Matheran: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}

| name                     = Matheran

| other_name               =  

| nickname                 =  

| settlement_type         = Hill station<br/>[[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]]

| image_skyline           = Matheran In Clouds.jpg

| image_alt               = Picture of Matheran hidden in clouds, from the tracks of the Matheran Toy Train

| image_caption           = Picture of Matheran hidden in clouds, from the tracks of the Matheran Toy Train

| pushpin_map             = India Maharashtra

| pushpin_label_position   = right

| pushpin_map_alt         =  

| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Maharashtra, India

| coordinates             = {{coord|18.9866|N|73.2679|E|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type         = Country

| subdivision_name         = [[India]]

| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]

| subdivision_name1       = [[Maharashtra]]

| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]

| subdivision_name2       = Raigad

| established_title       = <!-- Established -->

| established_date         =  

| founder                 =  

| named_for               =  

| government_type         = [[Municipal governance in India|Municipal Council]]

| governing_body           = Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council

| unit_pref               = Metric

| area_footnotes           =  

| area_rank               =  

| area_total_km2           = 7

| elevation_footnotes     =  

| elevation_m             = 800

| population_total         = 5139

| population_as_of         = 2001

| population_rank         =  

| population_density_km2   = auto

| population_demonym       =  

| population_footnotes     =  

| demographics_type1       = Languages

| demographics1_title1     = Official

| demographics1_title2     = Spoken

| demographics1_info1     = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]

| demographics1_info2     = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]

| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]

| utc_offset1             = +5:30

| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]

| postal_code             = 410102

| area_code_type           = Telephone code

| area_code               = 02148

| registration_plate       = MH-46

| blank1_name_sec1         = Nearest city

| blank1_info_sec1         = [[Karjat]]

| website                 = http://www.matheran.net.in/en/

| footnotes               =

| image_map                = Matheran-map.jpg

'''Matheran''' is an automobile-free [[hill station]] and a [[municipal council]] in the [[Karjat|Karjat taluka]] of the [[Raigad district]] located in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Maharashtra]]. Matheran is part of the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]], and one of the smallest hill stations in India. It is located in the [[Western Ghats]], at an elevation of around 800&nbsp;m (2,625 feet) above [[sea level]]. It is about 90&nbsp;km from [[Mumbai]], and 120&nbsp;km from [[Pune]]. This proximity to these urban areas makes it a weekend getaway for many. Matheran, which means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) in Marathi, is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], [[Government of India]]. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill station.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Seminar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8NwUAQAAIAAJ|access-date=8 July 2013|year=2003|publisher=R. Thapar}}</ref><ref name="Agarwal1991">{{Cite book|author=Shyam Kishor Agarwal|title=Automobile pollution: concerns, priorities, and challenges|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AMQkSiM0lhgC&pg=PA91|access-date=8 July 2013|year=1991|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-7024-414-1|page=91}}</ref>

There are many hotels and Parsi bungalows in the area. Old British colonial architecture is preserved in Matheran.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yatrablog.com/matheran-colonial-architecture-and-heritage |first=Pallavi |last=Modwel |date=June 18, 2018 |title=Matheran – A Hub For Colonial Architecture And Heritage |work=Yatra |access-date=January 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theindiaexplorer.com/2023/06/places-to-visit-in-matheran/ |title=Matheran|date=20 June 2023 }}{{dead link|date=January 2023}}</ref> The roads are made of [[red]] [[laterite]] earth.

The [[Matheran Hill Railway]] was built in 1907 by Sir [[Adamjee Peerbhoy]] and covers a distance of {{convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}}, through forest land. The railway was inspected by [[UNESCO]] officials, but failed to make it to the list of the World Heritage Sites. India's other Hill Railways like the [[Darjeeling]] Railway, the [[Kangra Valley]] Railway, [[Nilgiri Mountains|Nilgiri Mountain]] Railway are already on the list.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rangnekar | first=Prashant |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/neralmatheran-misses-world-heritage-site-target/655167/ |title=Neral-Matheran misses world heritage site target |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=3 August 2010 |access-date=9 September 2012}}</ref>

Geographically the rock types are solely composed of Deccan trap with inter trappeans of Cretaceous, Eoceuerage and laterites of a still younger age. The rock is basalt, which has given rise to secondary alteration known as laterite. The laterite predominates the hills and almost covers the hilltops. This makes the hard exposed surfaces of the laterite show red gravelly earth. The soil has a vermicular or pisolitic structure and contains a large amount of water. There is little soil cover over most of the hilltop. The topmost layer of rock is a soft porous iron-clay, through which there is drainage of water by the beginning of summer.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

