Easy Tourist Guide

Rishikesh – an ancient city on the bank of the sacred river Ganges is one of the greatest pilgrimage centres of India. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas at an average altitude of 356 m above sea level, this sacred destination is often nicknamed as “the world capital of Yoga”. Rishikesh being the gateway and starting point for the famous Char Dham pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, sees a large influx of tourists throughout the year from around the world. Visit of the world famous English rock band, Beatles in 1968 at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh in search of salvation made Rishikesh immensely popular among tourists all over the world.

Where is Rishikesh?

The scenic city of Rishikesh lies in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This sacred city is the place where river Ganges leaves the Shivalik Mountains and flows out into the plains of northern India.

About Rishikesh

The mythological city of Rishikesh lying on the right bank of River Ganges is considered to be one of the major seats of Hindu philosophy. This vegetarian city by law is a place filled with serenity and tranquility making it an ideal place for meditation and soul stirring. The belief that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha aided by a dip in the holy Ganges that flows through it, makes it one of the most important and popular pilgrimage destination of India. The quest for spirituality and the desire to attain Nirvana draws pilgrims from around the world to Rishikesh.
Surrounded on three sides by Himalayan ranges this alcohol-free city’s association with Yoga and meditation has made it a favourite place to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Rishikesh is world famous for Rafting, trekking and other adventure sports and as such is a sought after adventure sports destination as well.

Sightseeing in and around Rishikesh

Apart from its own scenic beauty coupled with moderate and soothing climate, Rishikesh has a number of temples and meditation centres on the bank of the holy river Ganges. There are quite a few popular sightseeing and adventure sports destinations in and around Rishikesh that makes it one of the sought after tourist place of India.
Lakshman Jhula – This suspension bridge across the holy river Ganges is the greatest attraction of this sacred city. This 450 ft long bridge situated at a height of 70 ft from the river was initially made of jute ropes, which was rebuilt using iron ropes in 1939. Apart from its mythological association and importance this hanging bridge offers splendid scenic views of the surrounding.

Ram Jhula – This is another suspension bridge with similar architectural style to that of Lakshman Jhula. This iron bridge connects Shivanand Ashram and Swarag Ashram. The fresh air, sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the surrounding region and the distant sound of bells create an unforgettable experience making it another popular sightseeing spot for tourists visiting Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat – It is the most sacred bathing Ghats of Rishikesh built at the confluence of three holy Rivers the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. The very belief that those who take a dip in Triveni Ghat will attain salvation makes it a favourite place among pilgrims and devotees from around the world. In the evenings, the truly magical Maha Aarti at Triveni Ghat is a sight to behold. As evening descends, rows of devotees sit patiently on the steps of the Triveni Ghat and as sun begin to set; they hold plates of flaming ghee and to the accompaniment of drums, chants, bells and prayers, release tiny oil lamps on flower leaf boats and allow them to float down the river. The whole scene becomes so magical that even the most stubborn atheist tends to melt down in the wave of devotion.

Trayambakeshwar Temple – This thirteen-storey high temple set on the backdrop of majestic Himalayan ranges is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting the temple town of Rishikesh. This amazingly beautiful temple near Lakshman Jhula is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. One can have an excellent view of the entire area from the top floor of the temple complex. View of the sunset from this place is a fascinating experience.
Neelkanth Mahadev temple – At a distance of about 25 Km from Rishikesh at an altitude of 1330 m lies the temple of Neelkanth Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled on a high mountain top with pristine waters of the holy Ganges below, the place is known for breathtaking scenic beauty apart from being one of the most revered holy shrines of Rishikesh. Being enveloped between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot and Vishnukoot and located at the confluence of the rivers Pankaja and Madhumati, the temple is a must visit destination in the tour of Rishikesh.
According to Hindu mythology, the place where the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple currently stands is the sacred location where Lord Shiva consumed the poison Halahala that originated from the sea during the Samudra Manthan.
Other places of tourist interest include Gita Bhavan, Swarga Ashram, Rishikund, Raghunath Temple, Bharat Mandir, Paramarth Niketan, Kailash Niketan Temple, Raghunath Temple, Satya Narayan Temple and Shatrughan Temple.

