Matheran: Nature’s Beauty

- Elina Mohanty

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

* rate at the time of visit may be checked

Best time to visit:

Season : October to May.