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About Matheran

Tucked in the Western Ghats and kissed by clouds, Matheran is not just a destination — it’s a mood. With red-mud roads, forest canopies, colonial charm, and a complete ban on vehicles, it stands as Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. This eco-paradise invites you to slow down, walk more, breathe fresh, and rediscover joy in simplicity.

Perfect for weekend getaways, romantic escapes, nature photography, or just detoxing from city life, Matheran is your closest call with untouched nature — just a few hours from Mumbai and Pune.

Raigad District, Maharashtra, India

6+ lakh tourists

Approx. 7 sq. km

1850

🚫 No Cars, No Pollution, Just Peace

🚂 Ride the UNESCO-listed Toy Train

🥾 Trek or ride horses through red trails and mist

📸 Over 35 breathtaking viewpoints including Louisa & Panorama

🌿 Perfect for eco-tourism and slow travel lovers

🏞️ Dense forest, waterfalls, hidden forts, British relics


Whether you're a solo traveler, family, couple, or adventurer — Matheran is a perfect, peaceful, and photogenic escape.

Matheran

History of Matheran

Matheran was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then-collector of Thane during British rule. The British, enamored by its cool climate and serene vistas, developed it into a summer retreat — erecting colonial bungalows, churches, and post offices that still dot the town.

In 1907, the Matheran Light Railway (toy train) was constructed by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy — later becoming a UNESCO-listed heritage railway.

By 2003, the local authorities and environmentalists imposed a vehicle ban, making Matheran a pristine, noise-free zone that lives on foot, horse, and heritage.

Why Visit the Matheran?

Matheran is uniquely eco-sensitive — no cars, bikes, or autos are allowed beyond Dasturi Naka. You'll enjoy nature in its purest form, free from honking, dust, or fumes. It’s a peaceful paradise of silence and clean air.
From the 360° sunrise at Panorama Point to golden sunsets at Porcupine Point, Matheran’s hilltop balconies offer thrilling cliff views, Sahyadri backdrops, and monsoon mist magic.
Operating since 1907, the toy train from Neral to Matheran is a colonial engineering marvel. The journey covers 21 km of dense forest, over 280 bridges, and panoramic valley bends — a must-experience for every nostalgic traveler.
Explore the plateau on horseback like royalty. Horse rides are available throughout Matheran for short scenic loops or long trail explorations — a unique and fun way to get around.
Don't leave without tasting Matheran Chikki — sweet, crunchy nut-brittle treats in cashew, peanut, or coconut flavors. You’ll also find handmade leather goods, keychains, and wooden toys in the local market.
Enjoy vintage vibes at British-era bungalows turned into resorts. These haveli-style homes have long verandas, tiled roofs, and antique furniture that take you back to the 1800s.

Facts about Matheran

Interesting Facts About Matheran You Should Know Before Visiting

  • It’s the only hill station in Asia that bans vehicles. .
  • The Toy Train is 117 years old and still running. .
  • Home to monsoon-only waterfalls and secret caves. .
  • Has over 250 butterfly species and rare flora. .
  • Frequently used as a film shooting and trekking spot. .

Plan Your Visit: Matheran

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Matheran: Stay Options, Activities, and Packing Tips


Best Time to Visit

Season Months What to Expect

🌸 Spring-Summer March – May Cool mornings, great for sightseeing and horse riding. Slightly warm in the afternoon (~30°C). Chikki and strawberry season!
🌧️ Monsoon June – September Lush greenery, foggy viewpoints, mist-covered trails, waterfalls. Ideal for trekkers and nature photographers. Be cautious of leeches and slippery trails.
🍂 Post-Monsoon October – November Clear skies, fresh foliage, panoramic valley views. Great time for toy train rides and long walks.
❄️ Winter December – February Cold nights (~12°C), pleasant days. Best time for couples, family outings, and staying in heritage resorts. Also ideal for bonfires and local shopping.


> ✅ Avoid peak weekends during monsoon and New Year if you dislike crowds.

Things to Do in Matheran

🔭 Top 10 Viewpoints (Don’t Miss!)