Shivpuri – Just 19 Km from Rishikesh is the verdant town of Shivpuri known for adventure sports and meditation. Rafting on river Ganges from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is extremely popular among adventure loving tourists. Best time for rafting is September to May and there are several local travel agencies, offering these rafting trips.
During your stay in Shivpuri, you will have the opportunity of learning the techniques of yoga and meditation. You can enjoy early morning yoga and relaxation sessions. Spend the day enjoying river rafting along the Ganges and indulge in other adventure activities. In the evening, sit around a campfire under the starlit sky with your lady love accompanying by rippling sound of the river breaking the silence. The experience of staying in a camp on the bank of the fast flowing Ganges with your loved ones is awesome.

How to reach Rishikesh?

By Air – Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun at a distance of about 15 Km from Rishikesh is the nearest airport. This new airport has flights from Delhi only. International airport at Delhi at a distance of about 230 Km is a better option for both domestic and international tourists.
By Rail – Rishikesh has a small railway station with only about three slow trains daily connecting it to the city of Haridwar. So taking a train up to Haridwar and further travelling to Rishikesh by road is a better option. A 45 min bus ride will take you to Rishikesh from Haridwar. Haridwar has a number of trains connecting it to all the major Indian cities.
By Road - Rishikesh is well connected to all the neighboring cities of the state as well as the other states with the help of good motorable roads. An efficient bus service plies from here at regular intervals.

Where to stay at Rishikesh?

Rishikesh being a popular and important tourist destination offers a wide range of hotels. One can find accommodation at Rishikesh by spending merely Rs.100 a day and can even spend thousands of rupees for comfort.
Hotel Ganga Kinare – On the right bank of the Ganga, with a private ghat, this upscale hotel overlooks the picturesque Rajaji National Park. With luxurious rooms, a cafeteria, multi-cuisine restaurant and a sprawling lawn, Hotel Ganga Kinare is one of the best hotels of Rishikesh. For booking details contact at : 9999600365, 9873010266.
Hotel Ganga View – Situated in the heart of city of Rishikesh, Hotel Ganga View is one of the best located hotels facing Ganga with a panoramic view of the serene hills overlooking Rajaji National Park. All the rooms presents an enthralling view of the Rishikesh City and holy river Ganga, flowing opposite the hotel. Eight Executive suites and twenty four Premier rooms are well equipped to make your stay with us a memorable one. For booking details contact at : 0135 – 2430781/2431081/2433169.
Ganga Resort – Set among the green forested hills above the holy Ganges, Ganga Resort is a mid-range hotel with room like cottages each with a balcony. Breathtaking view of the river and hills from the hotel balcony is an awesome experience. For booking details contact at : 9990234386.
Hotel Basera – This centrally located hotel with 32 large well furnished rooms having continuous power supply with generator backup, hot water, multi-cuisine restaurant and other amenities is one of the popular hotels of Rishikesh. For booking details contact at : 0135 – 2430720.
Hotel Indralok – This luxury hotel is a cherished tourist hideaway of Rishikesh. With 52 different category rooms and suites this hotel is situated near the Triveni Ghat with greenery of hills in the backdrop. Apart from having a multi-cuisine restaurant, spacious parking, an efficient laundry service and other amenities of modern day comfort, this hotel rooms are spacious and are cocoons of comfort. For booking details contact at : 0135 – 2430555.

