At a time when even some of the most remote tourist places have begun to suffer from pollution, primarily due to the increase in vehicles, can there be a hill station which can lay claim to being totally free of such ill-effects? Surprisingly, there is one, and it remains free of noxious pollutants mainly because no motorized vehicles are allowed on its tiny roads or the pathways that lead into deep woods. This is Matheran, Asia’s tiniest hill station but with lots to offer by way of scenic view points, long treks through forested areas, and a quaintness of its own.

Matheran, is Asia’s tiniest hill station and remains pollution free because no motorized vehicles are allowed on its tiny roads or the pathways that lead into deep woods. It has lots to offer by way of scenic view points, long treks through forested areas, and a quaintness of its own.

The best part about going to Matheran, the starting point for which is the railway station of Neral on the Mumbai-Pune route, is that you can buy a ride on the tiny train that traverses the narrow gauge track to the top, offering you on the way breathtaking sights even as it negotiates the bends and the curves. The train makes its way around the verdant slopes and through thick forest cover, passing on its way a ‘one kiss tunnel’ to take brief halts at Jumma Patti, Water Pipe and Aman.

Known as the ‘pedestrian’ hill station because all vehicles have to per force stop at Dasturi and tourists have to either walk or hitch a horse ride into Matheran, it is perched at 803 meters above the sea level. The hill station in itself is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking trails leading to several vantage points from where you can have stunning views. It is also marked by its market place – a single street – which houses restaurants and shops. Spread across Matheran is a mix of homes and hotels – some still retaining their old-world charm of spacious bungalows while the others offering the most modern conveniences.

The nearest airport is Mumbai, 110 kms away. If you are travelling in your own car, the nearest halting point is Dasturi where you can park it for a fee. The mini train covers the 21 km distance from Neral to Matheran is about two hours and operates at fixed hours except for the monsoon season when the service is suspended. For accommodation you can check out the MTDC Holiday Resort at Dasturi Naka.

Hotels in Matheran (Source: India The Journey, Edition-2005)