Matheran (meaning, ‘forest on the forehead’), in Raigad district, Maharashtra, has been declared the wettest spot in India, after it received a total of 450 mm of rainfall on the 27th of July, for 24 continuous hours (even as other regions of the state like Marathwada and Vidarbha remained rain deficient by 32 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively). With a temperature around the 30 degree Celsius mark all around the year, the weather here is pleasant during the winter months (down to 12-15 degree Celsius) with heavy precipitation during the months of June-September.
Located in the Western Ghats between Pune and Mumbai (at a distance of around 80 km from the latter), Matheran is the smallest hill station in India and the only automobile-free hill station in the whole of Asia. Covered with dense forests, the hill station is a secluded spot. At an elevation of 800 m from the sea level, it is known for its iconic colonial structure and breathtaking sceneries. It attracts tourists and nature lovers for its scenic views from more than 30 different lookout points including a panoramic point offering a 3600 view of the mountains and the forest. It alsooffers adventure sports, like cliff-hanging and ropeway.
Matheran has been declared as an extremely eco-sensitive region by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India As stated, to preserve the iconic colonial architecture and the mild climate of this hill station, motor vehicles are banned in Matheran and tourists use the narrow-gauge rail line to commute.
Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay (1819-27), laid the foundations for the development of Matheran as a popular hill retreat. The Matheran hill railway that covers a distance of 20 km was built during 1907 and is a popular tourist attraction.