Cooch Behar – a town in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas with remnants of royal heritage is a popular tourist destination of West Bengal. The town of Cooch Behar known for its scenic surroundings boasts of a glorious past, filled with rich culture and heritage. Being surrounded by mountains, this scenic town of West Bengal is home to extravagantly beautiful palaces and divine temples that have attracted tourists since colonial era. Apart from the majestic and imperial buildings, there are numerous other tourist attractions in and around Cooch Behar that makes it an ideal holidaying destination.

Where is Cooch Behar?

The scenic town of Cooch Behar is the districts headquarter of the district of Cooch Behar in state of West Bengal in India. Situated in the north-east corner of west Bengal, the town shares its borders with Assam in the east and neighboring country Bangladesh, in the south.

About Cooch Behar

The ancient town of Cooch Behar with its awe-striking monuments and palaces is an ideal place to explore the rich culture and heritage of this north-east corner of west Bengal. With Cooch Behar being declared as a heritage town, attention has been given to restore and revive the age-old historical structures and monuments that were facing gradual destruction. Cooch Behar is once again witnessing a steep rise in tourist influx which is evident from the fact that quite a number of good hotels and resorts have came up in recent years.
The princely state of Cooch Behar was under the rule of Koch dynasty during British era. After 20 August 1949, Cooch Behar District was transformed from a princely state to its present status, with the town of Cooch Behar as its headquarters. Finally, on 19th January 1950 Cooch Behar was merged with the province of West Bengal and from that date Cooch Behar emerged as a new District in the administrative map of West Bengal.

Sightseeing in and around Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar – a town with rich cultural heritage offers a variety of sightseeing options to tourists. Apart from the extravagantly built palaces and beautiful temples, there are a number of lakes and forests around Cooch Behar that are worth a visit. Some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in and around Cooch Behar are discussed below.
Cooch Behar Palace (Rajbari) – Undoubtedly the most popular and prime tourist attraction of Cooch Behar is the Cooch Behar Palace, also called Victor Jubilee Palace or Rajbari locally. Designed and built on the model of Buckingham Palace of London, during the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887, this magnificent palace is an architectural marvel. The palace once used to be the dwelling of the ruling family of Cooch Behar, is now protected and looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The fact that tourists are allowed inside the palace makes it all the more popular.
This brick-built double storied palace with marked influence of the classical European style of architecture during Italian Renaissance have more than fifty massive halls, which include the bedrooms, dressing rooms, billiard room, kitchen, dining hall, dancing hall, library and the ladies gallery. The large and spacious rooms deserve special attention for their beautiful Royal paintings that adorns the ceiling and the interior wall along with the traditional royal wooden furniture that speaks highly of the rich royal legacy.
The light and sound show, organized every Friday and Saturday, by the cultural dept of West Bengal, just beside the palace in a well maintained garden is a fascinating experience. The show starting with the fall of evening and continuing till 8 o’clock at night is an immensely popular event among tourists.

Madan Mohan Temple – Another most popular sightseeing destination of Cooch Behar is the Madan Mohan Temple located in the heart of the city. Also known as Madan Mohan Bari, this exquisite temple is one of the most important and popular Hindu temple of North Bengal. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna was constructed during the years 1885 to 1889, by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. Unlike other Hindu temples, the Madan Mohan Temple is pure white in colour. The large temple complex also houses the idols of Goddess Kali, Goddess Tara and Goddess Bhavani.
On the occasion of Rush Purnima, the temple celebrates the traditional Rash Yatra, along with Rash Mela. This particular festival is the biggest and most popular festival of the entire town of Cooch Behar as well as the whole of North Bengal.

Sagardighi – Situated in the heart of the Cooch Behar town is a huge tank known as Sagardighi. Surrounded by heritage buildings on all sides, this tank was excavated by Maharaja Hitendra Narayan. Apart from being a popular rendezvous in the evening, during winter months one can spot migratory birds on the water surface and the nearby trees. The scenic beauty of the place coupled with calm ambience makes the place extremely popular among tourists.
Rajapat Mound – About 35 km from Cooch Behar, Rajpat Mound is a place worth a visit for every tourists and especially if you are interested in history and archaeology. This protected site, managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an ideal place to relive the past and browse through the glories of the bygone era. One can see the remains of a palace and some excavated artifacts and statues here. It is believed that the ancient palatial complex of Kamtapur including the early Kamteswari temple is all lying buried here.

