matheran

Matheran is a hill station, situated in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. It is close to Mumbai, the state’s capital and also one of India’s largest and most popular cities. It’s known for its pleasant climate and is a popular getaway destination for a relaxed vacation.

Matheran has many natural wonders (like viewpoints, lakes, etc) as well as historically significant landmarks. Some popular places to visit or see in Matheran are:

• Charlotte (Sharlott) Lake – A great place for picnics, bird watching or spending some quiet time
• Shivaji’s Ladder – A pathway surrounded by woods (trees) and having steps looking like a ladder
• Neral Matheran (Toy train rides)

Famous view points in the town:

• Panorama Point
• Louisa Point
• One Tree Hill Point (has one ancient tree which is a landmark to this viewpoint)
• Monkey Point
• Porcupine Point
• Alexander Point
• Hart Point
• Honeymoon Point
• Little Chowk Point

Matheran has a well-preserved colonial architecture scene, and also a few historic temples and forts. Some such popular places include:

• Ambarnath Temple
• Prabal Fort
• Irshalgad Fort
• Vikatgad Peb Fort
• Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

Most Maharashtrian and Hindu festivals are celebrated widely in Matheran:

• Krishna Janmashtami (Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna)
• Dussehra (a 10-day festival, where people worship Goddess Durga)
• Deepawali (festival of lights)
• Maha Shivratri (dedicated to Lord Shiva)
• Ganesh Chaturthi (Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva)

Matheran has some interesting museums and observatories to explore as well, which showcase its beauty, history and heritage, and narrate some great people’s stories from history:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial museum
• Aakashganga Sky observatory
• Matheran Wax Museum

There are many shops in Matheran that sells things like handicrafts, leather items, jute bags, Kolhapuri footwear, food items and clothes. Here are some popular shopping spots where these and a lot more can be found:

• Ratanbhai Peston Jee Kapadia Memorial Market
• Nariman Chikki Mart
• Tip Top Footwear
• Bhagyashree Bags

Matheran does not have any malls but the aforementioned shopping spots and some other ones in the town offer a lot for the shopaholics.

• Chikki – a bar made of peanuts, sesame seeds, and jaggery.
• Vada Pav – Consists of a deep-fried potato patty placed inside a bread bun sliced almost in half through the middle, along with a spicy chutney - a popular street food in many cities and towns in Maharashtra.
• Pav Bhaji – A mixed and mashed spicy vegetable curry, served with toasted buns and lots of butter – another popular street food.
• Solkadhi – a drink made from Kokum flower and coconut milk, usually served after or with a meal, as it cools down the digestive system after consuming spicy food. 

Here are some good restaurants in Matheran where the local specialties as well as commonly loved Indian and other foods can be tried:

• Pooja Pav Bhaji (for Pav Bhaji)
• Shabbir Bhai Biryaniwala (for Biryani)
• Konkan Katta (Konkani cuisine)
• Garden View Restaurant (Multi-cuisine)
• Kumar Plaza Restaurant
• Vihang Hill Restaurant

Matheran has many good hotels and resorts for a comfortable stay. Here are some good places to stay at in Matheran:

• Usha Ascot
• Redwood Resort
• Horseland Hotel & Mountain Spa
• The Byke Brightland Matheran

Matheran also has a couple of good nightclubs, which are a great place for people looking for some lively late-night entertainment:

• Pramod Bar
• Prabhat Bar

• Matheran STD Code – 021483 (to be used before dialling numbers from a device that is not locally registered)
• All in one Emergency Number: 112
• Police: 100
• Fire: 101
• Ambulance: 102, 108
• Hospital on Wheels: 104
• Traffic Police: 103
• Road Accident helpline: 1073
• Blood bank Information: 1910

Marathi is the main language of Matheran.

Marathi:

• Welcome - Tumcha svagat aso
• How are you? - Tu kas ahes
• What's your name? - Tujha nav kay ahe
• Where are you from? - Apaṇ kothale ahat?
• Good morning - Su-prabhat
• Have a nice day - Sukhi raha