Matheran
Once summers resort of the British, Matheran is a preferred choice of tourists looking forward to beat the heat. Matheran is a very popular hill station in Maharashtra state. Cloaked in shady trees, amidst the Jambol forest, Matheran is an impressive hill station. Hugh Poyntz Malet who was the then district collector of Thane in 1850 discovered it. Lord Elphinstone laid the foundations of the development of the place.
Matheran literally means Forest on top of a Hill or Mother Forest. It is declared as an eco sensitive region by the government and vehicles are not allowed here. It is one of the very few places in the world, where vehicles are not allowed. You have to travel to Dasturi point, which is 11 kms away from Matheran and travel by foot or on a pony. This is why; it takes you back to a different period when there were no vehicles. The place has retained its natural beauty and there is no pollution though lakhs of tourist visit it.
There are beautiful falls in the region and the place is equally beautiful during the monsoons. The climate in Matheran is pleasant all the year round and hence tourists crowd it all the year. It is the most cleanest hill station in India. There are a number of tourist spots in Matheran. These give you different views of the place and surrounding hills and valleys. There are about 38 lookout points in Matheran, which include Panorama point, Neral point, Louisa point, Alexander point, Olympia Race course, etc.
You can see these points on foot or on Horseback. Traveling on foot is recommended as you can get better glimpse of nature and spend desired time on the points. There are in all 2 lakes, 2 parks and 4 places of worship and a race course along with other places. Panorama point has a 360 degree of the surroundings. The views during sunrise and sunset are breath taking from here.
The Matheran hill railway was built in the year 1907 and is now a UNESCO world heritage site like the Darjeeling hill railway and Nilgiri mountain railway.
The forest of Matheran has dense trees and many medicinal plants and herbs. The place is rich in wildlife and has rich natural resources. There are also a number of monkeys like the Hanuman Monkey and Bonnet Macaques. The Charlotte Lake is one of the most picturesque spot in Matheran. There is a Pisarnath temple on the right side of the lake and there are points like Echo point and Louisa point nearby. King George point is best during monsoons as there are beautiful falls there.
Few ancient bungalows are converted into guesthouses at present. Here you will get all the basic facilities and since no construction is allowed, the lovely charisma of the place is maintained.