Matheran is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The picturesque location and refreshing climate make this place the perfect getaway from the monotony of city life. What’s more, you can visit Matheran at any time of the year. Avoiding peak tourist season means that journeys to Matheran are much more affordable than many other hill stations. It also has some of the best hotels in Matheran.
Even better, there are very few hotels so it won’t cost you a small fortune to spend a night or two here. If you’re looking for somewhere affordable but with all the same natural beauty as other hill stations, then read on to learn everything you need to know about Matheran.
Matheran Travel Guide
Matheran is a small hill station in the Western Ghats, located in the state of Maharashtra. It was declared the first ever National Park in India and the only one in the state of Maharashtra. It is a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike. The place is known for its lush green forest and fresh atmosphere. Matheran is known for its scenic beauty along with its rich history. There are many things to do in Matheran.
The place offers a lot of scenic beauty and is the perfect place for trekking, photography, bird watching and hiking. You can visit the various places inside the National Park like Squirrel Point, the old Matheran Railway Station, the WILD FLORA, etc. You can also visit outside the National Park like the Patil Wadi and the Pratap Vilas Palace.
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When to Visit Matheran?
Matheran is a beautiful destination that is worth visiting all year round. That being said, the best time to visit Matheran is during the monsoons when the weather is cool and beautiful. While Matheran is not rainforest-like like many other hill stations, it can get extremely humid during the monsoon season so it’s best to avoid this period altogether.
If you avoid the monsoon season, then visit Matheran in the winter months (October-February) for milder temperatures. Alternatively, visit during the summer months (March-June) for hot and humid weather.
Things to do in Matheran
The best way to enjoy Matheran is to walk around the various trails that provide amazing views at every turn. The most popular trail is the Pratap Trail which takes you to the Pratap Vilas Palace. This trail is quite steep with a lot of steps leading up to the Palace.
You can also enjoy walking through the Matheran Railway Station and the Railway Swimming Pool. If you’re looking for a more challenging trail, then you should check out the Nisle Ridge trail. This one is long but worth the views. If you love wildlife, then don’t forget to check out the WILDFLORA. This is a spot where you can catch a glimpse of a variety of birds. You can also visit Squirrel Point, a great place to spot the red squirrel.
How to reach Matheran?
If you’re visiting Matheran from Mumbai or Pune, then you’ll need to start by taking a train. There are two ways to do this. If you’re travelling from Mumbai, then take a train to Thane and then a transfer to the Matheran Railway Station. There are two trains that leave from Mumbai at 9:40 PM and 10:40 PM and arrive at Matheran at 9:15 AM and 10:15 AM. If you’re visiting from Pune, then take a train to Karjat and transfer to the Matheran Railway Station. There are two trains that leave from Pune at 5:45 PM and 7:00 PM and arrive at Matheran at 5:15 AM and 7:15 AM.
Stay Options in Matheran
There are very few hotels and guest houses in Matheran so make sure to book in advance or you might not find a room at all. The best place to stay in the Forest Rest House which is an official accommodation in Matheran. The Forest Rest House is a government-run hotel and is relatively cheap.
Outside of the Forest Rest House, If you are looking for Best Luxury Hotels in Matheran such as the Hotel Panorama and the Usha Ascot. Both hotels are more luxurious than the Forest Rest House and are best suited for couples and families.
Conclusion
Matheran is the first ever national park in India and is located in the Western Ghats. This beautiful destination is located in the state of Maharashtra and is known for its lush green surroundings. Matheran is a great place to visit year-round and is best during the monsoon when the weather is cooler. If you’re visiting Matheran, then you can enjoy trails that are full of challenging paths, wildlife, and beautiful views.
