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Living in a metro takes over your existence quickly. So, now and then your heart strongly wishes to escape to a place for some peaceful self-realisation, which would take you away from the loud, tainted and fast city life. This is when one would wish to time travel to a place which has a very peaceful environment. The state of Maharashtra is blessed with a pantheon of places which would enable you for the same.
Matheran is India's lowest hill station, which is located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level in the Western Ghats, which is situated at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai. The uniqueness of this place is that it has zero pollution, thanks to ban on vehicles to the town, which also makes it the only automobile-free hill station.
With fresh air, picturesque landscapes and many more things, it is a serene place to visit. Most of the visitors here come for a day's visit or over a weekend and head back. However, those who love Mother Nature would not mind spending an entire week here. Have a look at some of the spots from where one can enjoy the beauty of the hill station at its best.
Panorama Point
PC: Elroy Serrao
Panorama Point is the most exciting and the immeasurable viewpoint at Matheran. Located at a distance of 7.5 km away from the main town, the path to this viewpoint is little bit rocky.
But yet is an unforgettable hike which would take you through lush forest amidst the chirping of birds, cool breeze and occasional glimpses of changing landscapes. The views from Panorama Point are incredibly beautiful and beyond description.
Charlotte Lake
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At a distance of 2.5 km away from the marketplace of the town is Charlotte Lake, which is a half an hour's walk, which can get a bit tiring. However, the fatigue is overcome with the breathtaking view and cool breeze, which takes you to a whole different level.
One would come across a small waterfall close to the lake which is a treat during the monsoons. Stay back here to watch the sunset as the place is enveloped in the hues of red and gold, which reflect on the waters.
King George Point
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A 40-min walk from the marketplace would take you to the King George Point. Most visitors consider it a sin if you go to Matheran and return without visiting this vantage point.
The sight from this viewpoint is truly majestic and offers a picturesque view of the lake, waterfalls and a huge valley, which is surrounded by three hills.
The view is indeed a mesmerising one which would make nature lovers spend a good amount of time gazing at the horizon and capturing the whole essence of Mother Nature at one go.
One Tree Hill Point
PC: Gayatri Priyadarshini
This viewpoint gets its name from the lone tree which stands tall right at the top of a peak. You would come across absolutely no vegetation around other than some grass. The place is at its best during the monsoons.
To get an excellent view of the peak, one needs to hike up all the way to the edge and that's when you would realise why this place is named as One Tree Hill.
There is a trekking path from the town of Ambewadi to One Tree Hill Point, which is quite easy and can be done by first timers as well. It would take one about 3.5 h to hike up and 2.5 h to descend.
Louisa Point
PC: Omkar A Kamale
Louisa Point is a very unique place of interest in the town as it offers two very different panoramic views. From one point, one can see the majestic mountains and human settlements situated far away in the valley. If you happen to visit this place during the monsoons, be prepared to witness some beautiful waterfalls.
At the second viewpoint, one would come across the Charlotte Lake, which resembles a twinkling necklace, apart from a clear-cut view of the majestic Prabal Fort. With its multiple viewpoints, it gives all the more reasons for one to spend time here taking in all the beauty of the place.
