Matheran Hill Station is situated in the Raigad district of Maharastra, India, around 100 kilometers from Mumbai. It is an eco-sensitive forest area. Matheran means forest on the forehead. Come to Maharastra and experience Incredible India.
This hill station is one of the smallest hill stations in the country and is part of the Western Ghats. Matheran has become a trendy weekend getaway for Mumbaikars.
Matheran Hill Station offers spectacular viewpoints, numbering 38, which give a superb view of the valleys, the hills, etc. The ‘Panorama Point’ gives you a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding areas and the nearby town, Neral. Sunrise and Sunset can be watched with spectacular effects from here. This hill station is a cheap weekend getaway destination for a budget traveler.
Matheran is rich in flora and fauna. There are many wild animals here. Monkeys are seen in large numbers. There are many medicinal plants in these hills.
Matheran is very popular with trekkers with streams, forests, valleys, and railway tracks; all must be crossed to reach the hilltop.
How Do I Go to Matheran Hill Station?
Suburban trains are available from Mumbai CST station to Neral (near Marhteran) on the CST-Karjat route.
From Neral, you can go up to Dasturi Naka by road, beyond which vehicles are not allowed. Taxi services are available from Neral to Dasturi Naka.
Motor vehicles are banned in Matheran Hill station, except for ambulances. You can go sightseeing on horseback. Rates are negotiable. For 300 – 400 rupees, they take you to 5 or 6 viewpoints. Bargain hard to get good rates.
There are buses up to Neral from Pune, Mumbai, and other cities of Maharashtra.
There is a 21-kilometer-long narrow gauge railway line connecting Matheran to Neral. The last train to Neral is at 5 pm.
Mumbai airport, around 100 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Matheran is at a distance of 120 kilometers from Pune.
Hotels
Different Matheran hotels suit the budget of different categories of tourists. The Verandah in the Forest is an Incredible heritage property built in the 19th century. The Byke Heritage is another heritage hotel built by Thane’s then-collector in 1854.
Usha Ascot is a 3-star hotel for strict vegetarians. Hotel Kumar Plaza, The Byke Redwood, Cecil Hotel (heritage hotel), and Adamo Resort offer occasional discounted hotel rates.
Adamo The Village is one of the best hotels offering hotel rooms (compared to other hotels mentioned above it is cheaper, too), with room rent of INR 1400 for a Deluxe non-air-conditioned room on weekdays.
Many other hotels that suit low-budget tourists are also there.
