Matheran , situated some 100 kms from Mumbai, has been a favorite weekend gateway of the Mumbaikars ever since its discovery by Hugh Mallet, one time collector of Thane district, in 1850. The hill station located at an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) has been declared as an eco sensitive region and has roads that are still not tarred even now. And as most motor vehicles (except emergency vehicles) are banned , the air is very clean and the place very peaceful.The name Matheran means either "forest on top" or "mother forest".
Entry Fee: There is an entry fee of Rs.25 per head which you need to buy to enter Matheran. These tickets ickets are sold at the small ticket window at the entry of the main gate and have a map behind it..
Best time to visit: October to May
+ more about MatheranMatheran , situated some 100 kms from Mumbai, has been a favorite weekend gateway of the Mumbaikars ever since its discovery by Hugh Mallet, one time collector of Thane district, in 1850. The hill station located at an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) has been declared as an eco sensitive region and has roads that are still not tarred even now. And as most motor vehicles (except emergency vehicles) are banned , the air is very clean and the place very peaceful.The name Matheran means either "forest on top" or "mother forest".
Entry Fee: There is an entry fee of Rs.25 per head which you need to buy to enter Matheran. These tickets ickets are sold at the small ticket window at the entry of the main gate and have a map behind it..
Best time to visit: October to May. Most hotels close during the monsoons, and the walking trails turn muddy. However, post monsoon, Matheran is a visual beauty with lush greenery, waterfalls and the lakes full with water.
Good to know - Important travel information on Matheran
Although Matheran is an immensely picturesque, highly relaxing & Stress Buster destination very close to Mumbai, remember that it is not motor-able. Automobiles are banned in Matheran and you have to hike up for about 30 minutes from Dasturi Naka to reach the hamlet. The walk is pleasant but Matheran remains a little town cut-off from everyday conveniences that we are used to. So here are some pointers you should keep in mind while visiting / booking a hotel in Matheran. Do take it all in good stride and enjoy the views, the greenery and the peace.
From Dasturi Naka, guests have to make their own arrangements to reach the hotel. This is not a problem since horses, handcarts and coolies are available in plenty at Dasturi Naka. The min. average rate is Rs. 120/- for a horse, Rs. 120/- for a handcart and Rs. 50 for a porter.
Matheran experiences electricity load shedding Twice in a day for three hours each. Although allmost every hotels have power backup but you would not be able to switch on televisions or air conditioners during this time.
Certain television channels are not available in Matheran despite of a cable connection.
The rooms are, at best, quite basic, excluding certain top resorts. And even they would have a sprinkling of Matheran’s famous red earth on the floor. It’s inevitable.
Hotels do not have room service and guests have to come down to the dining hall for meals.
Mobile phones have very low or no signal
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