Matheran

Introducing Matheran

Matheran (Jungle Topped), resting atop the Sahyadris Mountains amid a shady forest crisscrossed with walking tracks and breathtaking lookouts, is easily the most gorgeous of Maharashtra’s hill stations.

Hugh Malet, collector for the Thane district, ‘discovered’ Matheran in 1850 while climbing the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder; thereafter it quickly became a popular hill station. The place owes its tranquillity to a ban on motor vehicles and bicycles, making it an ideal place to rest the ears and lungs. It’s a very friendly town, well geared up for Indian tourists, but less sure of foreigners.

From around mid-June to early October the monsoon-mudded village practically hibernates. Otherwise weekends generally see Matheran clogged with day-trippers, while during the true high season – the peak holiday periods of May to June, Diwali and Christmas – it’s packed to the gills and hotel prices get ludicrous.

Getting to Matheran always used to be half the fun; from Neral Junction a narrow-gauge toy train (mini train) chugged along a scenic 21km route to the heart of the village, but the devastating monsoon of 2005, which left hundreds across the state dead and Mumbai crippled, also put a temporary end to such shenanigans thanks to track damage. At the time of research repair work was ongoing and it’s hoped that the train will once again be chugging through ‘One Kiss Tunnel’ by the time this book hits the shelves.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009