What to Wear in Matheran

Start with your feet

Every route in town is a path of red laterite earth, rocks and roots. Wear trainers or light trail shoes with a firm grip. In the dry months the dust stains pale shoes a rusty red that does not always wash out, so leave the white pairs at home. Sandals are fine in the bazaar but tiring on the longer walks to the points. Heels are pointless here.

The weather you will meet

Matheran is milder than most people expect. Winter afternoons are warm, often in the high twenties, and January nights drop to around 13 °C. A light fleece or jacket covers a pre-dawn start for Panorama Point; a heavy coat is overkill. From March to May days can pass 30 °C, so wear loose cotton and a cap, and carry water. From June to September, rain is heavy and wind drives it sideways across the open points. A hooded rain jacket works better than an umbrella there, and quick-dry trousers beat jeans.

Riding and walking

If you plan a horse ride, wear full-length trousers and closed shoes. A small backpack keeps your hands free on steep stretches and makes it harder for monkeys to snatch a bag.

Colours for photos

The paths are rust red and the forest is dark green for most of the year. Cream, olive and deep rust sit well against both; bright white and pale grey show the mud. See the photo spots for the light at each point.

Temples and local dress

Cover shoulders and knees at the Pisarnath Mahadev temple by Charlotte Lake, and take off shoes before you go in. The nauvari saree and the dhoti with a pheta turban are Maharashtrian festive dress, worn at weddings and festivals. They are lovely for a photo but not practical for a day on the trails.