Matheran is one of the splendid hill stations of Maharashtra located at the top of the Sahyadri hills in Western Ghats. Surrounded with greenery and pollution free atmosphere it is one of the most attractive sights in Maharashtra. Set in the lap of nature this is probably one of the smallest hill stations of India which is known for maintaining its pastoral beauty in a pollution free atmosphere. This Hill station is surrounded with some popular sights that provide great opportunity for the visitors to have a splendid view of the surroundings.

Location of Matheran
Matheran is located at a height of 803 meters which is 2636 ft (approx) which covers an area of 8 sq. kilometres above the Sahyadri hills. Surrounded with a number of sights this is one of the most celebrated sights of Maharashtra.

History of Matheran
The lonely sight of Matheran was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the collector of Thane district. While he was busy in campaigning around the hill station he once halted on the hill top to discover one of the most picturesque sights in Maharashtra. His temptation forces to select the area and develop it as a hill station where he and others can come for relaxation. Matheran grew more accessible and popular under the patronage of Lord Elphinstone, the governor of Mumbai. He visited the place in 1855 and got mesmerised with its scenic beauty. He selected a beautiful sight for building a bunglow which was named after him as Elphinstone Logde. Under his patronage connecting roadways were also created. Along with a serpentine railway track this place has been connected to Mumbai and other important places. The splendid ride on the toy train passes through the spectacular sights of grassy hills sides, plains, sheer cliffs, plateau and thick forest cover. This excites the visitors towards the picturesque sights of Matheran.

Climate of Matheran
Matheran enjoys one of the most pleasant atmospheres. Temperature in Matheran varies from 16 degree Celsius in winters to 32 degree Celsius in summer with an average rainfall of 524 cm. The best season to visit Matheran is between October to May. As the Sahyadri hills receive the brunt of Monsoon clouds this keeps the hill station covered with greenery. The hill station is at its best during the end of monsoons. The long rainy season of Matheran enriches the region with breathtaking waterfalls, mist covered valleys and dew dripped greenery along with floating clouds which make it one of the picturesque sights in Maharashtra.

Culture of Matheran
People of Matheran wear some suitable cloths which are comfortable according to the atmosphere with long summers and light winters. With some common languages like Marathi, Hindi and English the people continue with some local business on Sweet Chikki, local honey, some beautifully carved footwear with unique cane goods which also support the economy of the region.

Attractions of Matheran
Matheran is all about the views. It is Asia"s smallest hill station. Following are the popular places of Matheran:

Louisa point: Louisa Point in the middle of Matheran, is the oldest spot with an English name and lies on the southernmost tip of Matheran"s westward range. The sight of the lake gardens and the beautiful waterfalls from this point are amazing. The view of the grand Lion"s Head is a popular site that resembles the head of a lion.

Panorama point: This picturesque point offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the green plains spread with villages far below. Panorama Point offers beautiful sunset and sunrise views.

Monkey point: This unique destination overlooks beautiful scenery of the Western Ghats and its intimidating mountains and deep gorges. It is famous for its mesmerising sunsets and many monkeys.

Charlotte Lake: It is also known as Sharlott Lake. It cleanly provides a pleasing view with flourishing green surroundings. Echo point and Louisa point are other attractions around this place. Pisarnath temple nearby is another attraction of Matheran.

Shivaji`s ladder: Downwards from one tree hill, the steps are in the shape of a ladder that mange to face up to even the most enthusiastic of trekkers.

Porcupine point: Porcupine point presents a great sight. Close to the point is Prabalgad fort which can be seen from here.

Echo point: This photogenic point is famous for the reverberations and echoes it generates. The peak also gives a bird`s eye view of the entire region which is a sight for sore eyes. Carpeted with a blanket of green grass, the mountains of Sahyadri are a sight to observe.

Alexander Point: The Alexander Point is a beautiful valley flourishing with natural scenic beauty. This place offers captivating panoramic views of the surrounding destinations such as Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point and Chowk Point.

Honeymoon Hill: A celebratory destination to a Britishers and the Parsis, back in history. It is another attraction of Matheran.

Prabalgad Fort: Now only the remains and ruins of the construction can be seen. One can find himself wrapped in a historic attraction. The fort was itself captured by Shivaji Maharaj from the Mughals.

Other popular places of Matheran includes Olympia, Rambagh point, Little Chowk Point and Hart point which make Matheran a popular hill station of India.

Visiting information of Matheran
Matheran is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by rail and road, while Neral is the nearest rail station. Inside Matheran, the available transport facilities are horses and hand-pulled rickshaws. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai that is located around 100 kilometres away from Matheran.