Semi-evergreen forests are present in the Matheran.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nrsc.gov.in/Forest_Types|title=Forest Types – National Remote Sensing Centre|website=NRSC.gov.in|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> The trees are evergreen, making the plateau forests very dense and even congested in places. The laterite, porous soil along with very heavy rainfall mixed with dense fog has resulted in unique flora rich in diversity on the plateau. The forests show vegetation in top, middle and ground storeys. The trees form a cover over a large variety of shade-loving herbs, climbers, ferns and mosses. The forests of Matheran have attracted many botanists: Smyth J.Y.(1871), Birdwood H.M. (1886) and (1896), Cooke T. (1887–1901), Woodrow G.M. (1897–1901), Irani N.A.(1962), Satyanarayann & Mudliar (1959), Vartak, V.D.(1966), Kothari & Moorthy (1993).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_h21AAAAIAAJ|title=Flora of Raigad District, Maharashtra State|first1=M. J.|last1=Kothari|first2=S.|last2=Moorthy|date=30 October 1993|publisher=Botanical Survey of India|access-date=30 October 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref> A good collection of the dried plants is deposited in the [[Blatter Herbarium]], [[St. Xavier's College, Bombay]], Mumbai. Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. It was declared an [[Eco-Sensitive Zone|Eco-Sensitive zone]] (ESZ) by the Union Environment Ministry on 4 February 2003.<ref>https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in/documents/10180/760410/Notification+MoEF+Matheran+Eco-Sensitive+Zone.pdf/ff47de8c-59dd-498e-81f8-a82133578839?version=1.0 {{Bare URL PDF|date=January 2022}}</ref> The declaration as ESZ has led to the stoppage of developmental activities and construction of hazardous industries.<ref>http://mahenvis.nic.in/pdf/Newsletter/nletter_Matheran%20-Ecologically%20Sensitive%20Hill%20Station%20of%20Maharashtra.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=January 2022}}</ref>

=== List of trees reported to be found in Matheran ===

[[File:Mushroom at Matheran.jpg|alt=Mushrooms at Matheran|thumb|Mushrooms at Matheran]]

[[File:Purple flowers on Matheran.jpg|alt=Purple flowers at Matheran|thumb|Purple flowers at Matheran]]

!Sr. No.

![[Scientific names]] of the species

|Udal, Kajav

|Chambel.

The vegetation of the area depends on the type and depth of the soil. Due to poor soil depth, the vegetation on the edges of the plateaus is poor. Due to heavy rainfall, dissected hilly terrain and excessive leaching of the soil, the exposed areas become less fertile and become less moisture retentive, resulting in shallow rooted vegetation. It is required to plant trees to protect the soil cover from losing its valuable humidity and fertility. The winds are very strong and blow from west or southwest during monsoon and also dry winds blow during the three months from January to March. These winds tend to shear and bend the plants while absorbing their moisture.

[[File:Malabar Giant Squirrel at Matheran.jpg|alt=Malabar Giant Squirrel at Matheran|thumb|Malabar Giant Squirrel at Matheran]]

The town also has a large [[monkey]] population, including [[bonnet macaque]]s and [[gray langur|Hanuman langurs]]. Domesticated horses for riding are also in large numbers and are one of the icons of Matheran. Inside the forests, animals like [[barking deer]], [[Malabar giant squirrel]]s, [[fox]]es, [[wild boar]]s, [[mongoose]]s can be found. But these animals are rare in numbers compared to the monkeys and usually do not venture to places with human activity.

There have been reports of leopard sightings in Matheran a few times in last decade. Leopards are not known to dwell in Matheran however. Dense forests in the valleys surrounding Matheran have been suspected of housing them. Their dwindling population in India however has led their sightings to be extremely rare nowadays. There have been zero reported incidents of leopard attacks in Matheran.

As of the 2001 India [[census]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Matheran had a population of 5139. Males constituted 58% of the population and females 42%. Matheran had an average literacy rate of 71%; male literacy being 75%, and female literacy being 66%. In Matheran, 11% of the population was under 6 years of age. Languages spoken include [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Hindi]], and [[Indian English|English]].

== Geography and Climate ==

Matheran is located at {{coord|18.98|N|73.27|E|type:city}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/16/Matheran.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Matheran, India|website=FallingRain.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 800&nbsp;m (2,625&nbsp;ft) above sea level. Lying in an elevated region, it has a cooler and dryer climate relative to its surroundings, making it popular during summer. Temperatures range from 32°[[Celsius|C]] (90°[[Fahrenheit|F]]) to 16&nbsp;°C (61&nbsp;°F).

=== October to November ===

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presently 2 up and 2 down train service has been started.

The first train starts at 850am from Neral, second train is at 220pm. You will reach Matheran at 1130am and 5pm respectively.

Matheran to Neral trains are at 245pm and 420pm that will reach Neral at 530pm and 7pm respectively.

There is a taxi service available from the Neral railway station till Aman Lodge, while bus services are available from the railway stations of Neral and Karjat both. No automobiles except for a Municipality operated ambulance are allowed inside Matheran.

=== Non-automobile transportation ===

Beyond Aman Lodge, the only available transport facilities are [[horse]]s and [[Pulled rickshaw|hand-pulled rickshaws]].

