Matheran offers a variety of exciting experiences, from horse riding or trekking to bird watching and shopping in the local market
Charlotte Lake
Not too far from Dune Barr House, one finds the Charlotte Lake; Matherans main source of drinking water! The lake is named after Captain Barr’s daughter. Situated at one end of the lake is the old Pisarnath temple, as well as two spots for picknicking – Echo and Louisa point. When the monsoon seasons kicks in, it creates numerous little rivulets that spill out from the lake.
Look-out Points
Matheran offers a wide range of view points, 33 to be precise! Famous ones include : Porcupine Point, Echo Point, Monkey Point, Panorama Point, and Heart Point. There are of course many more points that can be found while exploring, which provide a magnificent view for sunset and sunrise.
Horse Riding
A famous activity in Matheran, horse riding is a great way to explore and discover your surroundings! Hiring a horse won’t be a problem as they are very common in the area; the rates vary depending on the distance and the timing.
Walking
Enjoy taking an explorative walk amidst the lush semi evergreen forests of Matheran, filled with blooming flowers and dense vegetation. Thanks to the quality of the soil and the consistency of the rains, the plateau is rich in diversity and has a unique flora. Animals that are usually found in the area are giant squirrels, golden langurs, barking deers, foxes, etc. There are also several view points where one can see the valleys stretching out below.
Bird Watching.
You will be able to spot a few elusive species of forest birds, as well as those endemic to the Western Ghats in the surrounding evergreen forests. Some of the species here include the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, White-cheeked Barbet, Brown Wood Owl, and the migratory Indian Blue Robin (that you can spot in winters).
Trekking.
If you are adventurous and love trekking, you’ve come to the right place! There are multiple trekking paths that lead to Matheran, the one going through the Gerbert plateau being the most popular. Starting from Bhivpuri station, the climb is a beautiful experience throughout.
Local Shopping
If you want to experience local culture first-hand, do not miss out on the central bazaar! You will find a variety of shops selling a wide diversity of products. The local honey is a must try as well, as it is considered to be one of the best to be found all around India!