If you really want to breathe clean and fresh air then there is no better place in the country than Matheran. Free from the hazards of pollution Matheran is perhaps the only hill station in India that experiences a transport ban. Matheran is a wonderful hilly region located near Pune. Your joys will know no bounds when you make your journey through the shady trees and fresh air of Matheran, especially when it is for 2 hours in a toy train. The narrow gauge toy train from Neral offers the tourists a view that keeps them spellbound. Cliffs in Matheran near Pune are really astonishing. You will forget all the stress and worry of life and find yourself lost in the land of fantasy.

Situated amidst the Jambol forest at 803 meters above sea level Matheran is explicitly placed in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountains. Characterized by breathtaking waterfalls, mist covered valleys, dew dripped greenery and floating clouds this quaint little hill station is the best weekend getaway from Pune.

The principal market here brings you a variety of articles especially those made of cane and leather like hats, chappals and the special sweet, the Chikki. Vehicles are totally prohibited in Matheran, but if you want to travel on horseback then the option is open.

The languages spoken by the people over here are Marathi, Hindi and English. The best time to visit this lovely hill resort is during the months of April to May.

You can go to Matheran by the following ways: Matheran is situated at a distance of 120 kms from Pune. Thought a hill station Matheran shares excellent road and rail connectivity with Pune. The nearest airport is Mumbai, about 100 km away.

From Mumbai, you will get a local train to Neral, where you will find a tiny toy train awaiting for the tourists to Matheran. Mumbai to Neral takes about 2 hours, and the toy-train journey takes one and a half hours.

Some of the interesting places that area must-see in Matheran are:

Chouk
Panorama
Garbut Point
Louisa
Echo
Sharlott Lake

Places Near Pune

Last Updated on : 23 May 2013