Matheran

Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in India but is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity. Matheran is one of the very few places in the world that do not allow any vehicles at all, so the moment you step into this little town, you will be transported back to an idyllic old-world era of red-soiled roads, automobile-free pathways, and lush green hills all around. The cold breeze and the fresh air devoid of pollution is reason enough for tourists to throng to Matheran all year round. As with any other hill station, Matheran is famous for its viewpoints. It has a total of 36 viewpoints from where you can enjoy alluring views of the Sahyadri mountain range. Most of these points have easy trekking trails, and they offer sweeping views of the mountains, the sunrise, sunset, and everything in between. A favourite for trekkers, the actual magic of Matheran is experienced while exploring the region on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene town.