Rasikbill – At a distance of about 42 Km from Cooch Behar town lies Rasikbill, which is the largest abode of migratory birds in North Bengal. Considered as a paradise for bird watchers, the place also has a deer park, an aquarium and a mini zoo. There is a 70 ft high watch tower and a WBFDC (West Bengal forest Development Corporation) bungalow in Rasikbill making it all the more attractive to tourists. The main migratory bird species found in this wet land are Lesser Whistling Teal, Common Teal, Cotton Teal, Dapchick, Bronze winged Jacana, Pheasent, Tailed Janacana, Shoveler, Barheaded goose, White Eyed Poacherd etc.
Other places of sightseeing in and around Cooch Behar includes Rasomati Ecotourism Complex, Kholta Ecotourism Spot, Baneswar Siva Temple and few others.

How to reach Cooch Behar?

By Air – Bagdogra airport of Siliguri at a distance of about 140 Km is the nearest airport of Cooch Behar. Regular flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines connect Bagdogra with major Indian cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
By Rail – The best option of reaching Cooch Behar is by train. New Cooch Behar Railway Station, located 5 km away from the main town is the nearest railhead of Cooch Behar. All Mail and Express trains going to Guwahati stops at New Cooch Behar Railway Station.
By Road - Cooch Behar is very well connected with major neighboring cities and towns nearby, including Kolkata, Guwahati, Malda, Siliguri, Kishanganj, Barpeta, Dhubri and Bongaigaon by North Bengal State Transport Buses, Volvo Buses and private buses as well.

Where to stay at Cooch Behar?

Hotel Yuvraj – It is a star category hotel situated very near the railway station. This is one of the best hotels of Cooch Behar having Super Deluxe Non-A.C, Super Deluxe A.C. rooms and Suites as well. Apart from having other normal amenities, there is hot water in every rooms, well maintained restaurant cum bar and laundry facilities. For booking contact at : 03582-227885, 03582-231710.
Hotel Mayur – It is another notable hotel of Cooch Behar, situated near the Madan Mohan temple. Apart from having well furnished and well maintained Non A.C. Deluxe and A.C. Deluxe rooms, the hotel also has 24 hrs hot water in every rooms, Laundry service, safety locker and travel assistance as well. For booking contact at : 03582 – 222639, 225639.
Hotel Ellora – It is another well known hotel of Cooch Behar situated near the Madan Mohan Temple. Various category of A.C and Non A.C. rooms are available. The restaurant and bar of this hotel are separate constructions. The A.C. bar is known by the name of Night Angel while the A.C. restaurant is named Tara. For booking contact at : 03582 – 222125, 224318.
Hotel Royal Palace – At a distance of about 4 Km from the railway station lies this budget accommodation. 24 hrs. Hot & Cold water, multicusine air conditioned Restaurant, Deluxe Conference Room (A.C.) etc. are some of the key feature of this hotel. For booking contact at : 03582 – 222210, 230731.

Note : For tour of Coochbehar and adjoining areas one can contact Mr. Bidyut Biswas, a local man with lots of connections. This man does not have the usual greed for money and will definitely be of great help in any circumstances. His contact number is : 09832454875 / 08436322802

Lava – the small hamlet town near Darjeeling is one of the new hill resorts of West Bengal which is fast developing into a perfect holiday destination. This charming hill resort with awesome scenic beauty is the ideal haven for people who are looking for relaxation, relaxation and relaxation – no hectic sightseeing, no action, no galore of activities, only a peaceful time in the midst of beautiful nature. Though Lava is often overlooked and overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Darjeeling, but in recent years this almost virgin hill resort has attracted the imagination of every tourist. During winter months Lava receives snowfall and tourist flock in large number to witness this galore of nature.

Where is Lava?

The charming hill resort of Lava is situated at an average altitude of 2320 m above sea level in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at a distance of about 100 Km from Siliguri.

About Lava

The serene and misty hamlet town of Lava with its magnificent scenic grandeur is fast developing into a popular holiday destination. Lava is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and the magnificent view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes.
Natural broad-leaved forest with tall green temple shaped trees having drooping branches is one of the salient features of the rich flora in and around Lava. Rare species of orchids blooming at the hillside and valley adds to the beauty of this charming hill resort. The idyllic verdant forests are an ideal spot for bird watching. Wild animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, etc. are very commonly found here.
Lava is considered to be the perfect place for trekkers and campers. Adventure lovers can trek 12 kilometers to Jelep La and Rechi La Pass, situated at the junction of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan.

Sightseeing in and around Lava

Neora Valley National Park – This 88 Sq.Km national park established in 1986 is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast and a major attraction for tourists visiting Lava. Much of the park is still inaccessible, making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers and trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain of the park. Virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron, varieties of wild orchid, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop forms a picturesque landscape, which is very unique and hardly found anywhere else.
Though Neora Valley National Park is known to be the home of Red Panda, other important mammals like Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer, Tiger and Squirrels are worth mentioning. This National Park is also particularly known as bird watcher’s paradise for the large variety of different species of birds found here.
Jaributi, one of the most beautiful spots in Neora Valley, is an ideal place for viewing wildlife movements. The place has tremendous importance for medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.
Entry into the park is highly restricted and entry tickets are available from Range Offices at Lava and Samsing.

Lava Monastery – Monastery at Lava is also known as Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery and Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gumpa. It is one of the prime sightseeing spot of Lava. Located on a hill, overlooking the snow-capped mountain range to the north, the Monastery is surrounded by dense forests and remains enveloped in mists for most of the year. This large and colourful monastery was established by Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge, the third Kongtrul Rimpoche.
Changey Fall – Another major sightseeing spot of Lava is this Changey fall. Journey to the fall via sharp meandering roads is a thrilling experience. The fall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding and provides a perfect backdrop for taking photograph making it all the more popular and favourite among tourists.

Lolegaon – Just 24 Km away from Lava and at an altitude of about 5600 ft above sea level lies Lolegaon, a quiet, cool and serene destination yet to be commercialized. Tour of Lava is incomplete without a trip to Lolegaon. The scenic wonder of Lolegaon is awesome. The fabulous Heritage Forest with a beautiful hanging bridge from the ground to the treetops is the prime attraction of Lolegaon.
Tourists also have the option of staying at Lolegaon as there are a number of good hotels and resorts available there.

How to reach Lolegaon?

By Air – Bagdogra airport at Siliguri is the nearest airport. It is about 110 Km from Lava.
By Rail – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest rail head of Lava at a distance of about 100 Km.
By Road – Lava is well connected from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri by both private and shared vehicles. One can reach Lava from Siliguri via Kalimpong (99 Km) or via Gorubathan (105 Km).

Where to stay at Lava?

Yankee Resorts – It is indeed the best resort of Lava set amidst the peace, tranquility and simplicity of this Himalayan hamlet town. Yankee Resort has rooms and separate stand-alone cottages as well. Comfortable rooms, room service, laundry services and in-house restaurant is the salient feature of this resort. For booking contact at – 03552-282345/234 or 9932869205, 9932561318.
Lava Tourist Centre – It is another major hotel of Lava providing reasonably good accommodation facility. To book this hotel contact at – 9830334967.
Hotel Paradise – Situated near the Lava Monastery, it is another well known and popular hotel of Lava. Well furnished rooms and good room service forms the backbone of this hotel. Booking contact number of this hotel is – 03552-282314.
Hotel Rock View – It is another major hotel of Lava particularly known for providing excellent view of the hills, valleys and forests around. For booking contact at – 03324851959.
Hotel Orchid – Orchid of various rare species is one of the major attractions of Lava and the hotel named Orchid is one of the popular hotels of this little hamlet town. For booking contact at – 03552-282213.
Sherpa Lodge (Booking contact number – 03552-282308), Hotel View Point (Booking contact number – 03324761959), Hotel Paljor (Booking contact number – 9836489939) and Greenwood (Booking contact number – 9830436274) are other well known hotels of Lava providing a reasonably good staying options.

