreserved ₹20. Tickets can be booked from 3 to 1 day in advance, and then on the day of travel from 45 minutes before the train.
The train is often full, so turn up in good time to ensure you get a ticket. You can also book the ticket online through IRCTC. If there's a queue of unmoving people at the ticket window with a salesman who is reading the paper, then all the 2nd class tickets are sold out. Jump the queue to the window and ask for first class as they're usually still available.
The toy train times (as of Nov. 2009) are:
Neral -> Matheran:
Matheran -> Neral:
Here is a list of local train timings from Neral back to CST: 0246, 356, 0425, 0517, 0532, 0607, 0654, 0716, 0734, 0808, 0837, 0718, 0954, 1109, 1232, 1331, 1416, 1440, 1553, 1631, 1705, 1729, 1837, 1854, 1954, 2056, 2141, 2223, 2256, 0222.
Alternately, there are many share-a-cabs which take you to Matheran from Neral. The distance from Neral to Dasturi Point, last point to which vehicles are allowed in Matheran, is 11 km. The drivers that ply through the roads have immaculate driving skills, so a real advice here is not to keep eyeing the blind turns and foot-to-brake co-ordination, but to just enjoy the breath-taking views as you climb up towards the Dasturi point. Charges are ₹60.00 per person as of Oct. 2010. Also make sure you take the rearmost seats as it will provide a relatively more comfortable travel. Once you have left the taxi, you can take a horse ride or get the help of porters to carry luggage up to the town.
There is sadly no convenient express train to get back to CST in the evening. You can get a local train from Neral to Karjat (away from Mumbai), and then an express train back from Karjat into Mumbai. But this will take longer than just getting a local train from Neral back into town.
Cars are not allowed within Matheran. However you can drive up and park your car at Dasturi car point, or take the newly introduced mini bus shuttle from Karjat or Neral railway stations up to Dasturi. From Dasturi you must take a 40 minute horseback or man-pulled rickshaw ride to Matheran along a mud track.
Alternately you can walk from Dasturi along the rail line and make your way up to Matheran - 20 minutes to half an hour. The rail track route is slightly shorter, more scenic and very much more comfortable than the rubbly, dusty main road route. Coolies or porters are available at Dasturi to carry your luggage. Remember to negotiate rates in advance. You can also go with group booking or alone.
There are several walking trails which ascend the Matheran Plateau. These are used by local people commuting to the hill station as well as the occasional intrepid holiday-maker.
From the eastern side, trekkers start at Neral (see above).
You can also approach from the Western side, which has the distinct advantage that you can be in the shade for most of the ascent if you start early in the morning. One route recommended during monsoon starts from the village of Dudhoni and brings you to Sunset Point in Matheran. It is suitable for beginners, and the ascent only takes 2 hours or so. There is apparently a side trip to a waterfall, but I have not done this. Dudhoni can be reached by autorickshaw from Panvel (accessible by bus or central line train). The trail is obvious in most places; when in doubt, ask a local.
As motor vehicles are banned, there are three ways of getting around in Matheran: walking (all the trails have signboards marking the way and the locals are quite helpful), on horseback, or by rickshaw.
Almost all the points offer pretty good sunrise, sunset, mountain and valley views, so walk or horse ride or take a rickshaw to whichever you want. Remember that the more popular points will be crowded, especially at sunset.
Some of the popular sights include:
Lake Charlotte - a spectacular waterfall overflows from the lake during and shortly after the monsoons. At other times, it is peaceful and surrounded by dense evergreen forests, bird song and pretty butterflies.
Panorama point - This point is a very beautiful one, for you can see a panoramic view of the hills on the left and a beautiful Ulhas River to the right. This point is quite far from Matheran station / market, but you can negotiate a good price for your travel if you do not feel like walking. This point is perfect for Sunrise and is also called "Sunrise Point."
Heart Point - Here one can see a beautiful scene of the valley and this point looks like heart, so it is named so.
Monkey Point - Here you can see the monkeys in large numbers and their mischief life-sized.
Malang Point
Luisa Point - The view from here to the waterfall (run off from Charlotte Lake) during the monsoon is spectacular.
Honeymoon Hill - According to locals, a British officer had his honeymoon actually arranged at this point. Also, latter Parsis used to harvest honey at his point, hence its name.
Echo Point - True to its name, this point has some superb echo effect! Feel free to scream loud at the point and hear the echo coming from distant places through the valleys.
Charlotte Lake
Lords Point
One tree Hill - A unique hill, which has only one big tree growing on it. The way to reach the hill is a bit risky and steep.
Olympia - There is a horse race course.
Paymasters Park
Mount Barry
Artist Point
Khandala Point- Very close to the Matheran market place.
