Matheran is the closest Hill Station to Mumbai and proves to be a popular tourist destination.

Resting in the Sahyadris Mountains is Matheran, surrounded by a shady forest and lashed with walking tracks there are plenty of lookouts that provide breathtaking opportunities for photographers.  Found in the state of Maharashtra, Matheran is easily one of the most stunning hill stations in the state if not the country.

Matheran means mother forest or forest on top.  It is one of the only places in the world that are free from vehicles due to them being banned, and this makes for an incredibly clean environment that is great for the body and soul.

Background Information on Matheran

It was during 1850 when Hugh Malet a collector for the than district stumbled across it when climbing the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder.  After this time it quickly became a popular hill station.  It is a stunningly tranquil place made even more so by the ban on vehicles and bikes.  It is a friendly town and is well set up for Indian tourists although a little shy of foreign tourists.

The monsoon season settles from mid June to early October and the mud-filled village does all but hibernate.  Weekends see a Matheran that is over clogged with day trippers.  The really high tourist season peaks from May to June, during the Diwali festival and Christmas, it is generally best to avoid the area to save your wallet from ludicrously priced hotels at this time.

Tourism in Matheran

Due to the no vehicles rule Matheran is a peaceful place and you will find that the easiest ways to get around are your feet, horseback or rickshaws pulled by man.  After the monsoon season is a brilliant time to go to Matheran as you can see the wildflowers in bloom and the stunning butterflies.

Golden Langurs are a stunning and not uncommon sight in Matheran and along with snakes and Matheran giant squirrels make for some unexpected excitement when walking around in the area.  Do remember to be careful of the bonnet macaque or Matheran monkeys who can be quite aggressive, after all they are wild animals.

There are some absolute beauties of walks around Matheran many head to lookouts where you can take some of the most breathtaking views you have ever seen.  The central area may often be crowded but once you step off onto the road less travelled you can often find yourself all alone.  There are many forest trails and you should always were good thick soled shoes and carry a walking stick.

When To Visit Matheran

One of the best times to visit the region is during or just after the monsoon season.  During the monsoon season you will come across brilliant cascading waterfalls.  And during and after the monsoon you will come across the stunning flora and the butterflies that live in the fields of wildflowers are just amazing.