A Travel Guide for the Town of Matheran

Matheran, just 100 Kms away from Mumbai, is the cleanest and tiniest Hill station in India and probably across the world.At Matheran, all gasoline powered motor vehicles resulting in a Pollution free environment. Motor cars have to be parked at Dasturi Naka which is a good 2.5 Kms away from the main part of the town. This has resulted in a pollution free environment that lets you enjoy cool air. Matheran means "forest at the top" and true to its name, there is green vegetation at Matheran.

Best way to reach Matheran is by the toy train that starts from Neral Station. The train takes 2.5 hours to wind its way thru the hilly terrain and is an excellent experience in itself. Train schedules keep changing and one has to contact Central Railway enquiry office to know the latest timings.

Matheran is dotted with around various lookout points. Look out points are destinations from you get spectacular view of the plains below or across the Western Ghats. The “entry pass” to Matheran has the map of all the points and is a pretty useful guide. Some of the important points are: Panorama Point is referred as King of points and sunrise is best seen at Panaroma point. Mount Berry near Panorama point is one of the highest of the hills, offering a grand view of the Sahyadri mountain range. Louisa Point, Hart Point and little Chouk point have the finest views. Porcupine Point offers the best view of the Sunset.

Two interesting attractions are One Tree hill and the Charlotte lake. For a long time only one tree was found growing and hence the name. Interesting views at One Tree Point. Charlotte Lake offers immense walkways around it and is extremely relaxing to walk around it.