Chowk Point
Chowk Point is one of the southernmost and most significant viewpoints in Matheran, offering an incredible, vast panorama that distinguishes it from other lookouts. From this strategic location, visitors can see the town of Chowk in the plains below, from which the point gets its name. More importan tly, it provides a stunning, clear view of several prominent historical landmarks, including the majestic Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort, along with the distant Karnala Fort and the Morbe Dam backwaters. This convergence of natural scenery and historical sights makes Chowk Point a favorite among history buffs and landscape photographers. The point is relatively larger than others, featuring open space and the presence of a small, revered statue of Lord Ganesh, which adds a local religious flavor. The trek or ride to Chowk Point is longer than for most central viewpoints, taking travelers through deeper, less-frequented parts of the Matheran forest, contributing to a sense of remoteness and peacefulness. It's often visited as part of a southern circuit, including Little Chowk Point and Rambaug Point. The view of the winding ghat roads connecting the plains to the hills is also spectacular from here. Visitors usually allocate a generous amount of time due to the travel distance from the main market.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 to 2 hours (Due to distance from center)Place Type:
Viewpoint, Fort Viewing, Scenic Spot, Historic PoiEntry Fees:
Matheran Eco-Tourism Tax: The mandatory local body tax/eco-tax of approximately Rs.50 per adult must be paid at Dasturi Naka to enter the Matheran hill station area, which is required for access to this point.
No Entry Fee at the Point: Chowk ...Matheran Eco-Tourism Tax: The mandatory local body tax/eco-tax of approximately Rs.50 per adult must be paid at Dasturi Naka to enter the Matheran hill station area, which is required for access to this point.
No Entry Fee at the Point: Chowk Point itself, like all viewpoints, does not charge any separate entry fee for viewing the scenic landscape. Access is free once you are within the Matheran municipal limits.
Horse/Pony Riding Charges: Due to the longer distance from the center, the cost for a return horse ride to Chowk Point will be higher than for central points, often ranging from Rs.400 to 600 (negotiable) depending on the number of points included in the tour circuit.
Refreshment Costs: Small costs are involved for purchasing refreshments, which are slightly pricier at these distant points due to the transport effort by local vendors. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Due to the longer walk/ride and the isolated nature of the point, it is unsafe to visit after dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9 AM to 11 AM) or Early Afternoon (2 ...Regular Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Due to the longer walk/ride and the isolated nature of the point, it is unsafe to visit after dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9 AM to 11 AM) or Early Afternoon (2 PM to 4 PM). The clear midday sun often provides the best visibility to clearly see the distant forts and dam, making it a good point for a mid-day visit when other spots are too hot.
Time Allocation: Allocate a minimum of 30 minutes at the point itself for viewing and photography, plus the travel time (approx. 1 hour walk/ride one way) from the market. :Special Events:
Ganesh Chaturthi Local Observance: Due to the presence of the Lord Ganesh shrine, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi (typically in August or September) is celebrated with local fervor at Chowk Point. Small rituals, prayers, and sometimes aartis are performed, attracting the l...Ganesh Chaturthi Local Observance: Due to the presence of the Lord Ganesh shrine, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi (typically in August or September) is celebrated with local fervor at Chowk Point. Small rituals, prayers, and sometimes aartis are performed, attracting the local community and providing a spiritual event for visitors to observe.
The Chowk Village Fair: The town of Chowk, visible from the point, sometimes hosts local fairs or festivals which, though distant, contribute to the overall lively atmosphere visible in the plains below, especially during major regional Maharashtrian holidays.
Annual Trekking Group Meets: Given its popularity as an endpoint for longer treks, adventure groups often organize annual or semi-annual trekking meets that culminate at Chowk Point, featuring group photos and celebratory gatherings. :Best Photo Spots:
Framing the Forts: The best photographic opportunity is capturing the magnificent profile of Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort in the distance, using a zoom lens to highlight their historical grandeur against the lush hills.
The View from Above:Framing the Forts: The best photographic opportunity is capturing the magnificent profile of Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort in the distance, using a zoom lens to highlight their historical grandeur against the lush hills.
The View from Above: A wide-angle shot that captures the vast plains and the geometric patterns of the distant Chowk town and the Morbe Dam backwaters, emphasizing the dramatic drop from the plateau.
The Ganesh Shrine Foreground: Use the small, colorful Lord Ganesh statue as a foreground element, framing the spectacular natural landscape in the background, combining the cultural and the natural.
The Ghat Road Zigzag: Focus on the winding, serpentine ghat roads that climb up the hills, seen from above, illustrating the remarkable engineering feat of the road cutting through the Sahyadris. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Fort Photography: Use a telephoto lens to capture stunning, close-up photographs of the distant Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort nestled in the hills, documenting the historical landscape from a great vantage point.
Panoramic Sightseeing: Spend time identifying the various landmarks visible from the point—the forts, the valley, the Chowk town, and the Morbe Dam—using the informative signboards often found there.
Trekking Circuit: Combine the visit with a trek that includes Little Chowk Point, Rambaug Point, and potentially One Tree Hill Point, completing a challenging but rewarding southern circuit of viewpoints.
Relaxation and Reflection: The spaciousness and relative quiet of the point, due to its distance from the main market, make it an ideal spot for quiet...
Information
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Why Famous:
View of Multiple Forts: Its primary fame comes from the unobstructed view it offers of historical Maratha landmarks like Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort in the surrounding hills, making it a favorite for those interested in the history of the region.
Read MoreView of Multiple Forts: Its primary fame comes from the unobstructed view it offers of historical Maratha landmarks like Prabal Fort and Vishalgad Fort in the surrounding hills, making it a favorite for those interested in the history of the region.
Perspective of the Plains: The point is uniquely positioned to offer a clear line of sight to the town of Chowk and the surrounding plains, providing a dramatic contrast between the high-altitude hill station and the flat lands below, a perfect 'view from above' experience.
Southernmost Tip Significance: As one of the southernmost viewpoints, it is considered the starting or end point for some of the longer, more rewarding trekking routes, such as the one connecting to One Tree Hill Point and the base village of Chowk itself. :Architecture:
Natural Plateau Extension: The architectural feature is the point itself, a natural, wide spur of the Matheran plateau that provides a multi-directional view. This natural viewing area is extensive, roughly an irregularly shaped open space (approx. 20m by 30m) at the very ...Natural Plateau Extension: The architectural feature is the point itself, a natural, wide spur of the Matheran plateau that provides a multi-directional view. This natural viewing area is extensive, roughly an irregularly shaped open space (approx. 20m by 30m) at the very edge of the cliff.
The Lord Ganesh Shrine: A small, simple, open-air shrine featuring a statue of Lord Ganesh is a key feature. The shrine's architecture is vernacular, typically just a stone pedestal or a small, painted enclosure, signifying local reverence and acting as a landmark for trekkers. The statue dimensions are modest, focusing on devotion rather than grandeur.
Viewpoint Railing/Seating: The point often has low, locally constructed stone benches or railings for safety and seating. These structures are built with locally sourced stone, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape and providing functional rest areas for tired trekkers. :How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai (Approx. 85 KMS). Take a cab to Neral, then proceed to Dasturi Naka.
By Train: Take a local or long-distance train to Neral Junction. From Neral,...Near Tourist Places:
Little Chowk Point (Approx. 0. 5 KMS), Rambaug Point (Approx. 1 KM), One Tree Hill Point (Approx. 1. 5 KMS), Alexander Point (Approx. 3. 5 KMS), Matheran Market (Approx. 4 KMS), Prabal Fort (Distant View), Vishalgad Fort (Distant View), Morbe Dam (Distant View), Neral Junction (Approx. 10 KMS via road/trek), Dasturi Naka (Approx. 4 KMS)Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Given the longer distance and the secluded nature of the spot, always travel with a companion or a trusted guide. Carry adequate water and a portable charger for your phone. Be extra cautious near the cliff edges, which are steep and unprotected in some ar...
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