Matheran Travel Guide

Matheran, a picturesque, unspoilt hill station at an altitude of 800 metres is cloaked in green. Matheran remains quiet and unpolluted, so far removed from the maddening chaos of big cities largely because no vehicles are allowed within the town.

The roads are still unpaved dirt tracks and the greenery is allowed to have its way. The countryside remains untouched and beautiful, even though Matheran has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Thick, shady forests, steep cliffs that veer up to dizzying heights, a silent waterfall, a lonely river, red soil and velvet moss for miles around you. The pleasing disorderliness of Matheran lulls you into the realization that big city life has surely got to be very far, far away.

No cars are allowed in Matheran, so be prepared to walk. All cars are to be parked at Dasturi Naka a distance of 2.5 kms away from the town. Be sure not to get heavy luggage as you will have to lug it up yourself or hire a porter, so travel light. It is possible to take a pony ride up to Matheran from Dasturi Naka.

Beware of feeding the numerous monkeys - they will not leave your side if you do! Watch your belongings too as the monkeys are not averse to snatching handbags etc.