Charlotte Lake
Charlotte Lake, also locally and sometimes affectionately known as Sharlott Lake, is one of the most serene and significant attractions in the eco-sensitive hill station of Matheran. This picturesque reservoir is not just a major tourist draw but also the primary source of drinking water for the ent ire Matheran town population, which is why swimming or littering is strictly prohibited. The lake is fed by rain and, during the monsoon season, the dam at its head overflows, creating a beautiful little waterfall. Surrounded by dense, evergreen forests and walking paths, the lake offers a tranquil retreat from the already peaceful atmosphere of the hill station. On one side of the lake is the ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir, an archaic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a spiritual dimension to the natural beauty. The lake's calm waters reflect the surrounding hills and the thick forest, creating a stunning visual spectacle. It is a favorite spot for morning walks, picnics, birdwatching, and photography. Visitors often spend a couple of hours here, either relaxing by the banks or walking the full perimeter. The best time to appreciate its full beauty is immediately following the monsoon when it is brim-full and the surrounding greenery is at its peak. The presence of nearby viewpoints like Echo Point and Louisa Point makes the lake a natural hub for tourist activity.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 hours (Relaxation and walking the perimeter)Place Type:
Lake, Reservoir, Picnic Spot, Religious Site, NatuEntry Fees:
Matheran Eco-Tourism Tax: All visitors must pay the mandatory local body tax/eco-tax at Dasturi Naka (the vehicle parking end), approximately Rs.50 per adult, to enter the Matheran hill station area, which is the necessary first step.
No Entry Fee...Matheran Eco-Tourism Tax: All visitors must pay the mandatory local body tax/eco-tax at Dasturi Naka (the vehicle parking end), approximately Rs.50 per adult, to enter the Matheran hill station area, which is the necessary first step.
No Entry Fee for the Lake: Charlotte Lake itself, being a natural public reservoir and site, does not have any separate entry fees for general visitation or walking around its perimeter. Access is free.
Dam/Water Treatment Area Restriction: There is a separate, highly restricted area around the dam's machinery and water treatment facility which is completely off-limits to tourists for security and health reasons. Violators may face strict penalties and fines.
Charges for Activities: Costs only include local transport (horse/rickshaw) to reach the lake from the market area and any purchased refreshments from the small vendors near the spot. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Generally 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). As a natural site, the lake is technically always accessible, but it is highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for both safety and the best views.
Ideal Visit Time:Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Generally 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). As a natural site, the lake is technically always accessible, but it is highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for both safety and the best views.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (7 AM to 10 AM). This time is the most peaceful, with the air being the coolest, the water being the stillest for perfect reflections, and before the main rush of tourist activity begins.
Avoid Late Evenings: Since the lake is surrounded by thick forest, the area gets quite dark after 6:00 PM, and the presence of monkeys and other forest creatures makes walking around less advisable.
Peak Season Timings: During the peak monsoon and post-monsoon months, the lake area is the busiest, so an early start is essential to enjoy the tranquility. :Special Events:
Pisharnath Mandir Festival: The ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir on the lake's banks is the site of a major local celebration on Mahashivratri (usually in February or March). This festival attracts a significant number of local devotees, who perform special prayers and ritu...Pisharnath Mandir Festival: The ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir on the lake's banks is the site of a major local celebration on Mahashivratri (usually in February or March). This festival attracts a significant number of local devotees, who perform special prayers and rituals to Lord Shiva, turning the serene spot into a hub of spiritual energy.
Annual Lake Cleaning Drive: Local environmental groups and the municipality occasionally organize large-scale community events for the annual cleaning and maintenance of the lake premises, often after the peak tourist or monsoon season, which visitors can sometimes participate in.
Local Trekking Group Meets: The lake's surroundings often serve as the meeting point or end point for various organized trekking and nature walk groups, especially on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere of adventure and camaraderie. :Best Photo Spots:
The Reflection View: Position yourself on the opposite bank to capture the lake's calm water perfectly reflecting the green hills and the sky, which is best achieved on a clear morning with minimal breeze.
The Pisarnath Temple Frame: Photogr...The Reflection View: Position yourself on the opposite bank to capture the lake's calm water perfectly reflecting the green hills and the sky, which is best achieved on a clear morning with minimal breeze.
