Matheran Maharastra- A walk to Asia's pollution free hill

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Matheran Hills – Asia’s Only Pollution-Free, Automobile-Free Green Paradise In Maharastra

Matheran Maharastra -Walk through the old train tracks of Matheran and step into a childhood imagery world and fantasy. Walking the trail for about 40 minutes, you will feel that every turn is like the start of a magical forest adventure. While you trek, you will come across some dense green canopies and lush green valleys, and trees. Each space echoes with calm and unblemished nature. The earthy scent of forest trees and the peace that settles in the silence and air. Though you will enjoy the company of family and friends as you walk deeper into the woods, it can leave you with interesting memories and photos. As you go ahead with the birdsong that guides you, the way the valley opens up with some spectacular views that can be breathtaking. Slow and steady as you walk, you shall see the train tracks at the finish line and step into Matheran hill town. Oh yes! At the end of the trek feels like a dream and a walk into wonder.Matheran is Asia’s only place where automobiles and bikes are prohibited.Its an Unesco world heritage site. It’s an absolutely pollution-free hill station. Falls into the Western Ghats in the Sahyadri range. So just imagine how amazing it can get by just walking around this place. Oh, yes, you can also hop on a horse, Hand-pulled carts, or take a toy train to Matheran.

If you like it pleasant and cool, then drop by between October and March. In winter, it is quite cold and chilly, and it is great for sightseeing.

Hugh Poyntz Malet discovered it in 1850, and in the Mid-19th century, the British developed Matheran. It was a place of retreat for officers and families. The Governor of Mumbai, Lord Elphinstone, laid the foundation for the area’s development. Later, it became a meeting point for Indian freedom fighters and political leaders during the freedom struggles for independence. It was also a perfect getaway from the heat. It’s a very famous and esteemed eco-sensitive place

In Matheran, explore spaces and breathe absolutely fresh.

Matheran has 35 vista points which have mesmerising panoramic views of the nearby ranges with lush green flaura and fauna. You can witness some great sunset and sunrise from different points. To name a few the Panorama point has the panoramic view, From lousia point you can see different first and valleys, the Porcupine point has a brillant sunset view. Also the Alexander point and one tree hill points.You cant miss the serene beauty of the Charlotte lake. A popular spot in Matheran is the Echo point. Here you can stand and shout at a point and it reverberates through the valley. Is quite interactive and fun natural phenomenon once expreince.Its a major attraction for many. Garbette plateau trek is also a bit challenging.

Many come here for various picnics, one day trips, trekking or simplay just taking a nap in the mountain to rest and relax. Its very peaceful and refereshing.

Every place have some hidden spaces to explore besides the toruisty ones and we would like to bring them to light. The Mount Barry is a quaint and scenic. It is at an elevation of 800 meter and 2,625 feet above sea level. Its the highest peak point in Matheran. Its gives a panoramic view of the nearby valleys and the Western Ghats.

If you are an avid adventure person then you cant miss Rapelling down fron the Dodhani waterfalls which is seasonal and at the base of Matheran hills near Panvel city.

Prabalgad fort is an ancient fort near Matheran. Its 2,300 feet was earlier known as Muranjan before being renamed by the Marathas. Its very popular amongst trekkers. It features ruins, a Ganesh temple and a diversion to nearby Kalavantin Durg. These are more peaceful spots than the populated places but one need to preplan and go only with a local guide.

In Matheran while taking stroll across the hill station you can explore some local handicrafts and food items. Most popular ones are the leather items.good,bags ,belts, kolhapuri chappals. You can pick local gramflour chikki and sweets. Cane furtnitues,dried flowers and decorative glass birds are some tourist picks. You can feast on Vada pav, bhajis ,misal and pohe. Explore more marathi meals and thalis at local restaurants.

How to reach Matheran

Matheran Hill railways is a 20km (12 mile) tapered railway gauge. It was constructed to connect Neral to Matheran. It was opened to public in 1907. Its quite special as it runs through the beautiful Western Ghats to Matheran hill station. The toy train is a slow journey through forests, tunnels and steep slopes.

You can hop into trains from Mumbai, Pune to reach Neral.Then from Neral reach Dasturi Naka by taxi reach the last motorable point or Aman Lodge. By road you can drive till dasturi naka last from any city you wish to come from. Closest again are Mumbai and Pune. Mathern does have an entry fees of about Rs 50-Rs 30 to enter the hill station before you hit the old train track trail.