Matheran

Matheran is a small, charming hill station located about 100 km east of the city of Mumbai, within the State of Maharashtra. Because of the high altitude, this hill station has a cooler and less humid climate throughout the year which makes it even more desirable to those who are looking for places where they can get rid of the busy city lifestyle especially during the hot summer months. This is one of the cleanest hills stations in the country with a completely pollution free environment.

Located on a spur 803 m up in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats range, it's closeness to Mumbai and Pune ( 120 km) makes Matheran a popular hill station.  

Literally meaning jungle on top, this hill station was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet the then district collector of Thane in May 1850. But Matheran only became known when Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay built a bungalow, Elphinstone Lodge and introduced roadways in 1855. Thereafter, this hill station gradually became a popular tourist resort. 

Although a small hill station, it has 38 designated lookout points and the town, around 7.35-sq-km in area has a number of old colonial bungalows. Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, Porcupine Point, Alexander Point,  Echo Point, Hart Point, Khandala Point, Chowk Point, Coronation Point, Louisa Point, Monkey Point, Mount Barry, One Tree Hill  and Shivaji's Ladder are some of the interesting names given to these stunning view spots. There is a toy train from the foothills, which is a 2 hour ride from Neral to Matheran. A ride in the toy train gives spectacular views of dense green forests, mist covered hills, valleys and rolling plateaus. Horses and Hand pulled Rikshaws are the main means of transport in Matheran. 

Charlotte Lake

Also referred to as Sharlott Lake, this crystal clear lake is the main source of drinking water for Matheran. Situated in a picturesque valley it is a  must-visit for all the tourists to Matheran. The famous Echo and Louisa Points are on the right side of the lake and Pisarnath Mandir lies to its left.

The Mall Road

The Mall of Matheran is the favorite destination for tourists extending from one end of the road to the other. The place has many hotels, restaurants and bazaars. The main market (Kapadia Market) in this area offers several items for purchase. One can hire ponies for sightseeing from this point.

Kapadia Market

This is the main market in Matheran. It was built in April 1917 by Mr. P.N.Kapadia in memory of his wife. The market has many interesting shops and offers a variety of attractive items like cane and leather articles, hats, chappals, riding boots and food stuff such as popular sweet chikki made locally.