Matheran

Matheran is a hill station situated in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. Matheran, which has the designation of being the smallest hill station in India, is situated in the Western Ghats at an average altitude of 800 m above sea level.

The quaint town of Matheran was brought to the limelight during the colonial rule of the British. Matheran was discovered, in the year 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the District Collector of Thane. The place was developed by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, as a summer resort for the British. Lord Elphinstone introduced roadways as well as the Mountain Railways (1907) to Matheran.

The name Matheran (which means 'forest on top') refers to the surrounding dense evergreen Jambol forests. Matheran is known for its biodiversity as the place consists of rare species of flora and fauna. Matheran is also famous for its 33 lookout points, which provides panoramic view of the peaks of Western Ghats as well as its village-dotted plains.

Matheran is one among the eco-sensitive Regions in the world, where motored vehicles are not allowed. The core eco-sensitive zone of Matheran covers an area of 251.56 sq km. The town of Matheran and its environs, which are spread along 200 m of land, constitute the buffer zone.

Matheran is situated on a plateau towards the western part of the Western Ghats. The plateau of Matheran, surrounded by the vast extensions of the ranges of Western Ghats, lies as an outlier to the main range of Western Ghats.

Cooler but pleasant and less humid climate prevails all through the year in Matheran. The best time to visit Matheran is during the months of September to June, while it is very pleasant, cool and favourable for sightseeing.

Matheran tourism offers sightseeing attractions such as Porcupine Point, Panorama Point, Echo Point, Charlott Lake, King George Point, Louisa Point, Paymaster Park, Panthers’ Caves, Hart Point, etc. Matheran also offer activities such as trekking, hiking, climbing, etc. The vicinity of Mumbai and Pune makes Matheran a popular weekend destination of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Matheran has its nearest airport at Mumbai, Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is around 46 km away from Matheran city. Mumbai is well connected to other major airports in India and abroad. The next nearest airport to Matheran is at Lohegao in Pune which is about 84 km.

Matheran is situated at a distance of 90 km and 120 km respectively from Mumbai and Pune. Matheran can be accessed by rail from the close by town of Neral, by a narrow gauge railway, which is operational since 1907. The train from Neral to Matheran provides a scenic view of Matheran, as it runs through hill sides, plains, cliffs, plateau and the Jambol forests, covering a distance of 21 km in a slow pace. Tourists to Matheran can also drive up to Dasturi Point (11 km away) and reach Matheran by foot or on pony.