This pretty little hill station has been the perfect retreat for frazzled Mumbaiwalas for generations. They’ve even deigned to share their secret with other frazzled visitors who visit Mumbai briefly or new residents to the great metropolis. Retaining its aura of tranquillity is not an easy affair- we’ve all been witnesses to the ravages of over-development, over-population and many other ‘overs’ in numerous hill towns across India.

Looking down from its perch at 803m above sea level, Matheran, which is about 3hours away from Mumbai, can happily revel in its splendid tree-lined trails and divine sunsets and sunrises. What you will love is that this lovely mountain retreat is unique for being Asia's only zero vehicle hill station. Look at what horrors they’ve summoned up in Mussoorie up in the Garhwal Hills, which once revelled in this old tradition. The only way in the town itself used to be the local ponies or your own two feet. They even chucked out the hand-pulled buggies, which were once the norm from the days of the Raj.

And so, let’s get back to Matheran in Maharashtra. The car must drop you off at Dasturi Point from where you can take a pony ride or use one of the local hand-pulled rickshaws; alternatively, just foot it for the last 2.5 km.

You can indulge your social media fantasies with great Insta moments and selfies as you savour those 30+ panoramic viewpoints, lush valley vista, and the historic Neral-Matheran Toy Train. Echo Point, Louisa Point, Alexander Point and Charlotte Lake, are not only great selfie hubs, but they are also perfect for checking out those shimmering sunrises. The loftiest spot in the hill town is Panorama Point, dazzling you with its stunning 360° visuals of the Sahyadris. Be here at sunrise for the best time views ever for your memory bank. Join lots of other visitors at Porcupine Point and Belvedere Point, famous for their dazzling sunsets. Lord’s Point is another good spot for breathtaking sunsets and views of the Garbett Plateau and the Chowk Valley. Little Chowk Point is a hidden gem in Matheran, great for photography buffs and nature lovers.

For the young and the lively, a hike up from Neral station along the 11km jungle track to Matheran is hugely rewarding. For adventure buffs the hike up to Prabal Fort will have you huffing and puffing, but the spectacular view from here will amplify the experience in no small measure. At Hart Point take a lungful of the pristine air and feast your eyes on the scenic vistas reaching deep into the far horizon Charlotte Lake is a magnet for birdwatching so remember to go armed with binocs and bird books for a truly immersive experience. Also check out the avian community at Celia Point.

If you’re too pooped from huffing and puffing up the hills, catch a comfortable ride on the toy train for the two-hour trip while soaking in the verdant beauty of Matheran.

Shriek your heart out at Echo Point and let the wind bounce back your voice with equal gusto. Feeling more energetic with all that unalloyed oxygen inside of you? Go riding along the One Tree Hill nature trail or just take a leisurely nature walk along the zig zagging trail from here which marks something called Shivaji’s Ladder.

On M.G Road shop for fresh local honey, local chikki, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs made with cane and bamboo and you can even pick up the legendary traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Get the grandparents those popular walking sticks. Matheran is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Go exploring with a local who will probably introduce you to some of the less touristy gems. Even the monsoons bring their own delight to this mountain retreat. Discover why veteran visitors love it as an all-year-round destination.