Matheran was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a popular tourist resort.
At an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) above sea level Matheran is a hill station located about 100 km from Mumbai. Matheran literally means jungle on top. All vehicles (Except emergency vehicles) are banned here.
The only modes of transport are on Horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw, or on foot. Every one living in cities needs this sort of change once in a while.
Old British-style architecture has been preserved in Matheran and most structures are now heritage structures.
Matheran has been declared an eco sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry (GoI).
Places to see
The market is the area where the bulk of the activity is. You get good quality Shoes, Slippers, Sandals and other leather goods at good bargains here.
You also get various flavors of Chikki (which is a softer version of peanut brittle), local honey, fudge's (Chocolate and fruit flavours etc.) ice gola's and various drinks. In the center of the market is a garden.
The following is a list of some major places of interest -
- Mount Berry
- Luisa Point
- Echo Point
- Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)
- Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
- One tree Hill
- Garbut Point
- Chowk Point
- Olympia Racecourse
- Monkey Point
- Hart point
- Rambaug Point
- Charlotte Lake
- Alexandria Point
- Malet Spring
Matheran truely is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible to all people irrespective of their age. Also the ban on motor vehicles inside Matheran have helped to preserve its beauty and keep intact its natural touch.
Matheran is situated in the Matheran range of sahyadris at a height of 2516 feet. To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral. Neral is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral, Matheran can be reached by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function normally in summer and winter season. Taxies leave you at Dasturi Naka, where after paying tax you can proceed towards Bazarpeth. Train directly takes you to the bazarpeth. One can even reach Matheran by foot.
Chharlott Lake
It's the only water source atop Matheran and it provides water to entire Matheran.
King George point
A must visit point in monsoon as it offers a beautiful view of the waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Chharlott Lake. One can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care. Strong wind prevents the water from falling down and throws it back.
Echo point
Offers a panoramic view and allows you to enjoy the echo's.
Sight Seeing
Mtheran has 38 points at which one can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. However to cover most of these points requires at least one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and maps. Maps are also easily available in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Given below are few points which shouldn't miss.......
