Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternatively, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there just as well. Matheran’s cliffs, with incredibely steep drops to the plains below, create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther’s Caves and Paymaster Park are Leisure, especially for children.
We go there every 4 months with the whole family at USHA ASCOT HOTEL.we went in a group of 28 people so we even got heavy discounts.it is place where there are no vehicles.theres no pollution in matheran.in rain its much good.mostly all hotels have swimming pools, indoor games and other activities.we used go play those small slot machines and 7up7down, blackjack.there are many points to see there such as 1tree hill point but I never visit such points on hill stations., except sunset point because I love looking at sunset.the view is awesome.u can travel by horse in matheran.
All motor vehicles are prohibited in Matheran, so the air is squeaky clean
However the only mode of transport, other than walking, is on horseback and hand-pulled rickshaws
Weather:
Temperatures vary from 16 C in winter to 32 C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms.
October to May is the best time to visit.
getting there
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 kms.
Mumbai-Neral, 90 kms. Neral-Matheran, 21 kms, Pune-Neral, 120 kms. (Neral-Matheran mountain train)
Mumbai-Neral-Matheran, 108 kms.
ATTRACTIONS:
Matheran has many ’’lookout points’’ that provide dramatic views of the Western Ghats and lush plains dotted with villages far below.
Panorama Point (with the most spectacular views, it’s a popular place to watch the sun rise), Monkey Point, Porcupine Point (popular for its’ sunset view), Louisa Point (on a plateau with views of the ruined forts Prabal and Vishalgarh), Echo Point (which really does have an echo), Rambagh Point (2 kms from Matheran towards Khandala and Karjat), Alexander Point (one km to the north of Matheran), Hart Point, Coronation Point, Chowk Point (at the extreme southern end of Matheran), and the One Tree Hill.
Lake Charlotte
Mount Barry
One of the highest spots in Matheran, this has splendid views. Governor’s Hill, another viewpoint, is between Mount Barry and Panorama Point.
Shopping
Buy chikki (a softer version of peanut brittle), honey, walking-sticks, and custom crafted leather footwear.
accomodation:
USHA ASCOTT is my favourite hotel.u can make bookings at mumbai office.
other best is RUGBY HOTEL