Comprehensive travel guide for a quick weekend holiday in Matheran during monsoon

Monsoon is around the corner and the sweltering heat is slowly giving way to bliss! Cloudy skies, gentle breeze and the tip-tap of falling raindrops beckon you to step out explore the untamed beauty of Western Ghats, the gateway to monsoon!

Matheran is one such place that could transport you to a world in clouds! It is about two hours away, both from Mumbai and Pune.

Matheran is the smallest hill station in India and is completely vehicle free, which means no pollution, no crowded streets or irritating sound of constant honking.

Why Matheran is a great place for a monsoon weekend

Matheran is a paradise for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by lush green forests offering stunning views of the valleys and hills. You can enjoy the fresh air and the scenic beauty of Matheran by walking along the red mud paths or riding on horseback. Matheran has over 30 points of interest, each with its own charm and attraction. Some of the most popular ones are Panorama Point, which gives a 360-degree view of the landscape, Alexander Point, which overlooks the Garbut Plateau and Chowk Valley, Echo Point, which produces an echo when you shout, and Charlotte Lake, which is a serene water body with a dam and a temple. Matheran also has a heritage railway line, known as the Neral-Matheran Toy Train, which runs on a narrow gauge track and covers a distance of 21 kilometers. The train passes through tunnels, bridges, and curves, giving you a thrilling and memorable experience.

How to Reach Matheran

Car: If you wish to drive to Matheran by car, keep in mind that the cars are only allowed till the entry gate of Matheran. There you will have to park your car and cover the rest of the distance either by train, horse back, handcart or by simply walking up to the town center. Ample car parking is available at Matheran entry gate, however the parking is at car owner’s risk.

Train: If you wish to travel by train, take a local train anywhere from Mumbai and reach Neral. If you are travelling from Pune, take any Mumbai-bound train (keep it mind that most Pune-Mumbai trains do not stop at Neral), get down at Karjat and from there, take a local train to Neral.

Once at Neral, you can either take the Neral-Matheran Light Railway to reach directly at Matheran town center or take a shared taxi to reach Matheran entry gate. Once at the Matheran entry gate, you can use the same options listed in the car options listed above.

Point to Remember: Central Railway has announced that Neral-Matheran Railway will be suspended (like every year) during monsoon, however the train between Aman Lodge (Matheran Entry Gate) to Matheran will be operating even during monsoon.

What to do in Matheran

There are many places tourist interest in Matheran that can be explored on foot, on a horse back or in a handcart. Some of the most prominent ones are:

• Echo Point – As the name suggests, this place is known for its echoing phenomenon from the hilltop, along with its velvety lush landscape.
• Porcupine Point – Named so because of its shape resembling a porcupine, tourists throng this place for the scenic sunsets and verdant forests.
• Rock Climbing – Thanks to the many vantage climbing spots, Matheran is a paradise for rock climbers. This activity can be done at famous sites including Shivaji’s Ladder, Alexander Point, Prabal Fort and Louisa Point.
• Panorama Point – A popular scenic point in Matheran, Panorama Point is preferred by locals and tourists for the panoramic views of the Sahyadri Ranges and its serenity.
• Bird Watching at Charlotte Lake – The primary source of water in Matheran, this picturesque lake is surrounded by dense forests. The Pisarnath Temple is located on its left bank.
• Dodhani Waterfalls – Located at the foot of the Matheran Hills, waterfall rappelling at Dodhani is one of the most thrilling adventure sports in Matheran for both amateurs and expert thrill-seekers.
• Monkey Point – Monkey Point as the name suggests, is frequented by monkeys. Steeped in natural beauty, mountains, deep gorges, flora and fauna, it’s a popular tourist spot.
• Louisa Point – Louisa Point is a popular viewpoint in Matheran, a charming hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated at an elevation of nearly 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, lush forests, and the majestic Prabal Fort.
• One Tree Hill Point – One Tree Hill Point is a unique and picturesque spot in Matheran, a charming hill station in Maharashtra, India. The point is named after a single, solitary tree that stands atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

There are many more viewing points in Matheran. Your hotel staff or local guides will be able to give you information, suiting your requirement and time availability.

Where to stay in Matheran

Matheran has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, cottages, and bungalows. Some of the best places to stay in Matheran are:

1. Hotel Usha Ascot: This is a 3-star hotel that offers cozy rooms with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
2. The Byke Heritage: This is a 4-star resort that is housed in a colonial-style building with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a garden, a game room, and an open-air restaurant.
3. Adamo The Resort: This is another 4-star resort that features elegant rooms with balconies or terraces, a swimming pool with slides, a spa, a discotheque, and an indoor-outdoor restaurant.
4. Westend Hotel: This is an old-fashioned hotel that has charming rooms with wooden furniture, a swimming pool with jacuzzi jets, a library lounge, and an organic restaurant.
5. Dune Barr House: This is a heritage property that dates back to 1850 and has been restored into a boutique hotel with 11 rooms, each named after a famous British personality who stayed there. The hotel also has a dining hall, a veranda, and a garden.

Bookings

If you are interested in visiting Matheran for a weekend getaway, you can make your bookings at mtdc.co, which is the official website of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). You can find the best deals and discounts on hotels, resorts, and activities in Matheran on this website.

Points to Note:

• The tickets for toy train are not so readily available and there is no online booking. You will have to stand in queue for over an hour to get the tickets. The train also gets canceled at the last moment due to operational reasons.
• Matheran gets very slippery during rainy season so be careful while venturing out. The red mud sticks to clothing and is diffucult to wash.
• Maintain safe distance from cliff edges as the slopes are slippery and often crumble. So be very careful while visiting tourist spots and stay away from the edges of the hills.
• It rains very heavily and constantly in Matheran, so be prepared for a wet holiday.
• DO NOT tease monkeys or venture close to them. They are vicious and attack without any provocation. Do not eat any food items while walking. They are bound to attack and snatch.

Conclusion

Matheran is a perfect escape from the city for a weekend getaway. It offers a refreshing and relaxing environment, with its natural beauty, its car-free zone, and its heritage charm. You can enjoy a variety of things to do in Matheran, from sightseeing, to adventure, to shopping, to wellness. You can also find a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Matheran, with its wide range of accommodation options. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Matheran today and experience the magic of this hill station.