Matheran – a small hill station on the Sahyadri range is a popular weekend gateway near Mumbai and Pune. This beautiful and well maintained hill station of Maharashtra is an ideal place to relax, enjoy the serene nature all around and switch off from the outside world. The word Matheran, Literally meaning “forest on top” has been declared as an eco-sensitive region by Union Environment Ministry. Being one of those few places in the globe where no vehicles other than Ambulances are allowed, Matheran is free from pollution of any form.

Where is Matheran?

The peaceful and unpolluted hill station of Matheran is situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra at a distance of about 90 Km from Mumbai and 120 Km from Pune.

About Matheran

Situated at an average elevation of 803 m above sea level and being surrounded by thick and dense cover of forest, Matheran is undoubtedly one of the most preferred holiday destinations of Maharashtra. Absence of tarred road and automobiles at Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no cars and automobiles. Resultantly one gets to enjoy pollution free weekend in the lap of nature.
Journey by toy train from Neral to Matheran is a major point of attraction for tourists. As the toy train chugs its way through the steep hill, the panoramic vistas all around will certainly mesmerize you and left you spell bound.
This lovely spot was discovered in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then collector of Thane district who developed and popularized it as a hill town to evade the scorching heat of summer months. Presence of a number of old British style buildings at Matheran is a huge attraction for tourists and speaks loudly of the fact that it was a popular hill resort for the British living in India.
With unpolluted air, beautiful surroundings of greenery, shady walks with marvelous panoramic views and cool climate, Matheran seems to be a paradise on earth. An ideal place to relax and rejuvenate in the close proximity of nature, Matheran is not only a popular weekend gateway but is also a sought after holiday destination in all season because of its pollution free environment.

Sightseeing in and around Matheran

There are around 38 different lookout points in Matheran, from where tourists can view the amazing beautiful valley.
Panorama Point – The place is about 6 Km from the Post Office at Matheran and offers panoramic view of the hills on the left and a beautiful Ulhas River on the right. This place is most suitable for picnic and commands one of the widest views of the hill, both of Matheran and other side of it.

Echo Point – Situated at a distance of about 2 Km from Matheran Post Office, this spot provides some superb Echo effect which one should enjoy by giving a high pitch yell.

Charlotte Lake – Situated at a distance of about 2 Km from the Post Office, this lake is one of the prime attractions of Matheran. On the right side of this picturesque lake is the ancient Pisarnath Temple. The two picnic spots Louisa point and Echo point are located on the left side of the lake.
Khandala Point – Situated at a distance of about ½ Km from Matheran Post Office, the spot offers some stunning views of the picture perfect landscape all around. One can see Garbut Point in front of it and at the right, Khandala Hills, Bhivpuri Power House and Karjat town. This is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations of Matheran.

Garbut Point – Nearly 5 Km from Post Office on the south-west side lies this place called Garbut Point offering grand view of the plateau below. View of various waterfalls on the neighbouring mountains accompanied by wind blowing at high speed is another feature of this spot.
Alexandar Point – Situated at a distance of about 1 Km from the Post Office, the place on the backdrop of jungle greeneries, the point offers grandeur picturesque views of Palasdari Lake, Rambaug Point, Garbut Point, Chowk point and downhill village of Borgaon. The breathtaking view of the deep valley down from this point is an experience for any tourist. Soft cool breeze and serene environment add charm of this place and makes it one of the must visit sightseeing spot of Matheran.
Porcupine Point – Situated at a distance of about 3 Km from the Post Office, this place is surrounded by deep forest. Spectacular view of the sunset from this point is something to cherish lifelong. Prabalgad Fort can also be viewed from here.

