Literally ‘Jungle Above’, Matheran is a tiny patch of peace and quiet capping a craggy Sahyadri summit within spitting distance of Mumbai’s heat and grime. Endowed with shady forests criss-crossed with foot trails and breathtaking lookouts, it is easily the most elegant of Maharashtra’s hill stations.
It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the
smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an
elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90
km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to many metropolitan
cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. Matheran, which
means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) is an eco-sensitive
region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of
India. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill station.
The credit for discovering this little gem goes to Hugh
Malet, erstwhile collector of Thane district, who chanced upon it during one of
his excursions in 1850. Soon it became a hill station patronised by the British
and populated by Parsi families.
Getting to Matheran is really half the fun. While speedier
options are available by road, nothing beats arriving in town on the
narrow-gauge toy train that chugs laboriously along a 21km scenic route to the
heart of the settlement. Motor vehicles are banned within Matheran, making it
an ideal place to give your ears and lungs a rest and your feet some exercise.
Things to Do
Visitors are drawn to Matheran for its tranquility, fresh
air, and old-world charm. In this place without vehicles, horses and hand
pulled carts are the main forms of transport. Matheran is also blessed with
dense forest, long walking tracks, and panoramic views. There are over 35 large
and small viewpoints dotted around the hilltop. Early risers should head to
Panorama Point to take in a spectacular sunrise, while fiery sunsets are best
seen from Porcupine Point/Sunset Point and Louise Point. Exploring all the
points on horseback is a fun adventure. A trek to One Tree Hill is also
memorable.
Places of Interest
- Mount Berry
- Luisa Point
- Echo Point
- Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)
- Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
- One tree Hill
- Garbut Point
- Chowk Point
- Olympia Racecourse
- Monkey Point
- Hart point
- Rambaug Point
- Charlotte Lake
- Alexandria Point
- Malet Spring
Weather
Temperatures vary from 16° C in winter to 32° C in summer,
with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.
Matheran Hill Railway
The century old Matheran Hill Railway deposits passengers
amongst the shady greenery of the peaceful, pollution free hill settlement of
Matheran -- where all vehicles are banned, even bicycles. The toy train is one
of four historic toy train services currently operating in India. The railway
was founded by Mumbai based entrepreneur Abdul Hussain Peerbhoy and had its
first run in 1907, after three years spent constructing the train line.
Train Route
The toy train crawls its way, in a zigzag manner, 20 kilometers
(12 miles) up the hill from Neral to Matheran. Due to the steep slope, it takes
over two hours to cover the distance. Gradually the scenery changes from grassy
slopes to shady, tree covered hills.
Food vendors selling a range of snacks and cold drinks jump
on and off the train along the way -- usually while it's moving, which is an
indication of just how slow it travels! The train stops at a couple of quaint
stations, where refreshments can be purchased as well. It also passes through
one short tunnel, interestingly named "One Kiss Tunnel".
Train Services
Four identical miniature sized toy trains run along the
route. The trains are small, with a capacity of around 100 people. If you feel
like having a relaxing and relatively comfortable journey, book a seat in first
class, where you'll get a padded seat in a cozy compartment.
Departures to Matheran
The toy train departs from Neral in the mornings at 6.40
a.m., 7.30 a.m., 9.00 a.m and 10.30 a.m., and at noon. There's also an
afternoon departure at 5 p.m.
Departures from Matheran
Coming back to Neral, the train leaves Matheran at 7 a.m.,
9.45 a.m, 12.50 p.m., 2.05 p.m., 3.15 p.m., and 4.45 pm.
However, the timetable changes frequently so it's best to
check it at an Indian Railways computerized reservation counter or Indian
Railways timetable.
Monsoon Timetable
In addition, during the monsoon season (from June to
September), toy train services are usually suspended. However, a shuttle service operates between
Matheran and Aman Lodge (departure times are listed here). Aman Lodge is a
railway station on the Neral-Matheran line, close to the car park near
Matheran.
Fare Details
The train fare is 36 rupees in second class and 210 rupees
in first class, one way.
Where to Stay
Matheran's isolated location makes it relatively expensive
to stay there. Cheaper rooms can be found near the toy train station, while
secluded resorts are set back from the road amongst the forest. The most
popular and character filled place is Lord's Central. With room rates starting
from $130, it's quite costly but is centrally located as its name suggests, and
has a stunning mountain and valley views. Other resorts such as Verandah in the
Forest is also a quality place to stay. Woodlands Hotel is a good budget
choice, but can get busy with families staying there.
Getting There
Nearest airport is
Mumbai, 100 kms.
Mumbai-Neral, 90 kms.
Neral-Matheran, 21 kms, Pune-Neral, 120 kms. (Neral-Matheran mountain train)
Mumbai-Neral-Matheran, 108 kms. State
Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Neral.
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