Matheran near Mumbai – Sightseeing and Picnic Attractions at Matheran

“Mumbai’s nearest hill station, Matheran is a lovely picnic spot for both one day and over night picnic. Now in world heritage list and the most preferred pre-monsoon, monsoon and summer destination, Matheran is Asia’s only Eco friendly, pollution free destination with lots of sightseeing for picnic group. Most of the Matheran attractions are inside lush green forest surrounded by voice of birds, jumping monkeys and the silence of nature. No vehicles are allowed beyond ‘Dasturi naka’, Lets explore this hills more in detail..”

Quick Look : [ Climate and Basic Tourist Information ], [ Why Matheran Ideal for Picnic ], [ Reaching Matheran ], [ Matheran Toy Train ], [ Picnic Spots and Attractions ], [ Things to Enjoy ], [ Hotels and Resorts ], [ Pictures ], [ Updates ]

Matheran

Climate and Tourist Basics

• Altitute : 800 meters.
• Discovered and ventured : Since, 1850.
• Best time to visit : Monsoon, Pre-Monsoon (Winter).
• Temperature : Pleasant during monsoon and winter (15 to 20 Degree) and Little humid in summer (Upto 30 Degrees).
• Known for : Tourist Destination and Picnic spot for summer and monsoon (Hill Station), Eco friendly climate, Toy trains.
• Nearest Station in Mumbai : Neral (Matheran is 21 kms from Neral).
• Distance from Mumbai : 80 to 90 Kilometers, See Mumbai Matheran Road Distance for more details.

Why Matheran is preferred picnic spot in Mumbai ?

Few of the most important reasons behind selecting Matheran as picnic spot and attractions is that it is the most nearest hill station from Mumbai, One can reach via train and any private vehicle and can be back within a day, making it a real nice day to be with nature. Secondly, people in this polluted city needs break from all air and noise pollution, Matheran being Eco friendly with ZERO vehicle is the best to be.

How to reach ?

Via private vehicle, you must go towards karjat route (See Matheran Road Map on distance link above) and reach Neral, Your vehicle is allowed till Dasturi Naka, so park and start walking towards hill station (Half Hour to 45 minutes walk) Or Wait for Toy train that starts exactly from Neral station. If you have parked your vehicle at Dasturi naka, you can catch toy train from there, Or also get a horse ride which cost about RS. 150/- till Matheran toy train station.

Via Local trains, take your preferred route (See Mumbai Local train Timetable) and get down at matheran, Take a toy train directly to Matheran or hire a car till dasturi naka (Rs.50/- to Rs.60/- per person) from Neral station. One you reach Dasturi, then as detailed above take your preferred option.

Matheran Toy Train.

Now, if you are a first timer in Matheran, You must take this train ride at least once. This train runs on meter gadge rail tracks and is very slow. It crosses major road crossing coming till dasturi naka. If you want to enjoy deep valleys from edge of tracks, you must take a ride during your sightseeing or when back from hills.

• Toy Train Timetable (please visit Indian railway Website for updated and latest)
• Toy Train Pictures

Picnic Attractions and Sightseeing points

Alexander Point : For scenic and photo clicks, this is one of the best points covered in tourist spots listed, you can take a hirse ride. Think forst and other tourist spots can be seen from here.

Charlotte Lake : This lake side point attracts major picnic groups as it has Echo and Louisa point. Charlotte is a peaceful and silent lake to enjoy birds. You need to walk through a dense forest for about 25 minutes from market location. This lake is also a source of drinking water for local residents. See lake picture.

Hart Point : A ghat (valley) view showing greenery. It is said that the night view from hart point shows the lighted Mumbai city.

Louisa Point : If you are photo lover and want some nice clicks, Louisa is the point to click waterfalls, group of birds, valley and some other points that can be seen from here.

Other Attractions

Shivaji Ladder, Cecil Point (Waterfall for monsoon), Panorama Point, Chowk Point, Rambagh point, Madhavji Garden, One tree hill point, Porcupine point and prabal fort.

Things to Enjoy When in Matheran

Since, no vehicle allowed you can venture the mountains through a horse ride, there is also a Hand cart for old people. With sightseeing, enjoy you picnic with golas (Flavoured ice candy), Chikki (Specialty of Matheran). Be aware of Monkey, they are fearless and fast, they can jump on you to grab any food item you carry in your hand, Monkeys also takes away the plastic bags if they find something of interest inside.

A simple walk in woods can make your day too, Nice resorts, small village homes, muddy and stony road is what one cannot find in city life. A perfect picnic destination to enjoy.

Hotels and Resorts

There are both budget and expensive hotels that charges about 1500 to 2000 Rupess (Per person) upto 3000 (per person) in peak season (Winter). Below is a example of an cottage hotel famous in Matheran called ‘WestEnd’.

Resort in Matheran

Matheran Pictures

To enjoy each and every picnic spots, valley and other scenic of Matheran, Goto Picture gallery.