November 4, 2024
Matheran is a town in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, a testimony to untouched nature and one of the best hill stations in India. An automobile-free hill station, Asia's only, this pristine getaway is a unique escape from urban life at 2,516 feet above sea level.
The literal meaning of Matheran's name is 'Forest on Top,' and it lives up to the name since it is completely covered with dense forests, dramatic viewpoints, and cool mountain air. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquillity, or simply a break from the mundane, the things to do in Matheran cater to every type of traveller, making it a perfect destination for families and solo explorers.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Matheran is a charming hill station known for its pristine natural beauty, pleasant climate, and pollution-free environment. With a ban on vehicles, Matheran offers a peaceful retreat from city life, where visitors can enjoy scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and exciting outdoor activities. From breathtaking landscapes to serene walking trails, Matheran promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation for travelers of all ages. Here are the top 12 things to do in Matheran that you won’t want to miss.
Among the most exhilarating activities to do in Matheran, waterfall rappelling at Dodhani Waterfalls stands out as a must-try adventure. This 100-foot cascade is the perfect beginning place for experienced rappelers to test themselves. The activity is the thrill of descending with gushing waters, combined with the beauty of Matheran's lush landscape.
Professional instructors provide comprehensive safety briefings with high-quality equipment, so it’s secure as well as exciting. Post-monsoon time is the best time for rappelling as water flow is optimum and the weather is pleasant. It usually takes 2-3 hours, from the safety briefing to the time of actual rappelling.
Don’t forget to wear something that can get wet and bring a change of clothes. The trek to reach the rappelling point offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley, making it one of the best adventure activities in Matheran.
Start on one of the most thrilling things to do in Matheran with the challenging trek to Chanderi Caves. About 2.5 kilometers from Matheran's main market, these ancient caves are a great mix of adventure and historical tourism. This is an adventure; you must walk through narrow paths and rocky terrain in dense forest cover.
Intricate rock-cut architecture and as a testimony to the region's rich cultural heritage, the caves are believed to date back to the Buddhist era. There is a moderate difficulty level, so novice and experienced trekkers can undertake it. During the monsoon season, the surrounding area becomes a lush green paradise, with many seasonal waterfalls helping to add to the trekking charm.
Pro tip: Carry plenty of water and start early so you won't be out in the afternoon heat. It is a 3-4 hour round trip trek, so pack some light snacks and don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful valley views along the way.
Charlotte Lake, one of the most picturesque places to visit in Matheran, is the primary source of drinking water for the entire hill station. A perfect place for a nerve-wracking day trip, the serene lake surrounded by thick forest cover acts as a calm retreat. The surrounding greenery reflects into the crystal clear waters, making for a mesmerising mirror effect that photographers will love.
Walking paths in and around the lake are well maintained, and there are several sitting spots throughout the area where visitors can sit down, enjoy their packed lunch, and soak up the tranquillity. The overflow during the monsoon season makes for a beautiful waterfall at one end of the lake. Especially for families with children, the Echo Point nearby gives additional fun.
Although Charlotte Lake will appeal to the usual tourist spots, it is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon. But don't forget to visit the small temple near the lake to make your visit religious.
Louisa Point ranks high among the best things to see in Matheran, offering panoramic views that will leave you spellbound. The vantage point is very popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts because it gives clear views of Prabal Fort and the surrounding Sahyadri range. You can even spot the Mumbai harbour on clear days.
A 30-minute walk or a pleasant horse ride from the main market gets you to the point. Louisa Point is a perfect spot to watch sunrise and sunset on the rocky outcrop. The point is dramatic during monsoon season when you can see clouds rolling through the valley, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Early morning hours are the best time to visit, avoid crowds, and capture the best photographs. Louisa Point is also where you can see various local and migratory birds in different seasons.
For those seeking the ultimate adventure among things to do at Matheran. Kalavantin Pinnacle Trek is a challenge to forget. The trek, often called the 'Climb to Heaven,' gets you to one of the highest peaks in the region (around 2,300 feet above sea level).
It involves walking down steep rock-cut steps, some going back to ancient times, and requires good physical fitness. The iron rails and safety chains aid with near-vertical climbs to the pinnacle, which are the heart-pumping ascents. Then, the reward at the top is worth every step: panoramic views of the entire Matheran region to the horizon.
Important Note: During monsoon season, this trek is not recommended for Matheran things to do because of slippery conditions. When you trek, always trek with a local guide and proper equipment. It takes about 4-5 hours to go on a round trip from the base village.
Among the historical things to do in Matheran in 1 day, exploring Irshalgad Fort offers a perfect blend of trekking and heritage exploration. This lesser-known fort offers a different view of the Western Ghats and its Maratha history.
The fort trek is a moderate climb through dense forest cover till you come to the summit, which is steep. Many of these ancient water cisterns and memories of military structures on the trek route reveal the strategic importance of the fort during the Maratha era.