Louisa Point – Situated at a distance of about 2 Km from the Post Office on a plateau, the place is known for beautiful views of surrounding scenic places. Apart from offering views of historical Vishalgad fort and Prabhal fort the palce is also popular for having eye catching views of sunset. View of the waterfall from here during monsoon is spectacular. All this makes this spot a popular sightseeing destination from Matheran.
Since this lake supplies drinking water to the town, boating, swimming and fishing is strictly prohibited.
Malet Spring – At a distance of about ½ Km from the Post office, lies this beautiful natural spring. Scenic and picturesque setting of the lake is bound to attract anyone.
One Tree Hill – Situated at a distance of about 3 Km from Matheran post office, this is a very unique spot with a single Jambhul tree at the top of the hill. This picture perfect place is an acclaimed sightseeing spot of Matheran.
Mount Berry – Situated at a distance of about 5 Km from the Post Office, the place offers spectacular view of the toy train chugging its way up the hill. View of the Neral town from here is indeed spectacular.

How to reach Matheran?

By Air – Mumbai and Pune are the nearest airport from Matheran.
By Rail – Neral Junction Station at the bottom of the Matheran hill is the nearest broad gauge railway station of Matheran. Neral is well connected by trains from Mumbai, Pune and other parts of India. From Neral a small Toy Train (Narrow gauge) takes you through a zigzag route of about 21 Km to Matheran in 2 hours time. This spectacular journey through green valleys and hills presents some of the breathtaking views that are awesome and unmatched.
By Road – Matheran does not allow the entry of any vehicle. One ahs to leave his or her vehicle at Dasturi Naka, 2 Km from the Matheran town. Parking facilities are available at Matheran.
While going to Matheran by road, take Mumbai-Pune Highway up to Chowk Village and turn to Karjat road. From Karjat, this road goes to Dasturi Naka, i.e. entrance of Matheran. From this point into the town center, either trek on foot or on horseback or by hand pulled rickshaws.

Where to stay at Matheran?

In spite of being a relatively small hill station, Matheran has a large number of hotels ranging from budget hotels to star category hotels to cater the needs of different category travelers. Here we are giving the names of only some of the hotels and resorts of Matheran along with their Booking contact number.
Hotel Panorama – This star category hotel is just 2 minutes walk from Matheran railway Station. The hotel is located in a peaceful location surrounded by natural greenery. With lavishly furnished cottage type a/c & non a/c rooms, children’s park, health club, steam bath, swimming pool, pool tables, badminton court and tables tennis it is one of the best hotels of Matheran. For booking, contact at 02148-230254/230241.
Rangoli Retreat – This budget hotel is perhaps the best value for money hotel. This hotel is located opposite Matheran Railway Station and Offers the comfort of home stay. For booking, contact at – 02148-230272/230533/230099.
Usha Ascot – With all the homely comfort, it is one of the better known hotels of Matheran. The restaurant is a pure Veg one. For booking this budget hotel, contact at – 02148-230360.
Rechie Rich Resort – This centrally located hotel is one of the best hotels of Matheran. Well spacious rooms, swimming pool, massage parlor and live entertainment hotels are some of the salient feature of this hotel. For booking contact at – 02148 230007/8.
Hotel Regal – This is one of the oldest hotels of Matheran with all the modern amenities and comforts which one seeks while holidaying. The hotel is spread over a large area with cottage type rooms. Apart from having a swimming pool the hotel also has a health club with Jacuzzi and Steam. For booking contact at – 02148-230143/287.