About: Matheran, which means “The Wooded Head” or “Jungle Topped,” is a picturesque mountain tabletop in the Sahyadri Range, spanning about 20 square kilometres. Matheran was first explored as a summer resort around the same time India’s first railway company, the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, was formed in 1849. After the construction of the Matheran Light Railway, it became a popular resort of the British Raj in India and remains a preferred destination for Mumbaikars. 

Situated at an elevation of 2625 feet above sea level, Matheran was declared an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India in 2003. It is also the only automobile-free hill station in Asia, making it an environmentally friendly destination for nature lovers. The forest of Matheran is a mix of semi-evergreen trees, which are found at the foothills of Jummapati train station, while the mountain top is evergreen, appearing dense and lush. The most dominant tree species one can find here is the Anjani or Ironwood tree. Various perennial streams attract myriad types of wildlife. Mammals like wild boars, barking deer, Indian treeshrew, Malabar giant squirrels, long-tailed tree mice, Indian gaur, and leopards live in the forests.

For Macro Photography enthusiasts, Matheran is one of the best places near Mumbai to observe and photograph the snakes, geckos, spiders and frogs. Some of these species are even endemic to Western Ghats and monsoon is just the perfect time to observe and photograph them.

Nearest Train station: Neral