subject: Matheran- Pure And Untouched Beauty [print this page] Set at an elevation of 800m, Matheran is beautiful hill station very popular among tourists for its beautiful landscape and spectacular views. This hill station which is considered the smallest in India, is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
Matheran is a quaint little town which in the local language means 'forest on top of a mountain' and was developed by the British during their rule in India. Its tranquility and serene setting soon brought it to the attention of tourists, who came here to experience a rather unique experience. Matherans uniqueness stems from the fact that it is an eco-sensitive region as has been declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Due to this, it is also one of the very few places in the world where no private motor-vehicles are allowed. Owing to this, Matheran is also one of the most beautiful, untouched and pristine hill stations one could ever visit. The pollution free ambience of Matheran is one of its biggest assets and attractions. Matheran takes one back into the golden times when all that ran on the roads were horse drawn carriages and bullock carts. Although you wont see bullock carts in Matheran, the most common form of public transport are cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled rickshaws and even horses. Being a rather small area, most locals and tourists go on foot in and around the place.
Discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet who was the district collector Thane at that time, this hill station was developed by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay as a summer resort. Matherans narrow gauge railway network which is also one of the regions major attractions was introduced by Lord Elphinstone. This narrow gauge railway connects the hill town of Matheran to the nearby town of Neral.
Matheran is situated at the base of Matheran ranges of Sahyadri Mountains that is famous for its many vantage points that overlook the surrounding hills and valleys. There are around 38 designated vantage points in Matheran, among which, the most popular ones are Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the valley below and the Louisa Point, which offers a scenic view of the Prabal Fort. One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point are the other popular lookout points in Matheran. Charlotte Lake is a prominent picnic spot as well as a favourite haunt for bird watching enthusiasts. Another prominent scenic spot here is Morbe Dam, which is also the main source of water supply here. The medieval shrine of Amarnath that resembles the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu is a popular religious centre of worship here and is visited by pilgrims from all over during the festival of Shivratri.
