subject: Matheran - The Smallest Hill Station [print this page] Located at the foothills of Western Ghats at an average altitude of 800 metre above the sea level, the name Matheran meant 'forest on top'. Matheran, situated in Raigarh district of Maharashtra, is known for its biodiversity as the place has rare species of flora and fauna. The core eco-sensitive zone of Matheran, situated at the base of Sahyadri Mountains, covers an area of 251.56 sq km.
It was Hugh Poyntz Malet, the District Collector of Thane, who first discovered that Matheran could be developed into a hill station. The place was then developed in 1850 by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, as a summer resort for the British. Lord Elphinstone introduced the roadways as well as the Mountain Railways (1907) to Matheran, which is being considered as the smallest hill station in India.
The major attractions in the hill station are 33 peak viewing points. Some of the noteworthy peak viewing points are Panorama Point, Echo Point, King George Point and Louisa Point. Among other attractions in Matheran are Hart Point, Porcupine Point, Charlott Lake, Paymaster Park, Panthers' Caves, Pisarnath Temple, Prabal Fort and Morbe Dam. The shrine of Ambarnath, which dates back to 1060, is one of the mediaeval worship centres located in the close proximity.
Matheran also offers activities such as trekking, hiking and climbing. Matheran is situated at a distance of 90 km and 120 km from Mumbai and Pune respectively. The nearest airport to Matheran is Mumbai airport (50 km). Matheran can be reached from Mumbai either by rail or road. Matheran Hill Railway provides several daily trips from Neral to Matheran and back on the narrow gauge track.
Neral is a railway station situated on Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus-Karjat suburban railway route. The journey from Neral to Matheran takes a few hours to cover a distance of 21 km. But the journey provides a scenic view of hill sides, plains, cliffs, plateau and Jambol forests.
Travellers from Mumbai to Matheran can use the road route. The vehicles will be allowed only up to Dastiru Naka, which is 2.3 km away from Matheran town centre. Matheran Municipal Council charges a fee of Rs 40 per adult and Rs 20 for children to enter Matheran. Once you enter the limits, porters are available to carry luggage. You can enjoy walks through the red pathways or a ride on horse.
Cool but pleasant and less humid climate prevails all through the year in Matheran. The best time to visit Matheran is from September to June. The hill station has a few high-end hotels and some medium range and budget hotels. There are no five-star or four-star hotels. There are, however, six three-star and four two-star hotels in Matheran besides some budget hotels.
