Matheran is a hill station, near Mumbai, in the western part of Maharashtra. It's popular for its cold climate, and pollution-free air as Motor vehicles are banned at this hill station. As one travels by the Toy train from Neral to Matheran the place offers numerous picturesque locations.

Districts/Region

Raigad District, Maharashtra, India.

History

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the District Collector of the Thane area during the mid-nineteenth century. The establishment of this location was laid by the Governor of Bombay Lord Elphinstone, under whose guidance this hill station was developed for recreation. The locale was created by the British as a hotel to beat the scorching heat of summer. The current toy train or narrow gauge train was built in 1907 by Adamjee Peerbhoy which gives the beautiful nature sites between Neral and Matheran.

Geography

Matheran is one of the tiny but appealing hill stations in India. It is situated on the Western Ghats range at a rise of around 2,624 ft above mean sea level. The hill station is located towards the east of Mumbai and the northwest of Pune.

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.
Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.
Winters have a comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry

Things to do

Matheran is famous for its natural surroundings, and it is the perfect place for adventure lovers. Apart from trekking, hiking and rappelling, one can also go rock climbing.
Since it is a no vehicle zone, one has to travel from one place to another on horseback.
The hill station offers many viewpoints such as Panorama Point, Matheran waterfall, Garbett point, Lord's point etc.

Nearest tourist places

• Karnala Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is located 64 KM to the southwest of Matheran. The place hosts more than 200 species of birds and it is also famous for its rich fauna. If you are a nature lover and you like hiking, this is the best place for you.
• Imagica: It is a theme park located 46.5 KM to the south of Matheran near Khopoli. The place offers various rides including water rides. The best place for a weekend getaway is in the vicinity of Mumbai as well as Pune. It is a combination of an Amusement park, water park and snow park.
• Lonavala: Located 60.3 KM south of Matheran is one of the famous hill stations in the Pune district. Along with site seeing this place offers a lot to the tourists from Mumbai and Pune. It becomes more attractive during the rainy season as the number of waterfalls swells in this season. It is a popular weekend getaway for people of Mumbai as well as Pune and surrounding regions.
• Mumbai: The hill station is situated 83 KM away from the capital city of Maharashtra. Mumbai is famous for its beaches, religious places such as Shri Siddhivinayak, Mahalaxmi, Lalbaug Raja, etc. and festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Gokulashtami. Most importantly it is famous for its Bollywood industry as well as National Park. The city has a lot to offer to its tourists.

Special food speciality and hotel

The place is famous for its authentic and rich range of kebabs, and vegetarian Maharashtrian cuisine. Chikki, a sweet in the area made up of Jaggery and peanuts or other dry fruits from Matheran is also famous.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Various resorts and hotels are available in Matheran
The nearest Hospital is at a distance of 31 KM from Matheran.
The post office is also 0.5 KM away from Matheran. 
The police station is available at a distance of 0.9 KM.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

Though Matheran has a pleasant climate throughout the year, the best time to visit is between October and May.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi