Located near Mumbai, Matheran is a small hill station in Maharashtra’s Raigad district that is an ideal place to get away when you want a break from the hustle bustle of the big city. It is especially beautiful in monsoon when the waterfalls nearby are at their roaring best and the deep forests are green and lush. With so much to offer, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Matheran, especially if you are a nature and adventure lover.
12 Best Things To Do In Matheran
Famous for its 38 viewpoints, the hill station offers many attractions that open up umpteen number of opportunities to experience the best of activities. Be it the Western Ghats, Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point or the Panthers’ Caves, take a look at the top 12 things to do in Matheran that you can enjoy during your stay at the beautiful hill station.
- Dodhani Waterfalls – Go For Waterfall Rappelling
- Chanderi Caves – Trek Through The Paths
- Charlotte Lake – Go On A Trip
- Louisa Point – Stop & Admire The View
- Kalavantin Pinnacle – Get Ready For The Trek
- Irshalgad Fort – Gear Up For Amazing Vistas
- Little Chowk Point – Explore The Place
- Ambarnath Shiv Temple – Seek Blessings
- Rock Climbing – It’s Time For Some Adventure
- Porcupine Point – Watch A Beautiful Sunset’
- Neral-Matheran Toy Train – A Journey To Remember
- Rambagh Point – Visit During The Dusk
1. Dodhani Waterfalls – Go For Waterfall Rappelling
If you are looking for activities to do in Matheran, one of the most thrilling is waterfall rappelling at Dodhani Waterfalls. Whether you are an experienced thrill seeker or an amateur, you will love the experience of descending from a slope or rock with water rushing around you. While the providers of this recreational activity use high-quality ropes as well as the necessary devices like descenders, seat harnesses, helmets, gloves, etc., this is an experience of a lifetime you must try when in a trip to Matheran. If you are not much of an adventure seeker then visit the Dodhani Waterfalls just to spend time with nature and yourself. These waterfalls are one of the most beautiful things to see in Matheran.
Best Time: July to October
Fee: Starting from INR 1,550 per adult
Ideal for: Thrill seekers
Location: Matheran, Maharashtra 410206
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2. Chanderi Caves – Trek Through The Paths
Image Courtesy: Nisargamitra.com
One of the most popular Matheran attractions, Chanderi Caves is a grand mountain range that extends to a height of about 800 meters, Chanderi is located on the way to Karjat from Badlapur. When it comes to Matheran adventure activities, there is nothing like trekking to Chanderi Caves. As you trek through the winding trails, you can witness the stunning landscapes that surround you. Once you reach the top, you can get a fantastic view of the mountain range’s four pinnacles – a view you are likely not to forget any time soon.
Best Time: July to October
Fee: Starting from INR 650 per adult
Ideal for: Adventure and nature lovers
3. Charlotte Lake – Go On A Trip
Also called Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is located 2 kms from Matheran Railway Station, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the best hill station of Maharashtra. Visiting the lake is one of the best things to do in Matheran in monsoon as this is when the 50-foot deep lake is at its fullest. On the lake’s left bank, you can find the ancient Pisharnath Mahadev Temple which makes for an interesting stop. If you are an avid bird watcher, visit the lake early in the morning or evening to see some amazing birds.
Best Time: Monsoon season
Fee: Free
Ideal for: People who want to get to know the Matheran region and bird watchers
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4. Louisa Point – Stop & Admire The View
One of the famous viewpoints in Matheran, Louisa Point is located close to Charlotte Lake, making it an excellent place to visit when you visit the lake. The viewpoint offers amazing views of the surrounding areas as it is situated on a plateau, making it an ideal spot to get a superb views of the historical Vishalgad and Prabalgad forts. If you are wondering what to do in Matheran, make visiting Louisa Point a must-do on your list.
Best Time: All year round
Fee: Free
Idea for: All visitors
Location: Raigad District, Matheran, Maharashtra 410206
5. Kalavantin Pinnacle – Get Ready For The Trek
Image Courtesy: My Travel Adventures
If you are looking for fun and exciting things to do in Matheran in summer with friends or family, a trek to Kalavantin Pinnacle is the perfect activity. Kalavantin’s Fort, also known as Kalavantin Durg, is located between Matheran and Panvel at an elevation of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats which makes it the perfect location to explore.
Best Time: July to October
Fee: Starting from INR 550 per adult
Ideal for: Group travelers
Location: Padaghe, Maharashtra 410206
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6. Irshalgad Fort – Gear Up For Amazing Vistas
Located between Matheran and Panvel, Irshalgad Fort is a sister fort to Prabalgad and an ideal trekking destination when you are in the hill station. If you are looking for things to do in Matheran in July, going on a day trek to the fort would be one of the best decisions you would make during your stay. Once you arrive at your destination, you will love exploring the fort and reveling in all the wonders.
Best Time: Monsoon
Fee: Less than INR 200 per person
Ideal for: All visitors
Location: Nadhal, Maharashtra 410206
7. Little Chowk Point – Explore The Place
If you are wondering what are the things to see in Matheran then let us help you. One of the most popular tourist spots in Matheran is Little Chowk Point, and it is easy to see why. This location is known for the fantastic views of the Sahyadri Ranges that it provides, drawing countless visitors each day. From this vantage point, you also get amazing views of the Karnala Fort as well as the picturesque town of Panvel. You will never forget the sight of the majestic mountain ranges or the verdant surroundings of Little Chowk Point.
Best Time: All year round
Fee: Free
Ideal for: All visitors
Location: Dist Raigad, Matheran, Maharashtra 410102
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8. Ambarnath Shiv Temple – Seek Blessings
Matheran has a rich heritage that is extremely interesting, which is exactly why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. If you are looking for things to do in Matheran to learn more about its history, you should definitely make a trip to the ancient Ambarnath Shiv Temple to explore it. Located 37 kilometers from the hill station and situated on the banks of the Waldhuni River, the Hindu temple is believed to be constructed by King Mahamandaleshwar in 1060 AD as a tribute to his ancestors. It is carved out of stone and you will no doubt have an enthralling time checking out the Hemadpanthi architectural style and exploring its halls. Ambarnath Temple also happens to be one of the most popular Matheran attractions.
Best Time: All year round
Fee: Free
Ideal for: History buffs
Location: New bhendi pada, Bhaskar Nagar (East, Deepak Nagar, Ambernath, Maharashtra 421505
9. Rock Climbing – It’s Time For Some Adventure
Image Courtesy: Bikat Adventures
Matheran is famous for its natural surroundings and as mentioned earlier, the perfect place for adventure lovers. Apart from trekking, hiking and rappelling, you can also go rock climbing. There are popular spots like Alexander Point, Louisa Point, Prabal Fort and Shivaji’s Ladder that are ideal for this recreational activity. You can even go on an overnight climb via Garbett Point to Matheran if you are up to the challenge of an extreme trek which is one of the popular Matheran points of interest.
Best Time: July to October
Fee: Starting from INR 600 per adult
Ideal for: Thrill seekers and adventure lovers
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10. Porcupine Point – Watch A Beautiful Sunset
Also known as Sunset Point, Porcupine Point is another great place to visit while in Matheran. If you are looking for ways to enjoy your last few days in the hill station, you should make a trip to the viewpoint to watch the breathtaking sunset. Blessed with dense forests and scenic surroundings, Porcupine Point is also known for its beautiful views of the Prabalgad Ford in the distance and its additional attraction, the Cathedral Rocks.
Best Time: All year round
Fee: Free
Ideal for: Nature lovers
Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Matheran In May One Must Definitely Explore!
11. Neral-Matheran Toy Train – A Journey To Remember
If you have been a fan of the ‘Choo Choo Train’ or if you just enjoy panoramic views from your window then taking the Neral to Matheran Toy train ride is what you should be doing. One of the best activities to do in Matheran is to take this train ride. The train covers a distance of 21 kilometers and travels across lush green forests and beautiful hills of Matheran. The toy train ride is one of the primary attractions of Matheran and you should definitely try it out. The train is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time: Year-round
Timings: 3 Trains ply between the two destinations at 9:20 AM, 2:45 PM, and 4:20 PM.
Fare: Delux Saloon: INR 1500 (A group of 5 people at max); First Class: INR 300 (For Adults); INR 180 (For Children); Second Class: INR 45 (For Adults); INR 30 (For Children)
Ideal For: All Visitors
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12. Rambagh Point – Visit During The Dusk
Also known as the ‘Sunset point’, the Rambagh Point is one of the most interesting Matheran points of interest. The Rambagh Point offers scenic views of the lush greenery and the gorgeous mountains. You can clearly see Khandala, Garbut Point, and Karjat from Rambagh Point. Not just that, if you are lucky and the time is right, you can also witness one of the most beautiful sunset views ever. Rambagh Point is one of the most popular picnic spots in Matheran.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Fee: Free
Ideal For: Nature Lovers
Further Read: 19 Hotels In Matheran For Couples In 2022: Romantic Havens Nestled In Nature
Whether you want to get away from the city for a few days or looking for adventure, Matheran is one of the best places to head to. With forests, lakes, waterfalls and more to explore, there are many exciting things to do in Matheran. So, get going to this refreshing paradise and plan an Matheran tour to embark on a memorable journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Matheran
Is Matheran worth visiting?
Yes, Matheran is totally worth visiting, it is one of the top hill stations in Maharashtra where people from Mumbai and Pune head for a weekend getaway. The untouched beauty of Matheran attracts many tourists and hikers from all around India.
Is it safe to visit Matheran, given the covid situation?
It is best suggested to take your vaccination, before planning your trip to Matheran. Also make sure to follow all the necessary guidelines issued by the government such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance at all public places and sanitizing your hands regularly. Following all these precautions will make sure you are safe to visit any destination.
Is there any entry fee for Matheran?
No, there is no entry fee to visit Matheran. However, there are entry fees for various sightseeing points in Matheran
Is one day enough for Matheran?
Well, there are no vehicles in Matheran and it is quite impossible to explore it in a single day. You can spend as much time as you want in this place in Maharashtra, from one day to five.
What should I buy in Matheran?
One of the top things to do in Matheran, except hiking, is buying chikkis made from jaggery and flour. Apart from this, you can also buy leather products, dried wildflowers, and Kohlapuri chappals.
Which season is best to visit Matheran?
The best time to explore Matheran is from October to May when there are low chances of rainfall. The weather remains pleasant to explore the place on foot.
How can I enjoy Matheran?
Since Matheran is a quaint hill station nestled in Maharashtra, one can explore its top tourist attractions. One can opt for waterfall rappeling at Dodhani Waterfalls or trek to Chnderi Caves and admire the natural beauty.
How do I get from Neral to Matheran?
One can hit the roads or book a seat on a train from Neral to Matheran. By road, it takes around half an hour to reach Matheran and by train, it takes two hours but the ride is worth it because you get to savour some beautiful views.
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