Welcome to your comprehensive and detailed blog on Matheran—Maharashtra’s misty hill station! This guide covers everything from how to reach, transport options, the best viewpoints, suggested hotels, a perfect itinerary, and essential tips for an extraordinary trip.
Introduction to Matheran
Nestled in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, Matheran stands out as a unique eco-sensitive hill station where “no vehicles” means clean air and tranquil exploration. Known for its fog-covered forests, scenic viewpoints, lush greenery, hidden waterfalls, dreamy vibes, and the legendary toy train, Matheran offers both an adventure and a peaceful escape for all kinds of travelers.
How to Reach Matheran
Matheran is located near Neral station on the Central Railway line in Maharashtra. Getting there is an adventure in itself, with multiple transport options leading up to the hill station’s main gate—locally known as Dasturi Point. After this point, all petrol/diesel vehicles are strictly prohibited to preserve nature and maintain the station’s peaceful ambiance.
1. By Personal Vehicle
- Route: Drive till Dasturi Naka; parking is available.
- Best for: Off-peak days—not recommended during monsoon weekends due to heavy traffic and crowded routes.
- Vehicle Parking: Charges apply at the gate.
2. By Taxi Service
- Easy Option: Major recommendation.
- Cost: Around ₹100 per person from Neral station to Matheran gate (Dasturi Naka).
- Availability: Just step out from platform no.2 at Neral, head left to join the taxi queue.
- Tip: Share a taxi for budget-friendly and quick travel.
3. By Toy Train (Neral to Matheran)
- Attraction: The vintage toy train is a heritage experience.
- Note: During the monsoon, the train service only runs from Aman Lodge Station (close to Dasturi Point) to Matheran station at the hilltop.
- Timing: Check the toy train timetable in advance! Sometimes you might need to wait hours, and knowing the schedule can save you precious time.
- Tickets: Available on the spot at the train station.
Entry Ticket & Payment Guidelines
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per adult, ₹25 per child is payable at Dasturi Point.
- Important: Online payments are seldom accepted. Carry cash as mobile networks are unreliable in most of Matheran.
Inside Matheran: Getting Around
Once inside Dasturi Point, personal vehicles must be parked. Explore by:
1. E-Auto Rickshaw
- Eco-Friendly: Recently introduced, runs from Dasturi Point to main town or close-by hotels.
- Charges: Approximately ₹34 to the main market; farther hotels cost extra—confirm charges in advance.
- Demand: Long lines on weekends.
- Tip: If your hotel is located further inside the forests, confirm auto accessibility before booking.
2. Horse Riding
- Traditional Experience: Hire horses for transport to points, town, or hotels.
- Pricing: Charges are displayed on prominent signboards.
- Best For: Elderly travelers or those wishing to cover large distances with little effort.
3. Walking
- Distance: Roughly 2–2.5km from gate to town.
- Experience: Best for fit and active travelers. Enjoy the tranquil, chilly walks surrounded by dense forests and fog.
- Tip: Most tourist points are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
4. Toy Train (Aman Lodge to Matheran Town)
- Scenic & Relaxing: Board the train for a rejuvenating heritage journey.
- Note: The train only covers Dasturi Point (Aman Lodge) to Matheran main market.
- Tip: If exploring with elders or kids, the toy train is a fun and easy option.
Where to Stay in Matheran
One of the highly recommended and personally reviewed hotels is:
The Royal Hotel Matheran
- Location: Just a 4–5 minute walk from Matheran Toy Train Station.
- Contact: +91 075061 11730
- Google Maps: (see shared link in the original video)
- Price: From ₹1,500 per person (includes all veg meals).
- Facilities: Swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games, dance floor, clean and comfortable rooms, surrounded by serene hills.
- Bonus: Download the video creator’s itinerary for a special 10% off per person with a unique discount code.
Tip: Four of the top resorts and hotel details, along with exclusive codes, are available in the full downloadable itinerary. Always check if e-autos or horses can reach your selected hotel especially if it’s deep inside the jungle area.
Perfect Two-Day Itinerary: Key Highlights
Matheran is dotted with more than 35 viewpoints, each offering breathtaking panoramas of the Sahyadris, valleys, waterfalls, and forests. Here’s a suggested, well-paced plan:
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
a. Khandala View Point
- Route: Easily accessible with a short walk from Royal Hotel Matheran.
