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In the lap of the Western Ghats, wrapped by sprawling
greenery and surrounded by unpolluted air, lies the
renowned hill station of Maharashtra, Matheran. Matheran
is situated at an altitude of 800 meters (average height
of 2500 feet above sea level).
It is 110 km. away from Mumbai on Mumbai-Pune rail
route. A visit to Matheran can be exhilarating, what
with a two-hour toy train journey from Neral, 90 kilometers
from Mumbai! The green enthusiasts will go gaga over
Matheran’s practice of not allowing motor vehicles.
Away from the loud honking and polluted fumes of the
city life, the only mode of transport in Matheran, are
ponies and hand pulled rickshaws.
Matheran, “forest on top”, boasts of steep
slopes, offering breathtaking points, overlooking the
Western Ghats and scattered villages. Famous for its
leather products and popular food item, chikki, the
architecture of Matheran has the influence of British
and Parsi styles, giving it a combination of global
and local charm. Glocal, one may say.
History
Mr. Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then Collector of Thane,
discovered Matheran in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the
then Governor of Mumbai laid foundations of the future
development of Matheran as a hill station. The Matheran
Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy.
Places to visit
Lookout Points:
Panorama point
Famous for the view of sunrise, this point overlooks
the spectacular panoramic beauty of Sahyadri ranges.
Echo point
As the name suggests, this point is famous for echo
of one’s voice. You can hear and feel the reverberations
of your voice, even as the clouds pass over your head.
King George point
One of the most frequently visited points during the
monsoon, it presents a beautiful view of the waterfall,
overflowing from Charlotte Lake.
Porcupine point
This point is famous the view of sunset.
Louisa Point
Situated on a plateau, it offers the magnificient
views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh
Other points include Monkey Point, Alexander Point,
Hart Point, Coronation Point, Chowk Point, etc
Other places to visit
Lake Charlotte
It is the main source of drinking water in the hill
station. It is famous for the view of dam at one end
of the lake. It is also famous for the main Hindu temple,
the Pisarnath Mandir.
Mount Barry
It is one of the spots with highest altitude, offering
a breathtaking view of the ghats and villages. It is
close to the Governor’s hill.
Shopping
The markets in Matheran are famous for cheap leather
products, like bags, shoes and belts. The streets of
this hill station have stalls selling cheap kolhapuri
chappals, walking sticks, etc. Matheran is also famous
for honey and chikki (soft peanut brittle).
Getting to Matheran
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 kms from Matheran.
Since motor vehicles are not allowed into Matheran,
a toy train from Neral, 21 kilometers from Matheran,
carries the tourists into Matheran . Mumbai is 90 kms
from Neral.
State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Neral.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and MTDC guesthouse is also
located in Matheran.
A list of hotels is as follows:
The MTDC Tourist Camp (Ph. 30277)
Royal Hotel Matheran (Ph. 30247)
Hotel Preeti (Ph. 30202)
Lords Central Hotel (Ph. 30228)
Rugby Hotel (Ph. 30291)
* Std: 02148
| Hotel |
Rate per couple* |
| Brightlands |
Rs. 2500/- 2 nights pkg. - p.p |
| Rangoli Retreat |
Rs. 1400/- Per Day |
| Regal Hotel |
Rs. 3800/- Weekends(2 Nights package) |
| Richie Rich |
Rs. 3600/- Weekends
(2 Nights) |
| Royal Hotel |
Rs. 1000/- per day |
| Woodlands Hotel |
Rs. 1730/- (2D / 1N) |
* rate at the time of visit may be checked
Best time to visit:
Season : October to May.
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