Matheran

Matheran is a cozy little hill town in the Western Ghats, in the Sahyadri range. It is 2600 feet above sea level and only 100 kilometers from Mumbai, making it the perfect place to go on the weekend.

Matheran, meaning "overhead forest" in English, is India's smallest hill town. It is one of the most popular places to visit near Mumbai for tourists looking for a short trip. It offers beautiful views and peace and quiet.

Matheran Trek

Matheran is popular for its hikes and views. To get to Matheran on foot, start at Bhivpuri station and go through Garbett Plateau to Garbett Point. It's not hard to get to Garbett Point, though the path is a bit long.

Other than the sun and heat, which can make it hard, the amount of challenge is easy. This climbing trip is great for people who like both excitement and nature. May to October, when the weather is cool and nice, is the best time to start this trip.

Toy Train and Transportation

"Phul Rani" is a small toy train service that runs from Neral to Matheran on a 2-foot-wide track. It is an amazing experience to lead people up the hill and show them the unbelievable beauty of the trees and view from the top. No matter what age, this short (30-second) ride is fun for everyone. There is no need to reserve places ahead of time. Visitors make reservations 45 minutes ahead of time at the Aman Lodge at Dasturi Park.

Matheran Popular Viewpoints

Like other hill stations, Matheran is famous for its views. It features 36 scenic spots to see the Sahyadri Mountains. Most have simple walking paths and panoramic views of the mountains, sunrise, sunset, and everything in between. Matheran's enchantment is experienced on foot when exploring the surroundings and getting lost in the tranquil town, a trekker favorite.

•    Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, a tribute to the Maratha warrior king. It features murals, arms, weapon models, and a historical timeline.

•    Explore the Panther Caves, believed to be the home of tigers and panthers. One cave has a shrine.

•    Take a picnic at Charlotte Lakeside, home to Pisarnath Shiva Temple and Holy Cross Church. Charlotte Lake is a top birding site.

•    Trekking paths in Matheran and the surrounding peaks are stunning. 

•    Matheran has everything from simple to difficult hikes, including Kalavantin Durg's towering pinnacles.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

Matheran is one of the few places where cars are prohibited. As soon as you walk into this little town, you'll feel like you've been taken back to a perfect old-world time, with its red-soiled roads, car-free paths, and lush green hills all around. Over and over again, people come to Matheran all year because of the cool breeze and clean air. Many travelers also explore Mumbai tour packages that include Matheran for a peaceful getaway.