One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill Point in Matheran (celebrated across Maharashtra as one of Asia's only automobile free hill station's most iconic, peaceful, and visually dramatic clifftop viewpoints, soaring at an altitude of 2,625 feet / 800 meters at the southern tip of the Matheran plateau), located in the quiet forest reaches of Matheran in Maharashtra, stands as a prime Sahyadri nature and trekking landmark.

Named after the single solitary Jambhul (Syzygium cumini / Jamun) tree standing proudly on the apex of a grassy conical mountain crest, this tranquil vantage point was discovered and mapped in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet (Collector of Thane) and British Governor Lord Elphinstone as part of Matheran's heritage sanatorium network.

It's the home of the solitary green Jambhul tree standing tall against the horizon, the thrilling and historic Shivaji Ladder (Shivaji Payari / Shivaji's Steps) descent trail that plunges down a steep rocky forest ravine toward the base village of Ambewadi and Chowk, the unobstructed vistas overlooking the vast Konkan plains, the Mumbai Pune Expressway winding like a silver ribbon below, the rugged ridges of Morbe Dam Lake, Prabal plateau, and Karnala Pinnacle, the shaded red laterite clay forest paths lined with silver oak trees and wild blackberries where horseback riders and leisure walkers stroll in peace, and an intensely refreshing mountain atmosphere where clean unpolluted air and panoramic valley winds rejuvenate every traveler.

It represents a rich 170 year-old Matheran colonial hill station heritage, eco sensitive Western Ghats preservation, and automobile free walking trails where solitary Jambhul trees, Shivaji Ladder descents, Morbe Dam vistas, and red soil forest pathways unite in One Tree Hill Matheran.

Located at the southern end of Matheran plateau, it sits just 3.5 km from Matheran Central Market / Railway Station, 11 km from Dasturi Naka taxi stand, 90 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (BOM), and 120 km from Pune, accessible entirely on foot, by horseback, or on a hand pulled rickshaw via the peaceful forested trail.

The Solitary Jambhul Tree & 2,625 Ft Cliff Apex

The crowning feature of the viewpoint is its lone Jambhul tree that has bravely weathered countless fierce monsoon gales on the exposed rock edge for decades.

The grassy knoll descends steeply on three sides into deep forested ravines, providing unhindered wide angle sightlines across the Sahyadri mountains.

Truth is, sitting under the breeze swept branches of the solitary tree while looking down at the gleaming waters of Morbe Dam is pure bliss.

Shivaji Ladder Trek & Ambewadi Trail

Shivaji Ladder Route: An adventurous trekking route featuring natural rock cut steps down a steep gully used by Shivaji's troops to raid the plains below.

Ambewadi to Matheran: Trekkers climbing up from Chowk or Ambewadi village arrive directly onto Matheran plateau via the Shivaji Ladder at One Tree Hill.

Red Soil Walking Trails & Matheran Viewpoint Circuit

Walking & Horse Riding: The 3.5 km shaded trail from Matheran market passes through quiet forest groves, making for an easy 45 minute stroll or scenic horse ride.

Matheran Circuit: One Tree Hill connects smoothly with Charlotte Lake, Lord Point, Louisa Point, and Echo Point along Matheran's southern trail loop.

After soaking in the tranquil vistas of One Tree Hill, visit peaceful Charlotte Lake, listen to echoes at Echo Point, or savor fresh chikki in Matheran market.