Matheran [closest hill station]

1. Location ----: 108 kms from Mumbai, Karjat Tehsil, Maharashtra
2. Attractions ----: Charlotte Lake, Malet Spring, Alexander Point etc
3. Altitude ----: 803 meters (2,636 ft.)
4. Best Time to Visit ----: October to May
5. How to Reach ----: One can easily reach Matheran by hiring private taxis or by taking buses from Mumbai.

Set in the lap of nature, Matheran is probably the smallest hill station in India. It is located about 108 kms from Mumbai city, in the Karjat Tehsil of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 803 metres. The pastoral beauty of this tiny hill station is exceptionally striking, more so because of motor transport ban in the region. This pretty resort was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, who was the collector of Thane district. During camping around the village, he came across a spring and it still bears his name.

The term 'Matheran' suggests "forest on top". Once the summer-resort of the British, Matheran is the preferred choice of city dwellers, to beat the heat of the cities. Matheran has a great market in the travel & tourism chart of India. Amidst the green Jambol forest, it is indeed the most impressive and notable hill station in Maharashtra. Cloaked in shady trees, Matheran can be reached in a two-hour journey by a toy train or one can trek through the lovely train of 11 km, passing through valleys from Neral. The striking vistas on the way would certainly remain etched in your memories for ever and ever.

Tourist Attractions ----:
Charlotte Lake is the prime attraction of Matheran, owing to its greenery and picturesque surroundings. The hoary charm of British and Parsi homes still allures people from both far and near. Malet Spring draws everyone's attention with its scenic setting and clear waters. Panthers' Caves and Paymaster Park are big attractions for children. One can take a wonderful view of the Towers of Bhivpuri Power House, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Borgaon Village and Rambaug Point from the renowned Alexander Point.

Here, one can enjoy traveling through hand pulled rickshaws or riding on horse back. Declared an eco-sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry, Matheran is an exceptionally beautiful place, in the company of sightseeing places like Mount Berry, Luisa Point, Echo Point, One tree Hill, Garbut Point, Olympia Racecourse and Hart point. A large number of medicinal plants and herbs thrive in the region. The red laterite earth here completes the vision of the bucolic and unscathed hill resort.

Accommodation ----:
Regarding Matheran hotels, this serene place has a few ancient bungalows that have been turned into guest houses. Here, you can avail all basic facilities. Since this place falls under environment friendly region, construction is not allowed here, and probably that's why Matheran has maintained its lovely charisma. Few of the good options available are Lords Central & Brightland Resorts. Thus, come to Matheran and see yourself, the beauty and splendor that have been bestowed upon it by Mother Nature.