If you are travelling to Mumbai or have plans to in the near future, then, not visiting Matheran could be a real regret! Yes, the intriguing hill station nestled amidst the Sahyadri Range on the Western Ghats is just an 80 km drive from Mumbai. You don’t need a special occasion or a plan to visit Matheran, one of the cleanest and most incredible hill stations in Maharashtra. Here are the top 3 things that make Matheran your next destination!
The Toy Train
You can explore this stunning hill station on a toy train! It’s the only toy train in Maharashtra and covers a distance of 20 km from Neral to Matheran. Hop on it while you soak in the beauty of the scenic valley. The narrow gauge track and the plush green hills will make you fall in love with nature’s beauty all over again. It’s the perfect gateway to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.
How to reach Neral- Take a train from CST to Khopoli or Karjat station & get down at Neral.
No Vehicles Allowed
Where would you travel in search of the cleanest and purest air in India? Matheran could be the answer and here’s why. It is the only hill station in India where vehicles aren’t permitted beyond Dasturi Point. You can park your vehicle and trek your way up to the hills which take around 30-45 minutes.
The Matheran trail is speckled with rustic colonial bungalows and intersected by a rail line running through the town. Also, if you do not wish to walk, you could hop on to a horse or opt for a hand–pulled rickshaw available there on rentals.
Fascinating Points
Once you cross the main market, you’ll find the trails to the look-out point well-marked with signboards to give you the right directions. Some of the most popular points in Matheran include Louisa Point, Echo Point, One Tree Hill Point, Charlotte Lake, Porcupine Point and the list goes on & on!
There are around 38 official look-out points in Matheran for the tourists to enjoy the spell binding views of Western Sahyadris, the amazing landscapes, the breathtaking sunset and much more. So, next time you are in Mumbai, make it a point to plan a one-day trip to this unique hill station!
