Cecil Point
Cecil Point is one of the numerous vantage points in the hill station of Matheran, offering picturesque and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and the distant plains. Named after a prominent British figure during the colonial era, the point is a testament to the fact that almost every nook of Matheran provides a stunning panoramic vista. Unlike some other points known for specific formations or features, Cecil Point is cherished for its tranquil atmosphere and the sheer expanse of the view it offers. It’s an excellent spot for a quiet moment of reflection, away from the more crowded tourist hubs like the main market area or the toy train station. The path to Cecil Point is a pleasant walk or horse ride through the dense, non-motorable, red-earthed roads of Matheran, surrounded by thick forest cover. The viewpoint, situated on the edge of the plateau, provides an unobstructed sight of the deep gorge and the patchwork of villages nestled in the foothills. It is particularly beautiful during the post-monsoon months when the valley floor is carpeted in a rich, vibrant green. This point is often included in the standard loop of viewpoints, making it easily accessible and a recommended stop for all visitors to the hill station. The air here is fresh and cool, offering a refreshing respite.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 hour (Viewpoint visit and relaxing time)Place Type:
Viewpoint, Scenic Spot, Historic Point:Entry Fees:
Eco-Tourism Tax (at Dasturi Naka) All visitors entering Matheran by road must pay the mandatory local body tax/eco-tax at Dasturi Naka (the vehicle parking end). This fee is approximately Rs.50 per adult.
No Entry Fee at the Point: Cecil Point itself, like most viewp...Eco-Tourism Tax (at Dasturi Naka) All visitors entering Matheran by road must pay the mandatory local body tax/eco-tax at Dasturi Naka (the vehicle parking end). This fee is approximately Rs.50 per adult.
No Entry Fee at the Point: Cecil Point itself, like most viewpoints in Matheran, does not have a separate entry ticket or fee. Access is free once you are inside the main hill station area.
Horse/Pony Riding Charges: If opting for a horse ride to the point, the charges are variable and subject to negotiation with the local pony owners/guides. Expect to pay around Rs.200 to 400 for a return trip, depending on the route included.
Local Guide Fees: For visitors who hire local guides for a half-day tour, the fee for including Cecil Point in the itinerary is part of the overall package, which is generally a few hundred rupees for the guide service. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The point is open to visitors at all hours, but it is highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the view.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (7 ...Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The point is open to visitors at all hours, but it is highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the view.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (7 AM to 9 AM) or Late Afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM). Early morning offers the coolest air and the potential for a misty valley view. Late afternoon is great for the soft, warm light perfect for photography.
Avoid Midday: The hours between 11 AM and 3 PM can be warm and the light harsh, making the viewing experience less comfortable, especially during the summer.
Time Required: A quick stop-and-view can be done in 30 minutes, but for a relaxing experience, allocate at least 1 hour. :Special Events:
Navaratri Local Celebrations: The festival of Navaratri (usually in September or October) sees the local community and nearby resorts sometimes organizing small, private cultural programs, dances, or traditional Garba/folk events. These small gatherings provide a touch of l...Navaratri Local Celebrations: The festival of Navaratri (usually in September or October) sees the local community and nearby resorts sometimes organizing small, private cultural programs, dances, or traditional Garba/folk events. These small gatherings provide a touch of local festivity.
New Year's Eve/Christmas: Being near some of the resorts, the area can be part of the special celebratory routes during the festive period of December. Local hotel and resort guests often start their festive walks or rides from this area, creating a temporary buzz of celebration.
Local Nature Walks Organized by Resorts: Many nearby resorts organize guided nature walks or treks to Cecil Point during special weekends or the tourist season (like Diwali), offering interpretive information about the area's history, flora, and fauna, making it an educational event. :Best Photo Spots:
The Valley Edge Silhouette: Photograph yourself or your group standing near the natural edge, silhouetted against the bright valley and sky backdrop, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for a dramatic effect.
The Lush Forest ...The Valley Edge Silhouette: Photograph yourself or your group standing near the natural edge, silhouetted against the bright valley and sky backdrop, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for a dramatic effect.
The Lush Forest Framing: Use the dense canopy of the trees along the pathway to frame the distant view of the valley from the point. This adds depth and a natural vignette to the landscape shots.
Close-up of Laterite Rocks: Focus on the distinctive red-hued laterite rocks and soil found at the point, which are characteristic of Matheran. A macro shot can highlight the unique texture and color of the earth.