Alexandar Point
Rambaug Point
Little Chowk Point - Spectacular view and towards the southmost tip of Matheran.
Chowk Point - Spectacular view and towards the southmost tip of Matheran.
Sunset (Porcupine) Point
Garbut Point
Due to the prohibition of cars, Matheran is a relatively peaceful place. So walking is an activity that will be richly rewarding, especially for nature lovers, and more so just after the monsoons when wildflowers are in full bloom with their attendant butterflies. When the mass blooming of Karvy or Strobilanthes Callosa takes place, it is a spectacular sight.
It is not uncommon to sight golden langurs, snakes and the Matheran Giant Squirrels [Ratufa indica elphinstonii]. Apart from the ubiquitous bonnet macaque or aggressive Matheran monkeys
There are numerous points all over Matheran, many of which provide some fantastic views of the valley below. While the central area and marked vistas are crowded, it is quite easy to find yourself all alone if you step off the beaten track. There are numerous forested trails leading to most of the points. Wear thick-soled footwear and carry a walking stick for greater comfort as some of the trails are very rubbly, nothing more than dry river beds.
Horse riding is also quite a popular way of getting around in Matheran. Finding a horse is not very difficult, as there are many of them around. It is a great way to travel for people who prefer not to walk, but rates must be negotiated in advance.
One popular adventure in Matheran is the Valley Crossing from Honeymoon Point to near Louisa Point. It's basically a U-shaped mountain and you have to go from one side to other side (approx. 275 m) hanging on a rope, 300 m above the valley below. This works thanks to 3 ropes, pulleys and gravity. It is a one-way lane, so coming back is by walking or you can ask your horse-man to come to that point to pick you up. It is definitely not for the weak-hearted, but you get a bird's eye view of the valley.
There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various cuisines. Most hotels offer packages including all meals. Try the Gujarati Thali, or the Maharashtrian style Vada-Pav (Indian Burger)which is available at the various points. Also, try the chikki which is available in different flavours in the main market. Unlimited Gujarati Thali at Hotel Gujarat bhavan (₹ 175 as of December 2010) and Hotel Regal (₹ 250, Dec 2010) are famous. Hotel Laxmi offers limited Gujarati Thali (₹ 80, Dec 2010), the food here is very homely, less spicy. Though a limited version the quantity of food is enough for average appetite.
Meat is available in some restaurants, notably in the popular and modern Khan's, who make very good Kebabs. Diwadkars opposite the station does very tasty non-veg. and veg. thalis, kababs, etc. at a reasonable price, they also serve alcohol. Shabbir's Biryani house is very famous for its meat preparations, but it is not a very neat place and if you are looking for a proper restaurant with people waiting for you then Shabbir's might not be the place. Shabbir Bhai's is a authentic home-run hotel, serving tasty Moghlai food. To reach here take the right from the Masjid and walk up for 2 minutes.
Hakimi's is a good place,where you can find good Chinese, Moghlai and Punjabi at a very very reasonable rate. It is right next to Pramod Bar (the only bar in Matheran). Also worth trying is the big Indian breads (called "pav") which you can find in the store right opposite to Pramod Bar.
There are all kinds of restaurants in Matheran serving various drinks, try the unique Kokam Sherbat there. Liquor is available only in certain hotels and restaurants.
During the peak season, when it is very busy, prices are often as high as four times the off-season (winter) price. Be ready to shell out minimum of ₹ 2000 for a modest non AC double bed room on a weekend. As it is a popular weekend trip from Mumbai, mid-week is less full so you should be able to negotiate better prices. While there are many hotels in the centre of town, there are more secluded hotels down the paths away from the central buildings. Its always better to stay in hotels in the market as you can roam around there once it gets dark. In far off hotels you would get locked up in the room as it won't be advisable to venture out in the dark in forest. Better do not book any rooms from the agents who would surround you at Nerel Station. There are many rooms (hotels, cottages, resorts) up at the Matheran Market and it is better to actually check the rooms and then deal directly with the owners as this can save money as well as the disappointed of being dubbed into a poorly maintained and sub-standard room. Given most hotels can offer food, it needn't be an inconvenience being out of the town centre. Due to the space in Matheran, hotels often have extra facilities from table-tennis tables and swings to swimming pools.
Another good budget option for the families is Woodlands Hotel. Situated in the forest as the name suggests but just 10 mins. walk from the Station/Market. Homely atmosphere with good food and service. Pets are welcome.
There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. Maharashtra Tourism's site MTDC has a list of home stays as well. Most Matheran hotels and resorts advertise in the local Mid Day travel classifieds so it is easy to compare prices.
Most of the above mentioned websites do not mention the following small hotels which allow you lodging and boarding:
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division