A Weekend Trip to India’s Smallest Hill Station from Hyderabad
A Weekend Trip to India’s Smallest Hill Station from Hyderabad
When the city feels too loud and the week too long, sometimes all you need is a quiet hillside and a sky full of clouds. Tucked away in the Sahyadri range, Matheran—a tiny hill station in Maharashtra—offers just that. Spread across only 7 square kilometers, this petite retreat packs in more peace than places five times its size. What sets it apart? No honking cars, no revving bikes—just pathways shaded by trees, and the occasional horse clip-clopping by.
Reaching Matheran from Hyderabad
The journey starts with getting to either Mumbai or Pune, both well connected to Hyderabad by overnight trains and frequent flights. From Mumbai, the drive to Neral—the base station for Matheran—is around 2.5 to 3 hours (about 100 km). Pune, while slightly closer (120 km), is better suited for road trips.
Once at Neral, travelers have two main options:
The Toy Train: This 21 km narrow-gauge train ride is a heritage experience, winding through forests and ridges at a slow pace. Tickets cost around Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 180 for children. In monsoon, the train may get suspended, so check in advance.
Taxi to Dasturi Naka: Shared cabs (Rs. 70–Rs. 100) take you up to the car parking zone. From here, the final stretch into Matheran has to be done on foot, horseback, or by hand-pulled rickshaw—no vehicles are allowed beyond this point.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re backpacking or looking for a laid-back luxury weekend, Matheran has options. Budget stays near the market area start at Rs. 1,000–1,500. For a touch of nostalgia, there are colonial-era resorts with forest-facing verandas, ranging from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000. Cosy homestays are also available for those who prefer a quieter, more local experience.
What to See and Do
Despite its size, Matheran has more than 30 viewpoints, each with a different mood. A few worth prioritizing:
Panorama Point: A sunrise here is worth the early alarm.
Louisa Point: Offers dramatic views of the Prabal Fort and deep green valleys.
Echo Point: Fun to test your voice and hear it bounce back.
Charlotte Lake: Calm, scenic, and next to a serene old temple.
Other stops like One Tree Hill, Porcupine Point, and Monkey Point offer their own visual treats—some with waterfalls in the rainy season, others with misty cliffs and mossy trails.
The Food Scene
Matheran’s food is simple, local, and comforting. The market lanes are dotted with snack vendors and small eateries serving:
Vada pav and missal pav
Hot poha for breakfast
Roasted corn on the cob during drizzles
Freshly brewed chai in tall steel tumblers
Matheran’s signature chocolate fudge
Handmade chikki—a great takeaway treat
When to Visit
While the town remains charming throughout the year, monsoon (June to September) turns it into a green dreamscape. The red soil turns slick and bright, clouds skim the hilltops, and waterfalls start appearing where you least expect them. October to May offers clearer skies and better visibility but less of that raw monsoon magic.
Travel Tips
Pack light—you’ll need to carry your own bags or hire porters.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as paths can get slippery.
Carry an umbrella or a raincoat during the rainy months.
ATMs are limited, so bring enough cash.
A small torch can be handy in case of power cuts or late evening strolls.
Stick to marked trails, especially during rains, to avoid muddy slips or leeches.
Why It’s Worth It
Matheran isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a town that invites you to walk slowly, breathe deeply, and listen—to your own thoughts, to the rustle of leaves, and to the silence you didn’t realize you were missing. For a weekend away from Hyderabad, it’s not just a change of place—it’s a change of pace.
