Matheran is a small hill station in Southern Maharashtra endowed with shady forests crisscrossed with walking trails and breathtaking lookouts. Despite the toy train being shut , Matheran still makes for a great destination to mire yourself in matters more important. Looking at trees, gawking at clouds – you know, the important stuff.
The Toy Train Is Shut, But Matheran During Off-Season Is Still Worth It
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What Is It?
Where Is It?
About 90km from Mumbai, Matheran is the smallest hill station in the country, nested in the Sahyadris. Matheran means ‘forest on the forehead’ and is a tiny patch of relief from the city pollution with thick forests.
How Do I Get There?
The best bet is to drive down and navigate till Dasturi Naka. You need to park your car at Dasturi Naka which is 3km away from the main street or the railway station. There’ll be horses available to ride till the centre from the parking at the Naka.
Best Time To Visit
Although monsoons are supposed to be the best to visit any hill station in Mahrashtra since you get to witness waterfalls during peak season {see what we did there? No?}. Matheran,however, is blessed with great weather year round.
What Is Unique About It
The forest trails are hailed to be one of the best in Maharahtra. If you’re interested in the wild, there’s animals like leopard, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, fox, wild boar, mongoose waiting to be spotted. Matheran is also home to medicinal plants and herbs.
Don't Leave Home Without
Pack some clothes that’ll keep you warm at night, mosquito repellant {just in case}, some snacks for the drive and hiking/running shoes and a torch for the trail.