About Matheran

The hill station which is closest in proximity to Mumbai is Matheran. It is situated in the Sahyadri Hills in Raigad district and it is the smallest hill station in India. It is about 90 kilometers from Mumbai while it is at a distance of 120 kilometers from Pune. This makes it convenient for urbanites for a quick weekend getaway. The name Matheran literally means “forest top” or wooded head. This hill station became popular during the times of the Raj, since the plentiful shade and altitude (800 meters) made it cooler than the capital. Mostly it is pleasant throughout the year as it is a hill station, nevertheless in the winter the weather could get nippy. Although the summers could get as hot as 32 degrees Celsius and temperature could go as low as 16 degrees Celsius in the winter.

After the monsoons would be the ideal time to visit Matheran. The verdant greenery, the full lakes and the waterfalls add to the charisma. Hugh Poyntz Malet was acknowledged as the discoverer of this hill station in the year 1850. He was the district collector of Thane district. It was Lord Elphinstone who actually laid the foundations of its development. He was the Governor of Mumbai at that time. The USP of this hill station is the fact that it is free of all forms of motor vehicles. This makes the hill station extraordinarily serene. Matheran is one of the only three places in the world where motor vehicles are banned. Venice and the Prince’s Islands of Istanbul are the other two besides Matheran. The walking tracks are extensive, leading you to points that drop sheer to the plains.

Folks in Matheran generally speak in English, Hindi and Marathi. Matheran is also well known for preserving some beautiful and historic British architecture. You will also find many Parsi bunglows, as Parsees are known for investing in land, here. Roads here are made of red laterite earth and not tar. The main bazaar also known as the market, is a great shoppers paradise. You can buy many varieties of chikki, locally made honey, ice golas, chocolate and fruit fudges, cane and leather articles, hats, chappals, etc.

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