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.

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.

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.

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.