The Pisarnath Temple Frame: Photograph the ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir with the lake in the foreground and the dense forest forming the backdrop, beautifully combining the elements of nature, water, and spirituality.
The Dam Overflow Shot: During the monsoon, capture the picturesque seasonal waterfall created by the dam's overflow, highlighting the powerful torrent of water against the old stone structure.
Framing the Viewpoints: Find a spot on the perimeter where the lake is framed by the outlines of the hills that include the distant Echo Point or Louisa Point visible on the cliffs above. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Perimeter Walk/Trek: Walk the full circumference of the lake, a gentle and highly scenic path that offers various views of the water, the dam, and the surrounding forest. This takes about 60-90 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Visiting Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir: Pay a visit to the ancient Lord Shiva temple located on one side of the lake for a moment of quiet worship or to simply admire the traditional architecture and its unique Shiva Linga.
Picnicking: Due to the tranquil environment, it's a perfect spot for a family or group picnic. Choose a quiet spot near the bank, but strictly ensure no waste is left behind to protect the water source.
Photography: Capture the stunning reflections of the hills in the lake's still water, the dense forest cover, and the dramatic...
Information
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Why Famous:
Primary Water Source: Its most significant claim to fame is that it is the principal source of drinking water for the residents and visitors of Matheran, highlighting its ecological and civic importance beyond mere tourism.
Proximity to Key Poin...Primary Water Source: Its most significant claim to fame is that it is the principal source of drinking water for the residents and visitors of Matheran, highlighting its ecological and civic importance beyond mere tourism.
Proximity to Key Points: Its central location acts as a hub, with famous points like Echo Point and Louisa Point situated on its banks, making it an essential and easily accessible stop for most tourist itineraries.
Pisarnath Temple Location: The presence of the ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir on its shores provides a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, attracting both nature lovers and devotees to the site.
Scenic Beauty and Tranquility: The lake’s calm waters and the backdrop of dense, vehicle-free forest offer one of the most serene and beautiful settings in Matheran, making it a prime location for relaxation and nature photography. : -
Architecture:
Dam and Reservoir Engineering: The lake is an artificial reservoir created by constructing a small dam. The dam wall is typically built of local stone and masonry, a simple yet effective colonial-era civil engineering design to collect rainwater and manage water flow. The ...Dam and Reservoir Engineering: The lake is an artificial reservoir created by constructing a small dam. The dam wall is typically built of local stone and masonry, a simple yet effective colonial-era civil engineering design to collect rainwater and manage water flow. The spillway is a key architectural feature, designed to manage overflow during the heavy monsoon rains, which then creates the small, seasonal waterfall. The dimensions of the reservoir are substantial, covering a significant area to serve as the town's water source.
Pisarnath Mahadev Temple Style: The ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Mandir near the lake is an example of simple, traditional Maharashtrian temple architecture. It typically features a modest stone structure, often unadorned, with a small inner sanctum (garbhagriha) housing the Shiva Linga. The unique aspect is the linga itself, often smeared with vermillion and tilted. The temple's dimensions are small, suggesting a focus on intimate worship rather than grand scale.
Bridle and Foot Paths: The pathways around the lake are part of Matheran's 'green architecture,' meticulously planned walking trails paved with red earth and lined with local trees, ensuring accessibility and preserving the natural ecosystem. These paths often have low stone walls or railings in certain spots for safety. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai (Approx. 83 KMS). Take a taxi/cab to Neral, then proceed to Matheran's Dasturi Naka.
By Train: Take a local or long-distance train to Neral Juncti... -
Near Tourist Places:
Echo Point (Approx. 0. 5 KMS), Louisa Point (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir (On the Bank), King George Point (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Monkey Point (Approx. 2 KMS), Matheran Railway Station (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Khandala Point (Approx. 2. 5 KMS), One Tree Hill Point (Approx. 4 KMS), Panorama Point (Approx. 3. 5 KMS), Khandala Point (Approx. 2. 5 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Since it is the town's water source, absolutely do not litter, spit, or attempt to wash anything in the lake. Stick to the marked paths and be cautious of the reservoir's edge. Watch out for monkeys, who are plentiful here.
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