Matheran is a celebrated hill station and a great weekend place near Mumbai. Karjat is also the smallest hill station of India. Situated in the lush green Western Ghats, the elevation of the region is around 80 m above sea level, at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune.
The name of the place means ‘forest on the forehead.’ Matheran has been declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and is Asia’s only automobile free hill station.
There are several viewpoints in this dream-like place and the most visited among them is the Panorama Point which provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and the Neral town. Amazing views of sun set and sun rise can also be enjoyed from here. Another point called the Louisa Point offers a stunning view of the Prabal Fort. The other important points include the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh point etc
Distance from Matheran to major places
Distance: 83 kms via Panvel Exepress high way
Karjat – 23 Kms
Pune- 120 Kms
Lonavla & Khandala – 54 Kms
Mahabaleswer – 204 Kms
How to reach Matheran?
By Train
A narrow gauge train runs from Matheran to Neral, a town at the foot of the hill. Neral is well connected by rail with cities such as Mumbai and Pune.
Mumbai to Neral
Mumbai is a major railhead near Matheran. Trains such as the Deccan Express which run on the Mumbai (CST) - Pune route stop at Neral Junction (A town at the foot of the hill).
Apart from the above local trains also ply on the Mumbai - Karjat/ Khapoli (Via Neral) route frequently. You need to take a local train on the central line in Mumbai going to Karjat/ Khapoli and get off at Neral.
By Air
The nearest airport to Matheran is the Mumbai Airport (Which handles both International and Domestic flights), which is about 100 km away.
Another airport nearby is the Pune Airport which is about 120 km away.
Mumbai and Pune are two Major cities connected to Matheran by Road.
By Road
Mumbai to Matheran
From Mumbai you need to go to Navi Mumbai and from there towards Panvel. You get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel. 8 km ahead you exit at the Shedung/ Khopoli turnoff and get onto the old Bombay Poona road. After some time there will be a turnoff on your left, at a place called Chowk where a big green sign over the road asks you to turn left for Matheran. From then on there are regular road signs to guide you. From Chowk to Karjat rail crossing is 9 km, then 12 km to Neral at the tip of the hill.
After that the last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.
Best time to visit Matheran
The best time to visit Matheran is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy sightseeing places.
From March to May, during the summer season, the temperature may rise up to a maximum of 35°C and hence avoid visiting during summer months.
If you love to explore the natural beauty of the place, lush greenery and the cascading waterfalls, visit during the monsoon months, when the water gushes down with full force.