The Tree Canopy Shots: Capture the massive, ancient trees surrounding the point from below, emphasizing their height and the way the sunlight filters through their leaves, giving a sense of the dense forest cover of Matheran. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Enjoying the Panoramic View: Simply sitting or standing and absorbing the sweeping view of the valley and the lush green hills is the primary activity. This is the perfect spot for unwinding and letting the fresh air invigorate you.
Nature Walking and Forest Bathing: The journey to Cecil Point is an experience in itself. Walk along the shaded, red-earthed paths, taking in the sounds and smells of the dense forest, a practice known as 'forest bathing' for its therapeutic effects.
Horseback Riding: Hire a local pony or horse from the market area or Dasturi Naka to reach the point, which is a classic Matheran experience, allowing you to cover the distance easily while enjoying the forest trails.
Photography: Capture the vastness of the valley, the distant blue hil...
Information
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Why Famous:
Panoramic Valley View: Cecil Point is famous for offering a breathtaking, wide-angle panoramic view of the Sahyadri range, the distant valley, and the occasional glimpse of the plains below, creating a sense of vast openness that is distinct from other points that focus on a...Panoramic Valley View: Cecil Point is famous for offering a breathtaking, wide-angle panoramic view of the Sahyadri range, the distant valley, and the occasional glimpse of the plains below, creating a sense of vast openness that is distinct from other points that focus on a specific fort or waterfall.
Colonial Heritage Name: Like many points in Matheran, the name Cecil Point dates back to the British era, giving it a historical context and linking it to the period when the hill station was developed as a summer retreat. This historical charm adds to its overall appeal.
Tranquility and Seclusion: It is known for being relatively less crowded than the major sunset or echo points. This comparative seclusion provides a peaceful and intimate environment, highly valued by visitors seeking quiet contemplation or a romantic escape amidst nature's grandeur. : -
Architecture:
Victorian Era Observation Deck Design: The point likely featured a simple, low-stone or masonry wall constructed during the British colonial period to act as a safe viewing railing or observation deck. This rudimentary form of architecture focused on functionality and maxim...Victorian Era Observation Deck Design: The point likely featured a simple, low-stone or masonry wall constructed during the British colonial period to act as a safe viewing railing or observation deck. This rudimentary form of architecture focused on functionality and maximizing the view, with materials sourced locally, such as laterite stone, giving it a distinct reddish-brown hue typical of Matheran structures.
Natural Laterite Plateau Edge: The core of the point is the naturally formed plateau edge, an architectural marvel of geology itself. The sheer drop-off of the Deccan Trap basalt, topped by a layer of weathered laterite soil, is characteristic of the Western Ghats. The lookout area dimensions are naturally irregular, typically a relatively flat patch of land (approx. 10m by 15m) jutting out slightly, ensuring a wide, unobstructed arc of sight over the valley.
Landscaping and Pathway: The approach path to Cecil Point is part of the extensive, well-planned network of walking trails and bridle paths established by the British for easy access to all viewpoints. These paths, often shaded by dense canopy, form a 'green architecture' that is a hallmark of Matheran's design, emphasizing connectivity and preservation of the forest. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai (Approx. 83 KMS). Take a taxi/cab from the airport to Neral, and then proceed to Matheran's Dasturi Naka.
By Train: Take a local or long-distance ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Matheran Market (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Matheran Railway Station (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Monkey Point (Approx. 0. 5 KMS), Hart Point (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Panorama Point (Approx. 3 KMS), Charlotte Lake (Approx. 2 KMS), Echo Point (Approx. 2. 5 KMS), Louisa Point (Approx. 2 KMS), One Tree Hill Point (Approx. 4 KMS), Dasturi Naka (Approx. 3 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The edges of viewpoints can be unprotected, so always maintain a safe distance, especially if visiting with children. Carry water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths can be uneven and dusty/muddy. Be cautious of monkeys, as they might try to s...
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Daulatabad Fort Shani ShingnapurTrimbakeshwar Shiva TempleUpasani Maharaj AshramMatheran Water Reservoir Monkey PointBassein Fort BhiwandiGorakhgad FortJai Vilas PalaceKelva BeachMahuli FortManas MandirTansa Wildlife SanctuaryThane Creek Flamingo SanctuaryTitwala Ganesh MandirVardhaman Fantasy ParkYeoor Forest SpotMore PlacesNote:-
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