Settled away from the busy crowds of cities, Matheran is a world-renowned hill station in Maharashtra. Tourists generally come to Matheran to enjoy cool and pleasant weather. The enchanting hill station is famed as Maharashtra’s gift and boasts 38 striking peaks that are enough to fascinate any tourist.
Some of the most famous peaks in Matheran that you should not miss during your trip are One Tree Hill Point, King George Point, Louisa Point, Echo Point, and Monkey Point. Panorama Point is one of the most remarkable peaks, providing a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The spectacular views of sunrise and sunset from this peak are simply mesmerising.
Matheran hill station is flocked by visitors not only from India but also from abroad. It is located at an altitude of up to 800 meters and has winsome scenic beauty to adore. The hill station also offers gorgeous views of the Sahyadri ranges. You can explore the hill station on foot as it is listed among the smallest hill stations in India.
To explore Matheran at its best, don’t forget to ride in the Matheran Toy Train, which visually looks at the attractive locale. Other than this, Paymaster Park (an ideal picnic spot), Panthers cave, and Parsi and Hindu cemeteries are the place’s prime attractions. Matheran also favours adventure lovers where they can indulge in climbing, hiking and trekking. Do not forget to buy Matheran hats, Chikki, and honey, marked as specialities in Matheran.
Places to Visit in Matheran
For those seeking a tranquil and nature-centric retreat, Matheran is a perfect choice. The hill station offers a variety of unique experiences that can enhance your trip, such as:
Echo point – Located on a cliff, Echo Point is a popular viewpoint in Matheran known for its adventurous activities. The point offers a bird’ s-eye view of the region and a variety of local Maharashtrian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Porcupine Point – The structure of Porcupine Point, resembling the shape of a porcupine, is a sight to behold. Commonly known as the sunset point, the views of sunrise and sunset from this point are truly mesmerizing and a must-see in Matheran.
Louisa Point – A scenic viewpoint in Matheran, Louisa Point, is surrounded by lush meadows and the majestic Prabhal Fort. Admire the picturesque views of Charlotte Lake, shining like a diamond amidst the rugged terrain. Also, you can enjoy horse riding here.
Best Time to Visit Matheran
Matheran experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter throughout the year. You can choose the best time to travel to Matheran according to your choice of attractions and preferences.
Summer Season (March – June) – The summer in Matheran brings warm and comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 40°C. With warm days and cooler nights, the season is apt for sightseeing and outdoor fun. This is a perfect time for budget travellers, as they can find suitable accommodation at lower prices.
Monsoon Season (July – September) – Monsoons bring heavy rain showers, ranging from 22°C to 34 °C. The atmosphere is pleasant and full of greenery, but outdoor activities can be challenging, as the rains tend to hinder most travel plans.
Winter Season (October – February) – Winters are considered the ideal time to visit Matheran, with temperatures dropping to a low of 8°C. The weather is pleasant and cool, making it suitable for sightseeing, exploring viewpoints, and adventure activities.
How To Reach Matheran
There are multiple ways to reach Matheran from all the major parts of India, such as:
By Air: The nearest airport to Matheran is Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and Pune City Airport. Regular and connected flights from all the major Indian cities are available to these airports. From there, you can travel by taxi or train to reach Matheran.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Matheran is Neral. Upon reaching Neral, you must take a toy train, hand-pulled rickshaws or horseback riding to get there.
By Road: When travelling by car, you can drive up to Dasturi Naka and continue your journey with a hand-pulled rickshaw, horse ride, or on foot.
