Matheran

State: Maharashtra

Location: Near Karjat in Raigad District

Famous for: Hill station, enchanting hills and scenic beauty

Serves as: One day picnic spot or weekend holiday

About Matheran:

Matheran is one of the smallest hill-station India has. This hill station is located on the Western Ghats around 800 meters above sea level. Matheran serves as a unique one day picnic spot due to its proximity to cities like Mumbai and Pune. So what makes Matheran so special? Its the beauty of this place which is so enchanting. Moreover being an eco-sensitive region, no cars or other vehicles are allowed in this area. Hence one can expect to breath some unpolluted fresh air within the scenic surroundings of Matheran. Matheran has muddy roads, as no tarred roads are built in Matheran. Several measures have been taken to maintain the original charm of this place. The only vehicle one can see here is the bicycle or man-pulled rickshaws. Other than one more mode of transport is horse back.

Waterfalls post monsoon

Best time to visit Matheran:
Matheran is at its best all year around except for monsoons. But the ideal time would be from October to March. I would suggest visiting Matheran right during Post monsoons, when the nature splashes its charm in form of beautiful waterfalls and dense greenery. It just adds to the existing beauty of Matheran.

Please note: Monsoon is mostly a slack season, as due to mudslides, most of the hotels and shops are closed.

What to do at Matheran:

Have a breath of fresh air

Enjoy the panoramic beauty

Visit the panoramic points

Enjoy good food at the local restaurants

Indulge in some adventure sports like Trekking, Valley crossing, Horse riding, Walking (that's what you do most of the time)

Places of interest in Matheran:

Charlotte Lake

Here's a list of few notable points that you should definitely make it a point to visit:

- Panorama Point, also known as the Sunrise Point is spectacular and also serves as a main point.

- Monkey Point, another known point. Prepare yourself to see some large group of monkeys here.

- Malang Point, which gives an excellent view of Haji Malang situated close-by.

- Charlotte Lake, one of the great places and really very picturesque. Once you are here don't forget to visit the Pisarnath Temple. Its ancient and beautiful. Then on the left hand side of this lake, there are two points that you can visit Echo Point and Louisa Point.

Few other worth seeing points include Porcupine Point, Rambaug Point, Chowk Point, Khandala Point, Honeymoon Hill, One tree hill and many more.

Please note: In Matheran, once you are down the road, trekking around each and every corner of the hill is one point or the other. Maybe you would be the one who would discover his own point!!

What to shop in Matheran:

In Matheran you can shop for Chikkis, footwear, handicraft work, wooden articles, walking stick, wall hangings and leather goods.

Please note: Do bargain for a good deal.

Where to eat in Matheran:

Matheran has lots of restaurants that serve Indian and Chinese cuisine. So eating is just no problem, once you enter the main market area, there are so many eateries and restaurants that serve good food. Moreover the food is not very costly. You can find both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian eateries in Matheran. In fact for die-hard vegetarians, there are few Gujarati Restaurants that serve amazing Gujarati Thali.

Read How to reach Matheran?

Where to stay in Matheran?

Hotel Rangoli Retreat 

Hotel Panorama 

Regal Hotel