Are you planning for a trip to Matheran? If yes, then read this article till the end to know certain things like how to reach Matheran, things to do in Matheran, places to visit, and more!
Matheran is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra that is worth visiting once in a lifetime. Be it a summer trip, a honeymoon, sightseeing with friends, etc. Matheran is a place to consider. Let’s now see in detail about Matheran in this article.
Where is Matheran?
Matheran is popularly known as the “Cutest little hill station of India” and it is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station as well. So where exactly is Matheran? Well, Matheran is located in the Western Ghats near the town of Neral which lies in the Mumbai and Pune rail lane.
Matheran is about 90 km away from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune. The hill station is elevated to a height of about 2625 feet which is about 800 meters from the sea level.
How To Reach Matheran?
As I said earlier, Matheran is an automobile-free hill station so, you can’t reach Matheran by your car or bus as well. The nearest place to Matheran where you can reach by vehicle is Dasturi Naka. Beyond this place, you need other transport options to reach Matheran. Let’s see how to reach Matheran in all possible ways.
How To Reach Matheran By Road
Mumbai to Matheran: If you are coming from Mumbai, take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-4) to the Chowk ahead of Panvel. From Chowk, head towards Karajat Road. This is the road that leads to Dasturi Naka, which is the gateway to Matheran.
Distance: The distance between Mumbai and Matheran is about 83 km and takes about 2.5 hours by road.
Important cities covered: Mumbai, Panvel, Chowk, Karjat, Dasturi Naka.
Pune to Matheran: Route 1: Get off the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit and take the Old Pune-Mumbai Road. Turn right for about 18 km towards Chowk Nagar. This road passes under the Matherang Ghat Road.
Route 2: Take the Pune-Mumbai NH-4 at Hal-Fata near Khopoli and then join SH-35 directly under Matheran Ghat road
Distance: The distance between Pune and Matheran is about 123 km and takes about 3 hours by road.
Important cities mentioned: Pune, Khopoli, Chowk, Neral, Dasturi Naka.
How To Reach Matheran By Train
If you wish to reach Matheran by train, Neral is the place you have to reach. Neral Railway Station (NRL) is the nearest railway station that has good rail connectivity to various other cities.
From Mumbai to Neral
DECCAN EXPRESS (11007)
- Departure: 07:00 PM from Mumbai
- Arrival: 08:24 at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Distance: 75 km
KOYNA EXPRESS (11029)
- Departure: 08:40 PM from Mumbai
- Arrival: 10:07 at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Distance: 75 km
From Pune to Neral
Koyna Express (Train #11029)
- Departure: 12:40 PM from Pune Junction (PUNE)
- Arrival: 10:07 AM at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Distance: 92 km
Deccan Express (Train #11007)
- Departure: 11:05 AM from Pune Junction (PUNE)
- Arrival: 08:24 AM at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Distance: 92 km
Once you reach Neral, you have a joyful toy train ride to Matheran. These trains can’t be tracked online so you need to get to the station to know the timings.
Are you planning for a trip to Matheran? If yes, then read this article till the end to know certain things like how to reach Matheran, things to do in Matheran, places to visit, and more!
Matheran is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra that is worth visiting once in a lifetime. Be it a summer trip, a honeymoon, sightseeing with friends, etc. Matheran is a place to consider. Let’s now see in detail about Matheran in this article.
Where is Matheran?
Matheran is popularly known as the “Cutest little hill station of India” and it is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station as well. So where exactly is Matheran? Well, Matheran is located in the Western Ghats near the town of Neral which lies in the Mumbai and Pune rail lane.
Matheran is about 90 km away from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune. The hill station is elevated to a height of about 2625 feet which is about 800 meters from the sea level.
How To Reach Matheran?
As I said earlier, Matheran is an automobile-free hill station so, you can’t reach Matheran by your car or bus as well. The nearest place to Matheran where you can reach by vehicle is Dasturi Naka. Beyond this place, you need other transport options to reach Matheran. Let’s see how to reach Matheran in all possible ways.
How To Reach Matheran By Road
Mumbai to Matheran: If you are coming from Mumbai, take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-4) to the Chowk ahead of Panvel. From Chowk, head towards Karajat Road. This is the road that leads to Dasturi Naka, which is the gateway to Matheran.
Distance: The distance between Mumbai and Matheran is about 83 km and takes about 2.5 hours by road.
Important cities covered: Mumbai, Panvel, Chowk, Karjat, Dasturi Naka.
Pune to Matheran: Route 1: Get off the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit and take the Old Pune-Mumbai Road. Turn right for about 18 km towards Chowk Nagar. This road passes under the Matherang Ghat Road.
