Hill Stations in West India

Hill Stations in West India

Matheran Hill Station

Location

Matheran is situated in the Matheran range of sahyadris at a height of 2516 feet. To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral. Neral is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral Matheran can be reached by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function normally in summer and winter sseason but there is only one train to Matheran in winter.

Matheran is a fascinating hill-station 80-km east of Mumbai in Alibag district is situated at an Altitude of 800m. This little hill paradise has been left largely undisturbed, since the time when an Englishman, Hugh Mallet, Collector of Thane, discovered it in 1850 and declared it a fine place for shady walks.

Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai and Pune. Ideally suited for the weekend Matheran provides a break from the city. Perched on top of a hill and enveloped in shady trees, Matheran is ringed by walking tracks. The views from the look out, which drop sheer to the plains, is fantastic. On clean days it is even possible to see Mumbai from Hart Point.

Matheran has 38 points at which can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. However to cover most of these points requires atleat one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are also easily availbale in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Given below are few points which shouldn't miss

Travel Information
The nearest airport is Bombay (Mumbai), around , 100 kms/65 Mile. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you transfer to the toy train. Mumbai is 108 kms. away by road, via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms. away. Taxis are available from Neral to Dastoori car park. No vehicles are allowed inside Matheran and ponies are the favoured means of transport. Don’t miss the station, used by the train four times a day. It boasts a tiny steam engine mounted, with great pride, on a pedestal. It served the people of Matheran for 77 chuffing years.