Tour To Matheran, A Serene Hill Station In Maharashtra

Matheran, a charming hill station in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, is well-known for its verdant surroundings, serene atmosphere, and stunning vistas. The fact that Matheran is the only car-free hill station in Asia, guaranteeing clean air and a tranquil escape from the bustle of the metropolis, is what really sets it apart. Matheran promises a memorable experience whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat.

In the Maharashtra State, in the Raigad district, sits the hill station known as Matheran. It is the smallest hill station in India and is located in Karjat Town. “Forest on top” is what the phrase “Matheran” signifies. Lustrous greenery, calm settings, and a clean atmosphere. At roughly 2516 feet above sea level, Matheran is a great place for tourists to visit. The British developed Matheran, the rainforest on top, after British Officer Hugh Mallet, the Collector of Thane, discovered it in 1850. Because of its overall beauty and its undisturbed mountainous areas, the hill station is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and observers.

Getting to Matheran is half the fun; it is well connected by rail both, from Mumbai and Pune up to Neral Junction Station, a station at the bottom of the hill. While coming from Pune Junction, a fast train can be booked and reach at Karjat Railway Station, from which you can have local train to reach Neral, as superfast trains do not have stop at Neral.

From Neral a small Toy Train (Narrow gauge) takes you through a zigzag route of about 21 kms. to Matheran in two hours’ time. It’s a very scenic two hours.

ascent as the train winds its way around the steep slopes. Some marvelous valley scenes can be observed during this journey. Three small stations called Jumma Patti, Water Pipe and Aman Lodge are on the way to Matheran. The toy train can only be booked in advance from Mumbai or Pune which is a good idea in the high season (no reservations are accepted at Neral or Matheran but tickets go on sale 45 minutes before departure).

Mumbai-Neral, 90 kms. Neral-Matheran, 21 kms,

From Mumbai CST, only a few of the Pune expresses stops at Neral Junction, including the Deccan Express and the Koyna Express. Most (but not all)of expresses from Mumbai stops at Karjat further down the line from Neral, from where you can backtrack on one of the frequent local trains. Alternatively, take a local Karjat bound train from Mumbai CST and get off at Neral.

Pune-Neral, 120 kms. (Neral-Matheran mountain train)

From Pune take a one of the few Mumbai-bound expresses that stops at Neral (such as the Sahyadri Express) or one of the expresses which stops at Karjat and then get a local train from there up to Nerul.

From Pune

Set off towards Mumbai on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. Get off the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit after passing Lonavla/Khandala and get onto the old Pune-Mumbai road. Approximately 18 km later, you turn right as per a big green sign, in Chouk town. Follow the signs from then on.

One can also exit Pune-Mumbai NH4 at Haal Phata near Khopoli to enter SH 35 which will take you straight to the bottom of Matheran Ghat Road.

Car Parking and Entry

It is a steep and narrow road but well surfaced for the most part. When you reach the car park, find a parking space in the designated area and park your car. The parking entrance fees and daily parking fees need to be paid here.

No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. The Matheran center is a 40-minute walk from Dasturi Car Park. Before you enter the limits of Matheran, the Matheran Municipal Council charges a fees of Rs 25 per adult and Rs 10 for children.

Once you enter, red dusty pathways welcome you to the nature. Porters are available to carry luggage.

Stay at Matheran:

There is stay arrangement at MTDC, and it can be booked at https://www.mtdc.co/en/stays/mtdc-matheran/ for accommodation.

1) Day 01: Pune- Matheran

On the day of arrival at Pune, we proceeded to Matheran by Deccan queen and got down at Karjat, from where we boarded into Cab and reached at at Matheran. After check in the hotel for night stay at Matheran. Evening free for enjoy local sights at Alexander Point, Echo Point and Panorama Point. Overnight at Hotel.

2) Day 02: Matheran – Lonavla

After breakfast at hotel, we proceed for Matheran scenic location and capture some memorable moments, visit popular attractions like Charlotte Lake and Panthers Caves. You can also enjoy horse ride at Matheran. Later afternoon drive to Lonavla, Upon arrival at Lonavla check in your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

3) Day 03: Lonavla – Alibag

On 3rd day of the tour, after breakfast at hotel, we proceeded for Lonavla sightseeing visit Karla Caves, Visapur Fort, Walwan Dam and Lonavla Lake. Later drive to Alibag, Upon arrival at Alibag check in your hotel. Evening enjoy the walk at Nagaon beach in the evening and enjoy the scenic weather. Overnight at Hotel.

4) Day 04: Alibag – Pune

On 4th day of the tour, after breakfast at hotel, we proceeded for sightseeing visit Kihim Beach, Janjira Fort, Alibag Beach and Kulaba Fort. Later drive back to Pune.