Matheran requires no introduction. The smallest hill station in India is a favourite weekend retreat located a little over 90 kilometers from Mumbai and 120 kilometers from Pune. The Indian Ministry of Environment and Forest has designated it as an eco-sensitive zone. However, the unique reason to visit Matheran is to see the only town in India where automobiles are prohibited.

Matheran used to be a favourite summer getaway for the British before independence. Even now, Matheran appears to be a town from the 1800s, with little urbanisation and no sign of automobiles.

Matheran is unique in that it is perhaps the only town in India that has banned automobiles beyond a certain point – Dasturi Park. From here, you may either stroll along the railway tracks or hire a horse or hand-pulled rickshaw to transport you to Matheran. Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, seems like you’re in the lap of nature, thanks to the excellent conservation of wildlife.

Panorama Point, Echo Point, Sunset Point, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Fort, Louisa Point, Monkey Point, and The Mall Road are some of the most prominent tourist sites in Matheran. Horseback riding, riding in a hand-pulled rickshaw, nature hikes, and even biking are available here.

A few great restaurants in Matheran provide both local and other popular cuisines, including pure vegetarian options.

From Mumbai, take a day trip to Matheran

Your trip begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel/residence inside Mumbai city boundaries at the time stated.

Following that, you will join us on our adventure to Matheran, roughly a 3-hour drive from Mumbai through the Mumbai-Pune Highway via Karjat.

Arrive at Dasturi near Matheran, and commercial vehicles are not permitted to proceed beyond this point. The remaining length may be walked; however, the trek from Dasturi is a little longer but pleasant (usually it might take up to 2 hours).

Take a horseback ride, hire a bicycle, a local taxi, or take the toy railway from here. The toy train does not run (from June 15 to October 15).

When you get to Matheran, you will go to the following places:

  • Point Alexander
  • Louisa Point is a well-known sight in Matheran due to its waterfall.
  • Lord Point on One Tree Hill
  • Lake Charlotte

After your tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel/residence in Mumbai city boundaries.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP 🙂