Hill Station In Raigad District
Matheran
Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves two-hour ascent in a toy train. Alternately, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there as well.
A toy-like train meanders up the mountain, treating you to a breathtaking view. In Matheran itself there’s plenty to see – Panorama Point, , King George Point, Echo Point, Lord Point, ,One Tree Hill Point, Paymasters Park, Porcupine Point (Sunset Point), Rambagh Point, Alexander Point, Luiosa Point etc. You can also go horse-riding and shop for exciting cane and leather articles. There is also a museum based on life of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and Chikki. Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet and serene place.
How to Reach:
By Air
Nearest Airport is Lohegaon Airport, Pune and Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
By Train
Neral station, 20 kms away is where you can catch the toy train. The nearest railway stations for most of the tourist places are Mumbai (CST), LTT, Kurla Terminus, Pune Railway station and Panvel Railway station (in Raigad district) for main lines of Indian Railway. The nearest Railway stations of Konkan Railway in Raigad district are Pen, Roha, Veer etc. Tourists can choose nearest local railway station on Konkan Railway as per their convenience.
By Road
All major towns and tourist places in Raigad district are connected by roads through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses. Raigad District is connected to Mumbai by Sion Panvel Expressway. The Mumbai-Pune expressway and NH4 passes through Panvel, Khalapur and Khopoli. NH 17, which starts at Panvel, traverses till Poladpur.