Matheran, at about 800 metres in Raigad district, was developed as a hill station in the 1850s by Hugh Malet, a British district collector. It is one of the only hill stations in Asia where motor vehicles are banned, and it is an eco-sensitive zone. The quiet, the forest and the red laterite paths are its charm.
The things to do in Matheran involve walking or riding between more than 30 viewpoints on the plateau's edge, riding the narrow-gauge toy train up from Neral, picnicking by Charlotte Lake and exploring colonial bungalows. Horses, hand-pulled rickshaws and newer battery rickshaws carry those who do not want to walk.
One or two days is enough. October to May is the main season; the monsoon is spectacular but very wet and muddy, and the toy train may be suspended.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Matheran travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Matheran
- Ride the toy train from Neral
- Watch sunrise at Panorama Point
- See the view from Louisa Point
- Shout at Echo Point
- Look for One Tree Hill
- Watch sunset at Porcupine (Sunset) Point
- Picnic by Charlotte Lake
- Ride a horse on the forest trails
- Walk past colonial bungalows
- Buy chikki and leather slippers
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Maharashtra.
Interested in the history? See our guide to the mountain railways of India.
Getting up there
Ride the toy train
The Neral–Matheran Light Railway, opened in 1907, climbs about 20 km on a two-foot gauge through forest and around hairpin loops. The journey takes a couple of hours. Services are often suspended during the monsoon and after landslides, and a shuttle runs between Aman Lodge and Matheran. Check the current schedule.
- Time needed
- About 2 hours
- Good to know
- Check whether the full route is running
Walk in from Dasturi
Taxis from Neral stop at Dasturi (the car park), about 2.5 km from the town. From there, walk, ride a horse or take a hand-rickshaw or battery rickshaw into town. An entry fee is charged.
Viewpoints
Watch sunrise at Panorama Point
Panorama Point, at the northern tip of the plateau, gives a 360-degree view and is the best place for sunrise. On clear days you can see as far as Neral and the plains.
It is a longish walk from the main market, so leave early with a torch. The paths are well marked, and small stalls near the point sell tea and snacks.
- Best time
- Sunrise
See Louisa Point
Louisa Point looks across to the ruins of Prabalgad fort and the Kalavantin pinnacle. Waterfalls pour from the cliffs in the monsoon.
Shout at Echo Point
At Echo Point, your voice bounces back from the valley. It also has zipline and valley-crossing activities at times.
Look for One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill, named for the single tree on a rocky outcrop, can be seen from One Tree Hill Point. A steep path leads down to Neral from here, used by trekkers.
Watch sunset at Porcupine Point
Porcupine Point, also called Sunset Point, is the most popular spot for sunset, facing west over layers of hills.
- Best time
- Sunset
See Alexander, Garbut and Hart points
The plateau has dozens of other points, including Alexander Point over the Chowk valley, Garbut Point to the east and Hart Point near the market. Walking a loop between several is the best way to spend a day.
Lake, forest and town
Picnic by Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake, the source of Matheran's drinking water, is surrounded by forest, with the Pisarnath temple nearby. Swimming is not allowed. In the monsoon, the lake overflows into a waterfall.
Ride a horse
Horse rides between points are popular with families. Agree on the route and price before starting, and choose well-kept horses.
- Good for
- Families
Walk past colonial bungalows
Old bungalows, some now hotels, line the forest lanes. Their verandas and gardens, and the old Anglican church, give Matheran a gentle Raj-era feel.
Buy chikki and slippers
The market road sells chikki, fudge and leather slippers made by local craftsmen.
By season
October to February
Cool, clear days for viewpoints and walks, and the toy train is usually running.
March to May
Warm but pleasant on the plateau; the most popular weekend season.
June to September
Heavy rain, thick fog and muddy paths. The forest is lush and waterfalls pour from the cliffs, but the toy train is often suspended.
Things to do in Matheran by type of traveller
Families: The toy train, horse rides, Charlotte Lake and a few easy points.
Couples: Sunrise at Panorama Point, sunset at Porcupine and walks in the quiet forest.
Trekkers: Walk up from Neral or trek nearby Prabalgad and Kalavantin.
Weekenders from Mumbai: Take an early local train to Neral, spend the day walking between points, and stay one night for sunrise at Panorama Point.
What to do in Matheran with one day
Arrive by toy train or from Dasturi, and walk to Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point and Echo Point. Have lunch in the market, continue to One Tree Hill and end at Porcupine Point for sunset.
Practical tips for Matheran
- Neral, on the Mumbai suburban railway, is the base; Matheran is about two to three hours from Mumbai.
- No private vehicles are allowed; pack light and wear good walking shoes.
- The toy train is often suspended in the monsoon; check before you go.
- Paths are muddy in the monsoon and dusty in summer.
Plan the rest of your Matheran trip
Matheran things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Matheran?
Ride the toy train, walk to Panorama, Louisa, Echo and Porcupine points, picnic by Charlotte Lake, ride a horse and explore the colonial bungalows.
Are cars allowed in Matheran?
No. Motor vehicles stop at Dasturi, about 2.5 km from town. You walk, ride a horse or use a rickshaw from there.
Is the Matheran toy train running?
It runs in the dry season, often with suspensions in the monsoon. Check the current schedule.
How many days are enough for Matheran?
One to two days.
Is Matheran good for a family trip?
Yes. The toy train, horse rides, Charlotte Lake and gentle walks make it popular with families, and the lack of traffic is a big plus.
Things to do near Matheran
- Things to do in Lonavala: caves and forts
- Things to do in Mumbai: about two to three hours away
- Things to do in Pune: about three hours away
More things to do in Maharashtra
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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