Two 1900 Photos of Matheran, British-Era Hill Station Near Bombay
Two beautiful photographs from the 1900s capture the scenic charm of Matheran, one of India’s most picturesque British-era hill stations. The images show panoramic views of the famous Garbett Point and Louisa Point, which overlook the lush valleys of the Sahyadri Hills.
Located just a short distance from Bombay (Mumbai), Matheran—meaning “Mother Forest”—stands at an elevation of 803 meters (2,635 feet) amidst dense forests and rolling hills.
In 1855, Lord Elphinstone, then Governor of Bombay, visited Matheran and built the elegant Elphinstone Lodge as his weekend retreat. His visit popularized the town among the Europeans, who frequented this tranquil hill station to escape the scorching heat of Bombay.
Like Shimla, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Mussoorie, Matheran became a favorite colonial retreat. During the British Raj, Shimla even served as the summer capital of India for six months each year. To make these hill towns more accessible, the British developed a network of hill railways—including the famous Matheran Light Railway, completed in 1907, which still winds its way up the slopes from Neral through forests and misty cliffs.
Matheran today retains its colonial-era charm, with British-style churches, heritage bungalows, and quaint old buildings dotting the landscape, making it one of the most nostalgic hill stations near Mumbai. Click first photo to enlarge.
Did you know- there are around 33 lookout points, including Garbett Point, Louisa Point, Porcupine, Hart, etc.
From the collection- M F Hussain Painting – Air India Advertising Postcard 1960., British Flag Atop The Rashtrapati Bhavan, Old Photo 1936., The Terror of Madras, German ship Emden WWI 1914., Images Of Hyderabad Vol II- Book Album.