The Municipality has expressed its interest in permitting electronic rickshaws beyond Aman Lodge as well.<ref>Centre moots e rickshaws in Matheran:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/centre-moots-e-rickshaws-in-matheran/articleshow/72033907.cms</ref> However, this has seen opposition from many Matheran locals. Despite this, test trials for the above solution have been granted authorization by the Municipality.

== Places of Interest ==

Altogether, there are 40 points, two lakes, two parks, four major worship places<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.holidify.com/places/matheran/|title=Matheran Tourism > Travel Guide, Best Attractions, Tours & Packages|website=Holidify.com|access-date=30 October 2017}}</ref> and a [[race course]] to visit in Matheran.

=== Viewpoints ===

# Lord's Point[[File:Lord's ViewPoint Matheran.jpg|alt=Lord's Point|thumb|Lord's Point]]

# Monkey Point[[File:Monkey Point Matheran.jpg|alt=Monkey Point|thumb|Monkey Point]]

# Louisa Point[[File:Louisa Point Matheran.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Louisa Point]]

# Garbett point: This is the least visited point in Matheran as it is very far away from central Matheran, when compared to the other points. The vast green stretch of Garbett plateau serves as a major attraction during monsoon.

# Forts: The hill station has two medieval forts in its close proximity, them being [[Prabalgad]] and Pebkilla.'''<ref name="Maharashtra">{{Cite book |author=Maharashtra (India). Gazetteers Dept |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eYBjAAAAIAAJ |title=Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Kolaba. (2 v.) |publisher=Director of Government Printing, Stationery and Publications, Maharashtra State |year=1964 |series=Gazetteer of India |page=461}}</ref>''' The Vikatgad fort is also a trekking destination, which is connected to the hill hosting Matheran itself.

# Horse Race Courses: Olympia Race Course (established in 1892–93 by [[Dhunjibhoy Bomanji|Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji]]).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Keith. |first=Kennedy, Dane |title=The magic mountains : hill stations and the British raj |date=1996 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=0-585-06987-5 |location=Berkeley |pages=206 |oclc=42922469}}</ref>

=== Religious Places of interest ===

# Matheran Shiv Mandir

The water to the Matheran is supplied from Lake Charlotte. This dam overflows during monsoon, making it a tourist attraction.<ref name="Holidify">{{Cite web |title=Charlotte Lake |url=https://www.holidify.com/places/matheran/charlotte-lake-sightseeing-2789.html |access-date=3 January 2020 |website=holidify.com |publisher=Holidify Pvt Ltd}}</ref>

The "Paymaster park" at Matheran is maintained by the local Municipality. Games for children and pagodas are organised here .<ref name="Holidify" />

=== Trekking Routes ===

Matheran has various trekking routes, reported to be easy to traverse over by tourists:

==== Sunset Point Route ====

This route starts from Dodhani village and ends at the Sunset Point at Matheran. This is the most popular route for trekkers.

This route starts from "Sagachiwadi", a small tribal village near the Dhom dam. This is the second most popular route.<ref name="Mid day">{{Cite news |last1=Uchil |first1=Shraddha |title=Trek To Matheran: 3 Routes You Must Try If You Are An Avid Trekker |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/matheran-hill-station-trekking-hiking-pokharwadi-to-rambaug-point-ambewadi-to-one-tree-hill-burujwadi-to-beatrice-cliff/18615196 |access-date=3 January 2020 |agency=Mid Day |issue=Mumbai |publisher=Mid-Day Infomedia Ltd |date=29 September 2017}}</ref>

This route goes from Rambaug point to a small village called Pokharwadi near Chowk village. The route passes through a waterfall during the rainy season. There is a view of the Morbe Dam's backwater while going through this route.<ref name="Mid day" />

The route's base village is the Ambewadi village. Ambewadi is near Pokharwadi, where the route to Rambaug point begins. There is a view of the Morbe Dam's backwater while going through this route.<ref name="Mid day" />

This is reported to be the most difficult trekking route of Matheran. It starts from the base village Mamdapur and takes about 3 hours to reach Matheran via the Vikatgad fort.

All treks have been reported to take between 2 and 3 hours to be completed. The Rambaug Point and One Tree Hill routes are usually not taken by any trekkers nowadays.

== Gallery ==

<gallery heights="170" widths="270">

File:MatheranHS5.jpg|The trek route through One Tree Hill

File:MatheranHS2.jpg|Tourists at Charlotte Lake

File:MatheranHS7.jpg|The toy train

File:Sunset point in Matheran1.jpg|Sunset Point in rains

File:Matheran Hillstation 1.jpg|Steep hills around Matheran

 

*

* [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fresh-attempts-to-get-heritage-status-for-matheran-light-rail/1059062 Fresh attempts to get heritage status for Matheran Light Rail – Indian Express (14 January 2013)]