Matheran Travel Essentials: Best Times to Visit and Stay Duration
If you’re looking for a refreshing getaway with fresh air and a chance to feel the wind in your hair, the best time to visit Matheran is usually from October to March. This charming hill station, known as the smallest in India, offers something for everyone year-round. Located just a two to three-hour drive away from bustling cities like Mumbai and Pune, Matheran’s car-free, eco-friendly environment adds to its allure. Enjoy pony rides instead of motor vehicles, picturesque views from toy train rides, scenic hikes, and cozy heritage bungalow accommodations. Check out this handy guide on when to visit Matheran to plan your perfect hill station vacation!
Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Matheran for cool weather and fewer crowds is from November to February. During this period, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and pleasant temperatures. It’s a great time to stay at charming heritage guesthouses like Dune Barr House, Alexander Heritage, and Rainforest Resort. Make sure to pack warm clothes and explore less touristy sites such as Olympia Racecourse, Paymaster Park, and Karsandas Mulji municipal library. If you prefer the peak summer season from March to May, be prepared for more visitors. You can indulge in picnics at Charlotte Lake, try rock-climbing, and go on scenic hikes to Dhodani waterfalls or popular viewpoints like Louisa, Echo, and Panorama. Matheran is conveniently located about 100 km from Mumbai and Pune, making it an accessible getaway for a day trip or a weekend escape.
If you arrive during the monsoon season between June and September, it’s important to check local travel advisories to ensure that the roads leading to Matheran are safe. Many properties may close during this time, so booking in advance is advisable. The toy train services might also be suspended. However, if you enjoy the ambiance of sitting on the sweeping verandahs of heritage guest houses while listening to the rain transform the lush greenery, then visiting during the monsoon can be a beautiful experience. Just make sure to prepare for the weather and any potential travel disruptions.
Is Matheran open Or closed during monsoon?
Yes, Matheran is open during the rainy season from June to September. However, it’s important to note that the toy train service may be suspended, as it was for the entirety of the 2024 rainy season. The roads can also be at risk of closure due to landslides, which can affect accessibility. Additionally, the muggy weather, low visibility, and muddy hiking routes can detract from the experience, especially since Matheran is known for its pleasant walks and stunning views. Many properties also close during this season, so it’s wise to check availability and plan accordingly if you decide to visit during the monsoon.
How To Reach Matheran?
Getting to Matheran is convenient from both Mumbai and Pune. It’s around a 100 km drive from Mumbai and a little over 100 km from Pune to Neral (Dasturi Point). The journey by car takes about two to three hours from either city. Alternatively, you can take a 90-minute train ride from Mumbai (CSTM) or Pune (PRS) to Neral (Aman Lodge). From Neral, when the toy train services are operational, they usually run twice daily, departing around 8:50 am and 10:25 am. The Neral-Matheran narrow gauge toy train, which is over 100 years old and spans 21km, is a popular way to reach the hill station. Due to recent soil erosion and the monsoon season, the train temporarily closed on June 8, 2024, but it’s set to reopen in the latter half of October 2024 with a full heritage steam engine. Additional enhancements to the line are planned through 2025 to prevent landslides. If the toy train isn’t running, you can opt for a 3km walk, a horseback ride, or a horse-drawn carriage from Dasturi Point to Matheran.
Matheran’s peak season is mainly during April and May when a lot of visitors come from out of town, especially since Lonavala can get really hot. October also sees a good number of travelers, especially during the Diwali long weekend. The winter months, from November to March, are busy too, but the crowd is more balanced, mostly made up of people wanting to enjoy the cooler weather and nature. Just a heads up, weekends can get pretty crowded, so if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, weekdays are definitely the way to go.
Matheran’s temperatures vary throughout the year as follows: from March to May, the range is between 20°C and 35°C; from June to September, it’s around 25°C to 30°C; and from October to February, the temperatures fall between 16°C and 32°C.
For a trip to Matheran, two days are sufficient for visitors from Mumbai and Pune looking for a quick weekend escape. However, spending four days allows you to fully enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful destination, with leisurely activities like lakeside picnics and unwinding in vintage bungalows while sipping tea. If you’re working on a project or just want to enjoy the fresh air away from city noise, Matheran is also an excellent choice for a longer getaway.