- View: Often foggy during monsoons but promises enchanting scenery.
b. Alexander Point
- Trek: A gentle 0.5km walk.
- What to Expect: Panoramic views, visible waterfalls, and mist-laden valleys.
- Nearby Sights: Continue on the trail to reach Ram Baug View, Little Chowk Point, and the legendary “Authentic Echo Point” where your voice truly echoes across the valleys.
c. Ram Baug View & Little Chowk Point
- Trek: Slightly longer, on the same trail.
- Features: Deep fogs during monsoon, great for seasoned hikers or horse-riders.
d. Local Experiences
- If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, seek out hidden and less-frequented trails. Sometimes you might even come across eerie yet fascinating local spots, like the small old graveyard shared in the video.
Day 2: Nature’s Abundance
a. Charlotte Lake
- Popularity: Famed as one of the most beautiful and crowded spots.
- Best Time: Early morning or late evening for peace and fewer crowds.
b. King Edward Point & Echo Point
- Accessibility: All entry avenues are well-marked with signboards.
- Map Tip: Use Google or offline trail maps to optimize your route and save time and energy. Smart planning allows you to combine points efficiently—e.g., club Echo Point, King Edward Point, and Charlotte Lake in a circular morning walk.
c. Luigia Point & Lions Point
- Attraction: Spectacular massive waterfall created by Charlotte Lake’s overflow.
- Uniqueness: Deep valley and roaring winds—exercise caution here!
- Nearby: Malang Point can be trekked to with views of famous forts: Irshalgarh, Prabalgad, and Kalavantin Durg (visible in clear weather).
d. Additional Treks
- Garbut Point: Take the left trail en-route to town; a must for trekking enthusiasts, but it takes around two hours, so plan accordingly.
- Malang Point: Around 2–3km hike but delivers thrilling views. Good fitness recommended.
Essential Travel Tips
- Start early: Cover important points in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Horse rental: Select for covering distant or off-route points.
- Check toy train timings: Especially during monsoons; plan your journey accordingly.
- Pack cash: Network connectivity is poor, and card payments are often not accepted.
- Weather: Monsoon transforms Matheran, making it dreamy and foggy but also slippery—wear shoes with good grip.
- Food: Most hotels provide vegetarian meals only.
- Hidden gems: Don’t miss out on walking lesser-taken paths; they offer serenity and surprise encounters.
Quick List: Major Viewpoints & Attractions
| Viewpoint | Distance from Town | Highlights |
| Khandala Point | Very close | Foggy oasis, poetic vibe |
| Alexander Point | 0.5km trek | Waterfalls, lush valleys |
| Echo Point | Walkable | Natural echo phenomenon, vibrant crowd |
| Charlotte Lake | Short walk | Famous picnic spot, overflowing waterfall |
| Luigia Point | Further out | Giant waterfall, deep valley, breathtaking wind |
| King Edward Point | Trail-linked | Valley views |
| Little Chowk Point | On main trail | Edge-of-the-valley lookout |
| Ram Baug Point | Trek or horse | Overlooks deep green valleys |
| Garbut Point | 2hr trek | For avid trekkers, panoramic ridge views |
| Malang Point | 2-3km trek | Views of Irshal, Prabal, Kalavantin forts |
| Lions Point | Near Luigia | Rock-shaped, thrilling vantage point |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best season to visit Matheran?
- Monsoon (July–September) for clouds, waterfalls, and greenery; Winter (November–February) for pleasant walks and clear views.
Q: Are hotels accessible by e-auto or horse?
- Check before booking—some deep-forest properties may only be accessible on foot or horseback.
Q: Can beginners try the treks?
- Yes, most viewpoints are a short walk/hike. Garbut Point and Malang Point treks are for those with moderate fitness levels.
Q: Any local specialties to try?
- Visit local stalls at the market for Maharashtra snacks—Vada pav, Chikkis, and hot chai.
Final Thoughts
Matheran, with its misty forests, echoing cliffs, panoramic points, and friendly locals, offers an eclectic, eco-friendly vacation just a short trip from Mumbai or Pune. Whether solo, with friends, family, or as a weekend explorer, follow this itinerary, arm yourself with the right preparation, and discover Maharashtra’s last remaining vehicle-free hill station in its purest, fog-laced charm.