Route 2: Take the Pune-Mumbai NH-4 at Hal-Fata near Khopoli and then join SH-35 directly under Matheran Ghat road
Distance: The distance between Pune and Matheran is about 123 km and takes about 3 hours by road.
Important cities mentioned: Pune, Khopoli, Chowk, Neral, Dasturi Naka.
How To Reach Matheran By Train
If you wish to reach Matheran by train, Neral is the place you have to reach. Neral Railway Station (NRL) is the nearest railway station that has good rail connectivity to various other cities.
From Mumbai to Neral
DECCAN EXPRESS (11007)
- Departure: 07:00 PM from Mumbai
- Arrival: 08:24 at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Distance: 75 km
KOYNA EXPRESS (11029)
- Departure: 08:40 PM from Mumbai
- Arrival: 10:07 at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Distance: 75 km
From Pune to Neral
Koyna Express (Train #11029)
- Departure: 12:40 PM from Pune Junction (PUNE)
- Arrival: 10:07 AM at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Distance: 92 km
Deccan Express (Train #11007)
- Departure: 11:05 AM from Pune Junction (PUNE)
- Arrival: 08:24 AM at Neral (NRL)
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Distance: 92 km
Once you reach Neral, you have a joyful toy train ride to Matheran. These trains can’t be tracked online so you need to get to the station to know the timings.
How To Reach Matheran By Air
If you are located far from Matheran, you can choose to come by flight. The nearest airport is the Mumbai airport located about 90 km away from Matheran.
- From Chennai to Mumbai:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E 136
- Departure Time: 3:15 AM from Chennai
- Arrival Time: 5:10 AM in Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
- From Bangalore to Mumbai:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E 5323
- Departure Time: 3:45 AM from Bangalore
- Arrival Time: 5:25 AM in Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
- From Delhi to Mumbai:
- Airline: Air Canada
- Flight Number: AC 2924
- Departure Time: 5:50 AM from Delhi
- Arrival Time: 8:00 AM in Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes
- From Hyderabad to Mumbai:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E 564
- Departure Time: 4:35 AM from Hyderabad
- Arrival Time: 5:55 AM in Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
- From Kolkata to Mumbai:
- Airline: IndiGo
- Flight Number: 6E 138
- Departure Time: 3:00 AM from Kolkata
- Arrival Time: 5:35 AM in Mumbai
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes
Trip To Matheran: Places To Visit
1. Charlotte Lake
Location: Near Matheran Railway Station
Specialty: A beautiful lake that is worth visiting in Matheran.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the beauty and relax at the lake.
- Visit the nearby Pisarnath Temple.
- Take a peaceful walk around the lake.
- Watch various bird species.
- Relax at the Cecil Point and Lords Point, which are nearby.
2. Louisa Point
Location: Close to Matheran market area
Specialty: Offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the ruins of Prabal and Vishalgad forts.
Things to do:
- Witness amazing views of the valley.
- Click Photos of the scenic landscapes.
- Enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
- Explore the nearby Echo Point.
- Horse riding.
3. Alexander Point
Location: A short walk from Matheran Railway Station
Specialty: Known for its lush greenery and view of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, and Garbut Point.
Things to do:
- Hiking through the forested area.
- Bird watching.
- Enjoy the view of the valley and the lake.
- Visit the nearby Rambaug Point.
- Have a picnic with family and friends.
4. Panorama Point
Location: North of Matheran and accessible by foot or horseback
Specialty: The most spacious point in Matheran, offering a 360-degree view of the Western Ghats.
Things to do:
- Click photos of the Panorama Point.
- Get to see the historical forts of Prabal and Vishalgad.
- Enjoy the view of the town of Neral.
- Trek to the point for an adventurous experience.
5. Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
Location: Near Matheran Police Station
Specialty: Famous for its sunset views and the shape of the point resembling a porcupine.
Things to do:
- View the pinnacle of Cathedral Rocks located to the west.
- Enjoy the cool breeze and peaceful environment.
- Visit Louisa Point which is nearby.
- Ideal spot for landscape photography.
FAQs
1. Are there any accommodation options available in Matheran?
Yes, Matheran offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and cottages to suit various budgets and preferences.
2. How much does a Matheran trip cost?
A 2 day-trip to Matheran will cost you around Rs. 20,000 for sightseeing, stay, and food.
3. What is the best time to visit Matheran?
The best time to visit Matheran is between October and March which is the time of a pleasant chill climate suitable for sightseeing.
Also read: Best 10 Unique Places To Visit in Mumbai
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