History
Located on a sidetracked plateau of the Western Ghats that overhang the Konkan, stands Matheran. The name is a Marathi term, denoting the “Woodlands Overhead”.
It was discovered by a British, Mr. Huge Mallet, the then Collector of Thane, in 1850. Matheran is located at 803.47 meters above sea level. Here time stops still and the world seems a distant planet that you had forgotten long back.
It is just 90 kms from Bombay (2.5 hrs’ drive). Varied types of plants and herbs, having medicinal value are found in abundance in the mountain jungles of Matheran. Probably the number of monkeys in these hills outnumbers the human population, and both the red-faced breed as well as the black-faced ones are found here.
Matheran is probably the only place in India where automobiles are prohibited inside the town. Vehicles are restricted upto Dasturi Naka, which is 2 kms from the town. One can enjoy the ancient mode of transport / conveyance by horseback or hand pulled rickshaws. Resultantly you get to enjoy a pollution free weekend where you can unwind yourself from the daily routine. There is also a Toy Train, which runs between Neral (in the foothills) to Matheran. This is an ideal mode of transport if you are traveling with children, as they are bound to enjoy the ride. You too will relish the breathtakingly beautiful scenario and get to believe that Matheran, and not Kerala, is God’s Own Country.