Do you know that there is only one hill station in Asia that does not allow plying of motor vehicles? Yes, it is Matheran, a small but beautiful hill station about 90 km from Mumbai. The best way to reach Matheran is by using the toy train from Neral, a minor railway station just before Karjat.

Though the toy train is the most beautiful way to go to Matheran, many people prefer to travel by foot. It is a treacherous climb on the Western Ghats, especially during the monsoon when the climate can get quite nasty here. But, the experience is worth a lifetime. You get to experience Nature at its closest.

The beauty of Matheran is that you can go on a short weekend trip because of its proximity to Mumbai. When you are in Matheran, you should always make it a point to stay in one of the best resorts available in the hill station. We shall look at a list of resorts in Matheran.

·         Hotel Paramount – Kasturba Road, Matheran

Hotel Paramount is one of the most popular resorts in Matheran for the simple reason that it is situated very close to the Matheran Railway Station. You have 25 spacious rooms in this hotel with very good hospitable facilities.

Situated very close to Lord Point in Matheran, this hotel is close to other points like the Panorama Point and Honeymoon Point. Matheran is a hill station where you either go around on horseback or on your own legs. You do not have the luxury of travelling in cars.

Hotel Paramount has all the amenities you expect a decent hotel in a hill station like Matheran to have. You get exquisite local Maharashtrian food anywhere in Matheran.

·         Hotel Usha Ascot – M G Road, Matheran

Speaking of roads, there is only one main road in the entire hill station of Matheran. Mind you, there are no vehicles. M G Road is the place where you get all the main resorts in Matheran. Hotel Usha Ascot is a luxurious hotel when you compare the others in this scenic hill station. You have excellent amenities like currency-exchange, doctor-on-call, and 24-hour room service.

This hotel is one of the few hotels that serve purevegetarian food. You get Chinese as well as Continental dishes here in Hotel Usha Ascot. Tourists who wish to have a swim can cool off in the swimming pool in the hotel. You can also have your quota of cocktails and mocktails after you finish your dip in the pool.

Many foreigners frequent this hotel in Matheran. They would simply love the Jacuzzi and steam sauna room present on the premises. Use the discotheque to dance away your blues. This hotel has recreational facilities like tennis, carrom, and badminton. Charlotte Lake, Artist Point, and Honeymoon Hill are some of the nearest points from Hotel Usha Ascot.

You can term this hotel as the best in this list of resorts in Matheran.

·         Rangoli Retreat – M G Road, Matheran

If you are looking for a home away from home, you need not look beyond Rangoli Retreat. Located on M G Road, you get highly personalized services at this hotel. Each of the 24 rooms in the hotel has cable television and direct-dial phone facilities. Well-designed furniture and exquisite carpets adorn each of these rooms. Tourists can have a great time playing tennis, carrom, and other indoor games.

This is also a great place to have vegetarian food. In addition to the local Maharashtrian flavour like Vangi Bhat, Misal Pav, and other food, you have an assortment of Gujarati, Punjabi, Jain, and Chinese food.

Guests can avail laundry services, doctor-on-call services, and travel assistance at this hotel. Children can have a great time in the area specially earmarked for them. You have a plethora of scenic points near this hotel. This can count as one of the best in the list of Matheran resorts.

·         Kshitij Cottage

When you visit a rustic hill station like Matheran, you should be staying in rustic surroundings. That will bring you closer to Nature. Kshitij Cottage is one such type of accommodation. Located very close to Matheran Railway Station (0.5 km), this cottage has a host of conveniences.

You get local Maharashtrian food prepared by the local tribal women. The taste of the food is exotic. You get the normal amenities like wake-up call service and attached bathroom facilities. This cottage has a common seating area where you can team up and have a great discussion about the two favourite topics in India, politics and cricket.

Situated close to the Dasturi Naka Bus Station (last point up to which vehicles can operate in Matheran), this cottage is one of the best places that present a beautiful rural ambience. Hence, this cottage finds a mention in this list of resorts in Matheran.

Conclusion:

You have seen four places where you can have a heavenly stay in Matheran. Each of these four resorts has its individual specialities. Matheran is truly one of the nicest places to visit near Mumbai.