Around Matheran..
Matheran has over three dozen view points scattered around in the tiny hill top plateau all duly identified and named after eminent Britishers who lived here. Unique in many ways most blatant being that Matheran is amongst the very few pedestrian hill stations in the world. No vehicles apart from ambulances are allowed here in this tiniest hill station in the world - woods atop a till - Matheran.
There are 8 Buddhist caves of the Hinayana Buddhist tradition which is a one hour trek from the Kondane village near Karjat. The Kondana caves enclose sculptures, vihara and stupas of ancient Buddhist architecture. Although there was an earth quake in the early 1900s many stupas, the front entrance and the floor of the caves were damaged. But what remains intact is the beautiful Chaitya that welcomes you to the rock cut caves that were created around 200 BC.
Lohagad fort is a formidable fort near Pune. Lohagad is an ideal trekking destination for trekkers from Pune and Mumbai because of its accesibility, ease of the trek and lush green surroundings. Lohagad is 3400 feet high and is a very wide spread fort. There are 4 doors to Lohagad from the nearby village Lohagadwadi. Lohagad divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna.
Clearly seen from the 'panorama point' in Matheran Peb fort or Vikatgad is a medium difficulty trek with a patch where your rock climbing skills also would be tested. The peb fort is a trek away from the Neral railway station. Atop the fort is a rock cut cistern and two caves and remains of a few old buildings. There is a small ashram of Swami Samarth, a memorial with holy carvings and a flag post atop the fort.
Karjat is a picturesque village about 25 Kms from Matheran is also the main railway station near Matheran. Located on the banks of the River Ulhas, Karjat is a a solemn weekend destination with the rushing river and verdant fields surrounded by low green-topped hills. Kajrat is very popular destination for trekking. While at the Karjat railway station do not miss out on a bite of the famous Diwadkar’s 'vada pao'!!
Lonavala
Lonavla and Khandala is a beautiful twin hill station, 622 m. above sealevel midway from Matheran and Pune about 60 km from Matheran and Pune. This holiday destination is popular especially during the rains. Lonavala 'chikkis' and nuts are also very famous.
Sightseeing in Matheran..
