Matheran is arguably Maharashtra’s most famous hill station famous for its pleasant blend of natural beauty, ecological wealth and colonial style designs that characterizes its buildings & monuments. The hill station was discovered in 1850 by the then British district collector of Thane - Hugh Malet while he was camping around the village of Chowk. The spring where he stopped for a drink still bears his name. Impressed by its scenic beauty, the British developed Matheran as a summer retreat resort, with its foundations being laid down by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai.

Today although the British have left the country, Matheran continues to witness its popularity multiplied as a favored hill resort in central India, especially for people from nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune. Existing quietly on the Sahyadri range amidst the green Jambol forest, Matheran literally means jungle on top, and true to its name the hillock is at an elevation of 800m, (2,625 ft) above sea level. It exhibits all of the facets that enhances the beauty and attractiveness of a hill station, and has been declared an eco sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry.

The authorities, taking into consideration the uniqueness and prospects as a tourist destination have undertaken several measures to preserve its natural beauty. Most of its old British-style architectures has been preserved and are now heritage structures. The roads are not tarred and are made of red laterite earth. All vehicles (Except emergency vehicles) are banned here, a decision that resulted in preserving its forest and vegetation from being corrupted by the otherwise inevitable pollution. The only modes of transport are on Horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw, or on foot-a welcome change for the city dwellers. A narrow gauge railway line connects it to the closest town Neral, operating since 1907.

Offering several sightseeing attractions, a pony ride or joy walk through the hillock shall enable you to explore its 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and 28 points. Some of the must see points include Alexander Points, Rambag Point, Little Chowk Point, Chowk Point and One Tree Hill Point. For sunrise & sunset views, Porcupine Pt and Panorama Point are most popular. Charlotte Lake, the waterfall mouth Cecil and Olympia Race Course are also highly frequented.

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