Matheran is a charming hill station situated at an elevation of approximately 2,635 feet within the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, India. Established in 1850 CE by Hugh Malet, who served as the district collector of Thane, it ranks as one of the premier hill stations in Maharashtra and among the favored destinations for weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune. Matheran is recognized as Asia’s sole automobile-free hill station and has been designated as an eco-sensitive area by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. This picturesque hill town is renowned for its delightful climate, verdant landscapes, and breathtaking vistas of the adjacent mountains. Visitors can enjoy the iconic toy train ride, embrace the vehicle-free environment, and explore various viewpoints to appreciate the magnificent views of the valley during their Matheran 2-day trip itinerary.
Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake, often referred to as Sharlott Lake, is a prominent attraction included in Matheran tour packages. Constructed in 1956 AD, this lake reaches a depth of 50 feet and serves as the primary source of drinking water for Matheran. The water from this reservoir is filtered and distributed throughout the town of Matheran, one of the notable places to visit near Mumbai. Visitors to this serene lake can enjoy exploring the surrounding wooded nature trails and designated picnic areas, as well as admire the picturesque small dam and its cascading waterfalls. The lake is particularly stunning during the monsoon season, although it tends to dry up in the summer months. Additionally, one can also visit the ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Temple situated on the left bank of the lake. For bird enthusiasts, early morning or evening visits to the lake provide an opportunity to observe a variety of vibrant bird species.
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King George Point
King George Point is a stunning vantage point located between Echo Point and Charlotte Lake in Matheran, one of the key tourist places near Pune. Surrounded by lush greenery and undulating hills, this viewpoint provides sweeping vistas of the adjacent valleys and the serene Charlotte Lake. It also serves as a prime location for viewing the magnificent waterfalls that emerge from the overflowing waters of Charlotte Lake during the monsoon season. This site is an ideal retreat from the polluted urban environment, offering a chance to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit, making it an essential inclusion in Maharashtra tour packages.
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Echo Point
Perched atop a cliff, Echo Point stands as a prominent attraction in the Matheran hill station, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as part of the Matheran tour from Mumbai. True to its name, Echo Point is renowned for the echoes that resonate from the mountains. Beyond this auditory experience, the viewpoint is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and remarkably pleasant climate. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Matheran region, which is among the finest hill stations near Pune. Carpeted with a blanket of green grass, the mountains of Sahyadri are a stunning visual spectacle from this point. Echo Point also caters to adventure enthusiasts with activities such as rope climbing and zip lining. The site attracts numerous visitors during the monsoon season when the place is dotted with magnificent waterfalls.
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Louisa Point
Louisa Point is another spectacular vantage point situated in Matheran. It is one of the prime tourist places in Matheran which provides beautiful views of the surrounding area along with the historical forts Vishalgad and Prabalgad. This location is ideal for witnessing breathtaking sunsets, majestic mountains, and verdant foliage. During the monsoon season, numerous unnamed waterfalls can be observed cascading down the nearby hills. Additionally, valley crossing activities are organized here, linking Louisa Point to the adjacent Honeymoon Point, making it one of the top things to do as part of the Matheran tour from Pune.
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Porcupine Point / Sunset Point
Also known as Sunset Point, Porcupine Point is an attractive vantage point in Matheran, among the most scenic hill stations near Mumbai. The name Porcupine Point originated from the bird Porcupine as the shape of the place is identical to the shape of this bird. It is famous for the mind-stirring view of Matheran during the sunset and an unparalleled view of the Prabalgad Fort situated nearby. In addition, Porcupine Point is the famous Cathedral Rock positioned to the west of Sunset Point. The location is blessed with scenic surroundings and dense forests. The calm and cool atmosphere mesmerizes the travelers. The place can be accessed by walk or horse, but walking is the preferred mode of reaching this place. It can also be accessed from Dhodani village and this trail offers wonderful views while here as part of the Matheran adventure tour packages.
Must Visit : Waterfalls near Pune
Alexander Point
With emerald greenery and a peaceful aura, Alexander Point stands out as one of the most picturesque viewpoints in Matheran, one of the famous weekend getaways from Mumbai. Situated along Madhavji Road, this location provides stunning vistas of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk Point, the nearby village of Borgaon, and the meandering Ulhas River. It serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. One can comfortably spend hours here, connecting with the essence of Mother Nature. The beautiful view of the towers of Bhivpuri Power House is amazing from this cliff as part of the Matheran couple packages. Additionally, the sunrise view from this point is captivating and highly favored by the local community. The introduction of a 1300-foot zip line extending from Alexander Point to Rambaug Point has further increased its popularity.
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Rambaug Point
Located between Alexander Point and Little Chowk Point, Rambagh Point stands out as one of the most captivating places to visit as part of the Matheran 2-day tour. This viewpoint provides breathtaking vistas of the verdant landscape and stunning mountains. From Rambagh Point, visitors can easily spot Khandala, Garbut Point, and Karjat. Renowned as one of the most popular picnic locations in the area, the point boasts a delightful atmosphere, and it is also an ideal spot to experience some of the most exquisite sunset views imaginable.
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Shivaji’s Ladder
Shivaji’s Ladder is another prominent place situated on the way to One Tree Hill Point in Matheran, among the best weekend getaways from Pune. Shivaji’s Ladder is a pathway featuring steps like a ladder situated between One Tree Hill Point and Matheran Valley. As per historians, the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji often used this pathway for his pleasure trips and hunting in the Matheran hills. This historical pathway was rediscovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, district collector of Thane in 1850 AD. The path surrounded by lush green woods is used by regional tribes for their day-to-day travels into the forests. Today the Shivaji’s Ladder is acclaimed as one of the most popular trekking trails of Matheran. Adventure enthusiasts make it a point to explore the woods of Matheran through Shivaji’s Ladder. The trek path that leads to Shivaji’s Ladder is significantly steep and hazardous. It takes 1.5 hours to reach the point from Matheran, among the scenic hill stations near Kolhapur.
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One Tree Hill Point
One Tree Hill Point is a distinct point with a single Jambhul tree situated at the top. The point gets its name after this incredible phenomenon of holding a solitary tree on its crest for decades. As per historians, the path was discovered by a British collector of the Thane district, Hugh Poyntz Malet. Trekking to this point is one of the top things to do in Matheran, among the best hill stations near Kolhapur. From here, one can get eye-catching vistas of the adjacent Tent Hill and the Chowk village. On the way to One Tree Hill, trekkers will also pass through Shivaji Ladder. Hiking through Shivaji Ladder and climbing down from the hill to the valley is an exciting experience. This site is perfect for people who want to relax and spend some time leisurely in the lap of nature.
Also Read : Popular Places to visit near Kolhapur
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