Exploring Matheran in One Day: A Comprehensive Guide

Matheran, a picturesque hill station in Maharashtra, India, offers a plethora of scenic landmarks to explore. However, with so many spots to visit, is it possible to cover all the highlights in a single day?

Points to Cover in a Day

Popular sightseeing points in Matheran include Panorama Point, Alexander Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Louisa Point, Porcupine Point (also known as Sunset Point), and many others. While photography and quality time are essential, it's challenging to cover all these points in just one day due to the vast number and their distances from each other.

My 1-Day Trek to Matheran from Mumbai

My experience trekking in Matheran during the monsoon season began with a downpour, yet the adventure promised to be thrilling. Let me take you through my journey from Mumbai to Matheran and highlight the beauty of this hill station.

History of Matheran

Matheran, derived from the Sanskrit term mataram, meaning "forest on top," is located on the Western Ghats, about 90 km from Mumbai. Discovered by the British in 1851, it was one of their popular hill stations due to its colonial-era architecture. Stroll around Matheran to admire the British colonial influence.

Best Time to Visit Matheran

I visited Matheran in mid-June, experiencing heavy rains and winds, which added more adventure to the trek. For better weather conditions, plan your visit between October and March to avoid heavy rains and winds. However, the monsoon season offers its unique charm and photographic opportunities.

Things to Pack for a Matheran Trek

Essentials for a trek in Matheran include an umbrella or raincoat, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, sufficient water bottles, snacks, first aid items, and trekking shoes. If trekking during the monsoon, wear Crocs for better traction on muddy tracks. Carrying cash is crucial as there is only one ATM in Matheran, and online payments might be unreliable due to network issues.

How to Reach Matheran

Travel from Mumbai to Neral via the Karjat-bound train, paying Rs. 25 for the general class ticket. From Neral, you can choose two options to reach Matheran:

Option 1: Sharing Cab -Take a sharing cab from Neral to the car-parking stop for Rs. 80 per person, a scenic 20-30 minute journey. Then, a 20-minute walk to the Matheran entry gate will cost Rs. 50 per person. Trek through the misty train tracks and scenic valleys, ending at Matheran in 1-2 hours.

Option 2: Toy Train -Travel from Neral to Matheran via the toy train, cost starting at Rs. 300 for first class and Rs. 75 for second class. The journey takes around 2 hours but is slower, with limited departures.

Scenic Treks in Matheran

Begin your journey from the Matheran entry gates, surrounded by green forests and mist. Walk along the scenic tracks, crossing winding curves that create a breathtaking effect. Enjoy the changing views as the breeze and clouds drift. As you progress towards Matheran city, you’ll encounter monkeys, but be prepared. Carry food inside shops or tapris to avoid unwanted attention.

The Significance of Major Sightseeing Points

The 38 sightseeing points in Matheran, including prominent locations such as Khandala Point, Echo Point, Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, and One Tree Hill, offer awe-inspiring views. Covering about 10 points in a day will require approximately 5-6 hours. If you prefer, you can also ride on horseback for a scenic ride.

Popular Sightseeing Points

The first sightseeing point is Khandala Point, where you can enjoy views of Khandala hills. Continue to Louisa Point and Charlotte Lake (driven by heavy rains, I wasn't able to capture photos). While returning, the views are equally mesmerizing. If planning to return to Mumbai the same day, start walking back by 4 PM. For overnight stays, budget-friendly accommodations start from Rs. 400 per night online.

3 Things That I Liked About Matheran

1. Matheran is an ideal 1-day getaway for beginners, offering a variety of landscapes. 2. The scenery provides excellent opportunities for photography. 3. At just a 2-hour drive from Mumbai, with minimum costs starting at Rs. 300 per person, the views and experiences are worth every penny.

Matheran offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone planning a 1-day getaway from Mumbai. Whether it's the challenging trek or the enchanting views, Matheran promises a memorable experience.