Viewpoint Best For Tip

🗻 Panorama Point 360° sunrise Arrive before 6:30 AM
🌇 Sunset (Porcupine) Point Fiery orange sunsets Perfect end to your day
🔊 Echo Point Shout echoes back Fun for kids
🌿 Louisa Point Valley + waterfall views Monsoon stunner
🧭 One Tree Hill Unique solo tree + trail Take local guide
🌊 Charlotte Lake Serene lake, birds Ideal picnic spot
🔭 Hart Point Night views Best during full moon
👀 Monkey Point Monkeys + cliffs Beware of snacks!

Adventure & Experiences

🐎 Horse Riding: The classic Matheran way to move

🥾 Trekking Routes: To One Tree Hill, Garbett Plateau

🌧️ Monsoon Walks: Through mist, moss, and mushrooms

🛍️ Shopping: Buy chikki, leather belts, Kolhapuri sandals

🏠 Bungalow Stays: Sleep in colonial-era cottages

📸 Photography: Ideal for pre-wedding, macro, fog & forest shots

What to Eat in Matheran

Food here is simple, home-style, and deeply comforting. Try these:

🌿 Local Maharashtrian & Parsi Delights

Misal Pav, Pithla Bhakri, Sabudana Wada

Parsi Dhansak, Cutlets, Chicken Farcha


☕ Café Culture & Treats

Bun Maska & Chai

Chocolate fudge

Cold coffee in clay cups


> 📍 Try the family-run "Hotel Shabbir Bhai" or the Irani café at M.G. Road for authentic flavors.

What to Pack

🧥 Light woollens (even in summer evenings)

☔ Raincoat/poncho if visiting in monsoon

🥾 Trekking or walking shoes

🕶️ Sunglasses + sunscreen

🧴 Insect repellent

💵 Cash (few ATMs, patchy networks)

🔋 Power bank & flashlight

Local Tips

🚫 No vehicles beyond Dasturi — bring walking shoes

🐴 Horse prices are negotiable — ask for full-day deals

📵 Phone networks can be patchy — offline maps help

💧 Drink bottled or filtered water only

🧺 Carry your waste — Matheran is plastic-free

🛍️ Best time to buy chikki: post-monsoon, cooler months

Ideal 1-Day Itinerary

🌅 Morning

Reach Matheran by 9 AM via toy train/horse

Breakfast + explore Charlotte Lake, Echo Point

Visit Louisa Point & Valley crossing


🌞 Afternoon

Lunch at a heritage hotel

Walk/ride to One Tree Hill

Quick stop at Alexander Point


🌇 Evening

Sunset at Porcupine Point

Shop for chikki & leather goods

Dinner + return to Dasturi Naka by 7:30 PM

Top Things to Do in Matheran

📸 1. Explore All the Famous Viewpoints

Panorama Point – Breathtaking sunrise

Echo Point – Shouting fun with sound reflections

Porcupine Point (Sunset Point) – Golden hour heaven

One Tree Hill – A tree standing tall on a cliff



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🐴 2. Go Horse Riding

Hire horses to explore long stretches like Charlotte Lake, Alexander Point, and Louisa Point — it’s fun, convenient, and very Matheran-style.


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🧺 3. Have a Picnic at Charlotte Lake

Perfect for families and couples — you can relax, enjoy snacks, and feed birds in a scenic lakeside setting with a backdrop of Pisharnath Temple.


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🛍️ 4. Shop at Matheran Market

Try unique Matheran-made Chikki, local caps, belts, Kolhapuri chappals, and wooden toys. The market is buzzing with colors and regional flavors.


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🌄 5. Hike or Trek to Hidden Spots

Garbett Plateau – For sunrise/sunset lovers

Dhodani Trek – Lush monsoon jungle trail

Shivaji’s Ladder – A steep path used by the Maratha king



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🎠 6. Enjoy Vintage Amusement

Near the market and Charlotte Lake area, you’ll find small Ferris wheels, hand-pulled toy rides, and mini carnival-style fun — great for kids.