Why Matheran is different
Most hill stations near Pune let you drive right up to the viewpoints. Matheran does not. It is an eco-sensitive area where vehicles are not allowed, so the whole experience is about walking under the trees on red-earth paths, with no traffic noise. That is exactly why people love it.
On a Pune to Matheran tempo traveller trip, your vehicle takes you up the ghat road from Neral to Dasturi Naka, the official car park. From there you go in on foot, on horseback, by hand-pulled rickshaw, or by the toy train shuttle that runs from Aman Lodge to Matheran station.
The road from Pune
The usual route is the Mumbai–Pune Expressway through the Khandala ghat, exiting towards Khalapur and then driving through Karjat to Neral. From Neral, a steep and narrow ghat road with sharp hairpin bends climbs to Dasturi Naka. Our drivers take this slowly, especially in fog or rain.
Some drivers prefer the old highway via Lonavala and Khopoli, depending on traffic. Either way, the last climb from Neral is the slowest part.
Planning your walk
Matheran’s points are spread across the plateau, and you cannot cover them all in one day. A good plan is to pick one direction:
- Charlotte Lake, Echo Point and Louisa Point are close together and make an easy loop.
- Panorama Point in the north gives wide views and is best early or late in the day.
- Porcupine Point is the usual choice for sunset.
- One Tree Hill is a quieter point with a view of a single tree on a rocky outcrop.
Leave enough time to walk back to Dasturi Naka before dark, as the paths are unlit in places.
Matheran in the monsoon
Matheran gets very heavy rain from June to September. The forest turns bright green, clouds roll through the viewpoints and small streams cross the paths. It is magical, but the red mud becomes slippery and visibility at the points can drop to almost nothing. Carry a raincoat, wear shoes with good grip and keep children close near the cliff edges. The Neral ghat road also needs extra care in heavy rain, so our drivers will take it slowly and may add time to your plan.
Staying overnight
If you stay the night, your tempo traveller and driver can wait for you, or we can drop you and come back on the day you leave. Luggage needs some planning, since it has to go in by porter, horse or hand-rickshaw from Dasturi Naka. Pack light.
Group size and vehicle
Matheran suits families, college groups and office teams looking for a slow, green day. A 17 seater is a comfortable fit for a mid-sized group, and the vehicle handles the Neral ghat well. Look at our guide to one-day trips from Pune for similar outings.
Pricing
Pricing is per km with a daily minimum distance. Toll, parking at Dasturi Naka and driver allowance are usually extra. See the price page for details.