Matheran is a hill station that was developed by the British as a popular resort in order to beat the summer heat. This hill station has a thick cover of evergreen forest which acts as a giant air- conditioner keeping the place cool and calm. Long quiet walks along the shady green trees, accompanied by bird song is a treat exclusive to Matheran. Since no vehicles are allowed in to the town, the place's natural beauty has not been affected by pollution. Today the place has become a most sought after weekend getaway destination.

Lookouts

Matheran although a small hill station, has about 38 unusually named lookout points. From these points one can feast one's eyes on the Sahyadris and the valleys below and admire like a poet the beautiful and rosy sunrises and sunsets.

Panorama Point - The Panorama Point is a trek that can be refreshing. From this point one can get a clear view of Neral town. Sunrises and sunsets are quite dramatic here.

Hart Point & Monkey Point - The visit to these points is an rewarding experience in to itself. These areas are densely populated and are greatly recommended for the bird watchers.

Porcupine Point - This point is very famous for the picturesque sunsets.

Louisa Point - This point offers an undisturbed view of the ruins of Prabal Fort and also other grass-topped hills.

One Tree- Hill Point - This is a truly scenic spot especially just after the monsoons.

There are certain other points that are really kaleidoscopic like - Rambagh Point, Alexander Point, Malang Point, Coronation Point, Chowk Point and Echo Point.

Lake Charlotte - This lake is the main source of water for the town. It has become a popular picnic spot and is fringed by the forest and Pisharnath Temple.

Mount Barry - This is one of the highest spots in Matheran which offers spectacular views.

The Joyride

Toy Train - Perhaps the best part of the trip to Matheran is the ride on the toy train, through the Western Ghats, through One Kiss Tunnel and myriad interesting little points along the railway tracks. In your ride enjoy the sight of jumping monkeys, vendors and fruit sellers. Just let down your hair and enjoy the real life movie within the train unfold and the scenery changing behind the grilled windows.

Paragliding - Dare to fly high in the skies! If yes then Matheran is the appropriate site. Since paragliding is considered as one of the finest and exhilarating forms of aviation sport, it is very much popular among the tourists visiting this hill station.

Trekking - One can also enjoy the adventurous activity of trekking and Matheran offers this in abundance.

Shopper's Junction

Matheran is very much popular for its leather products. One can shop for leather bags, leather belts and leather shoes at reasonable rates. The shops of Matheran holds variety of Kolhapuri chappals which make them very popular among the women. There are also glass birds and dried wild flowers for sale that have a quaint appeal. The hill station of Matheran is sometimes also called as chikkiland because the place is dominated by a candy 'Chikki', which is made of gram flour jaggery and cashew nut. Chikki has become a universally popular sweet meat.

Food Punch

Hunger for food is one thing on which one has no control. If the food looks delicious, then our appetite reaches its zenith. Food of Matheran is also very appetising. One can relish Gujarati Thalis in Gujarati Bhawan Restaurant. Regal Hotel's restaurant is another recommendation for Gujarati food. Brightlands Resorts is a good place for those who have affinity for Parsi food. One can also go for mouth watering chicken and mutton in a small eating place called - Shabbir's.

Accommodation

More than enough options are available in the ever - green Matheran. Some of them are:

Brightlands Resorts Rangoli Retreat Regal Hotel Richie Rich Royal Hotel

Woodlands Hotel Byke Resort Usha Ascot Hotel Verandah In Forest Hotel Panorama

Temperature Graph

Matheran experiences a salubrious climate. S the place lies in an elevated region, it enjoys a cooler and less humid climate. The weather conditions of the hill station, especially during summers has made it very popular among the tourists. Temperatures range from 32°C (90 °F) to 16°C (61° F).