As the summit offers 360-degree views of surrounding peaks and valleys, it's a great place to photograph. The time of the year, with winter months being the best times, is when the weather is pleasant and visibility is good.
Little Chowk Point stands out among the peaceful things to see in Matheran, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquillity. There is less crowd there than in some of the most popular spots, and it offers wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The setting sun casts awesome shadows across the landscape, which are even more beautiful than they're pictured here, and this place is also famous for its unique rock formations. The viewpoint is a well-maintained pathway that is accessible to all ages. Little Chowk Point is also very rich in biodiversity around the area; we can observe different species of birds and butterflies as well.
When the mountains are cloaked in mist early in the morning, the place can be mystical and the perfect opportunity for photographers.
While exploring places to visit in Matheran, the ancient Ambarnath Shiv Temple offers a spiritual retreat amidst natural beauty. Here is a fine example of medieval Indian temple architecture: this 11th-century temple has intricate architecture, a peaceful atmosphere, and this status.
The temple houses an elaborate stone carving of the main shrine to which the deity Lord Shiva has been dedicated. Part of this temple complex is several smaller shrines and a peaceful courtyard where visitors can meditate or just sit and soak in the spiritual atmosphere, making it one of the Best Places to Visit in November in India.
When Mahashivratri, or the great night of Lord Shiva, arrives, the temple becomes alive with special prayers and festivals and becomes an auspicious time to visit the temple. Matheran has a very peaceful morning aarti ceremony, which starts your day.
For adventure enthusiasts looking for exciting things to do in Matheran, rock climbing offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Due to the natural rocky terrain of the hill station, the place offers different climbing routes for both beginners and experienced climbers.
With all necessary safety equipment provided, professional instructors in all the sections will guide you in your first guided climbing experience. Areas around Charlotte Lake and Louisa Point are popular because the rock faces vary in challenge levels. Supervised climbing sessions usually follow basic training for beginners.
Rock climbing here is best done in winter when the weather is good for outdoor activities, and it is more than just adventure - it offers views of the surrounding landscape.
Among the most romantic things to do in Matheran, watching the sunset from Porcupine Point (also known as Sunset Point) ranks at the top. This is a strategically located viewpoint from which you can see unobstructed views of the sun setting behind the Sahyadri range in yellow and purple hues.
Its spiky rock formations give it the name of a point; its spiky rock formations are called porcupine quills. The area has several nice places to sit and watch the sunset, which is pretty good when the sunset isn't too spectacular. On a clear day, the panoramic vista is down to the lights of Mumbai.
Visit about an hour before sunset to secure a good spot, and bring a light jacket as the temperature drops after sunset.
No list of the best things to do in Matheran would be complete without mentioning the iconic narrow-gauge toy train ride. The heritage railway, operated since 1907, provides a special means of getting to Matheran and a great view of the ghats.
The journey is 21 kilometers through forested hills, 281 bridges, and stunning views of the valley below. The train stops at several scenic points where passengers can take photographs of the landscape. It’s a 2-hour journey, with the train weaving its way around sharp curves and steep gradients and experiencing the charm of slow travel.
Pro tip: Book early (particularly in peak season) and choose a morning journey for the best views.
Rambagh Point offers one of the most peaceful things to do in Matheran, especially during the evening. This less-crowded viewpoint provides spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the setting sun, making it perfect for those seeking a quiet evening in nature.
The point features several comfortable sitting areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the cool mountain breeze. The walking trail to Rambagh Point is well-maintained and offers several spots for nature photography. During monsoon season, the point becomes especially magical, with clouds floating below eye level.
The ideal time to explore all these wonderful things to do in Matheran is between October and May. The post-monsoon months (October-November) offer lush green landscapes and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and photography. Winter (December- February) brings cool, crisp air and clear skies, ideal for trekking and sightseeing making it one of the Best Places To Visit In Winter In India. Early summer (March-April) provides comfortable temperatures for exploring, though afternoons can get warm.
Avoid visiting during peak monsoon (June-September) as many activities are suspended due to safety concerns. However, a monsoon visit can be magical if you enjoy the rain and misty mountains, though some viewpoints might be closed.
Planning your perfect Matheran getaway requires careful consideration of various factors. To ensure you don't miss out on any amazing things to do in Matheran, consider partnering with Trip Planners India. Their expertise in crafting comprehensive Maharashtra Tour Packages ensures you experience the best of this eco-friendly hill station.
Trip Planners India offers customised Best Tour Packages in India that can be tailored to your preferences, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. They excel in arranging Honeymoon Tour Packages in India, making Matheran a perfect destination for newlyweds seeking a romantic getaway in nature.
From accommodation bookings to activity scheduling, their team handles all aspects of your trip, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the various activities to do in Matheran. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Trip Planners India can help create an itinerary that maximises your time and matches your interests.
