This monsoon, I decided to explore the beautiful Matheran hill station, one of the most peaceful and eco-friendly destinations in Maharashtra. Accompanied by my friend Ankit, our adventure began with reaching Neral, the base point for Matheran.
From Neral, we chose the most exciting route the mini toy train ride, which is a historic and scenic journey through dense forests and foggy slopes. The rhythmic chug of the train, the misty tracks, and the cool drizzle created the perfect monsoon vibe. Once we arrived at the Matheran railway station, we collected our entry tickets and were officially welcomed into Asia’s only vehicle-free hill station.
There are multiple routes to reach Matheran:
By Toy Train from Neral (Best during monsoon for scenic views)
By road/taxi till Dasturi Point, then walk or take a horse ride to Matheran
Trekking routes like the Garbett Plateau trek for adventure lovers
Exploring the Market & Madhavji Point
Our first stop was the lively Matheran Market. The market is a colorful hub with:
Local snacks like bhutta (corn) and vada pav
Fun games for kids and souvenir stalls
Clothes, wooden toys, and handmade items
After soaking in the local flavors, we made our way to Madhavji Point a short walk from the market. This spot offers a panoramic view of the lush Garbett village and its surrounding trek paths. The monsoon mist swirling around the hills created a postcard-perfect scene.
Charlotte Lake & Pisharnath Temple
Next, we headed towards the serene Charlotte Lake, which was in full glory thanks to the monsoon showers. It’s not just a beautiful lake, but also the main source of drinking water for Matheran.
Just beside the lake is the Pisharnath Temple, one of the oldest temples here, known for its peaceful energy and divine presence. The surroundings were so calm, you could hear the water flow and birds chirp.
Lords Point & Celia Point
After a quick bite, we visited Lords Point, which gifted us views of Kalavantin Durg, Prabalgad Fort, and Irshalgad Fort. These majestic forts stood tall in the clouds, sending chills down our spines with their grand presence. It truly felt like history was merging with the misty hills, offering a sight we’ll never forget.
Next, we trekked to Celia Point, where we were welcomed by a gentle waterfall cascading peacefully an ideal monsoon moment. While walking along the trail, we saw many visitors enjoying horse riding through the foggy paths. Though we didn’t ride ourselves, just watching the horses move gracefully through the mist-covered greenery added a charming touch to the experience.
Echo Point – Shouting into the Clouds
Before wrapping up our trip, we visited the famous Echo Point, where we shouted our names and heard the mountains shout them back! It’s a fun and must-try experience that brings out the child in you.
Final Thoughts
Our return journey began from Matheran station, but our minds were still wandering in the clouds we had just walked through. With its fog-draped forests, historic forts, peaceful lakes, and warm local culture, Matheran offers an experience that’s both thrilling and tranquil.
The Matheran weather during monsoon is just perfect cool, misty, and refreshing, with temperatures between 20°C and 22°C. It’s nature’s way of saying “slow down and breathe.”
If you’re looking to unplug, recharge, and soak in the monsoon magic, then Matheran hills are calling you. Trust me, it’s more than just a destination it’s a memory in motion.
