Olympia Race Course
A Nostalgic Landmark: The Olympia Race Course is a unique and historic flat ground within the forested plateau of Matheran, established in 1892-93 by Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji. This expansive ground is a colonial legacy, originally built for horse racing and equestrian activities, reflecting the lifest yle of the British settlers. Today, it no longer hosts formal races but serves as a central hub for horseback riding lessons, pony rentals, and as a large, peaceful clearing for relaxation and recreation. The course's circumference is a flat, earth track, often surrounded by towering trees, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Its proximity to the main market makes it highly accessible and a vital part of the town's character, contrasting the rugged viewpoints with a gentle, open space. The course is a testament to Matheran's unique place as a vehicle-free hill station where horses remain the primary mode of transport.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Historic Site/Recreational Hub/Equestrian ActivityEntry Fees:
Matheran Town Entry Fee: The mandatory fee (approx. Rs 50) at Dasturi Naka must be paid to enter the hill station.
Point Specific Fee: The race course itself has no entry fee. The only cost is for hiring a horse/pony.
Read MoreMatheran Town Entry Fee: The mandatory fee (approx. Rs 50) at Dasturi Naka must be paid to enter the hill station.
Point Specific Fee: The race course itself has no entry fee. The only cost is for hiring a horse/pony.
Horse Rental: Costs for a horse ride vary significantly based on the duration and destination. A short ride on the course might cost Rs 100-300, while a full-day ride covering multiple points can range from Rs 1000-3000. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The area is a recreational ground, so access is generally permitted during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) when the air is cool and the horses are most active, or...Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The area is a recreational ground, so access is generally permitted during daylight hours.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) when the air is cool and the horses are most active, or Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) for pleasant strolls.
Peak Horse Activity: The course is busiest during weekend mornings in the peak winter season (November to February). :Special Events:
Horseman's Festival: Although no formal races occur, the local community of horse owners and operators sometimes organizes informal equestrian displays or small community fairs around traditional festivals, showcasing the skill of the local horsemen, particularly after the m...Horseman's Festival: Although no formal races occur, the local community of horse owners and operators sometimes organizes informal equestrian displays or small community fairs around traditional festivals, showcasing the skill of the local horsemen, particularly after the monsoon season (October or November).
Annual Matheran Day: The founding of Matheran as a hill station (around 1850) is sometimes celebrated with local cultural events, for which the large space of the race course is often used as a venue. :Best Photo Spots:
The Horseback Action Shot: Capture dynamic, close-up photos of horses and ponies trotting past, using a shallow depth of field to highlight the animal against the blurred forest background.
The Grand Clearing: Take a wide shot of the expansi...The Horseback Action Shot: Capture dynamic, close-up photos of horses and ponies trotting past, using a shallow depth of field to highlight the animal against the blurred forest background.
The Grand Clearing: Take a wide shot of the expansive, empty course with the surrounding dense forest and towering trees, showcasing the scale of this unique clearing.
Colonial Heritage Close-up: Focus on any old, weathered architectural elements near the course to create a sense of history and nostalgia in your frame.
Portraits with Ponies: The brightly saddled ponies and the patient horses make for excellent, characteristic travel portraits. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Horse Riding/Pony Rides: The primary activity is hiring a pony or horse for a sightseeing tour to any of Matheran's 38 points or simply taking a fun, short ride on the track itself (highly recommended for kids).
Photography: Capture the picturesque scene of horses and ponies dotting the green clearing, an iconic Matheran image.
Leisurely Strolls: Enjoy a peaceful walk around the flat, easy circumference of the track, offering a break from the hilly trails.
Local Shopping: The area is close to the main market, allowing for easy access to shopping for local handicrafts, leather goods, and the famous Matheran chikki (a local sweet).
People Watching: Observe the lively hub of activity, from bargaining for horse rides to watching chil...
Information
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Why Famous:
Equestrian Heart of Matheran: Famous for being the historic center of horse riding in the hill station, where visitors can hire horses and ponies for sightseeing trips to all the surrounding viewpoints.
Colonial Landmark: The course's long h...Equestrian Heart of Matheran: Famous for being the historic center of horse riding in the hill station, where visitors can hire horses and ponies for sightseeing trips to all the surrounding viewpoints.
Colonial Landmark: The course's long history, dating back to the late 19th Century, and its connection to the British-era development of Matheran make it a cherished heritage site.
A Unique Race Course: It is a remarkable sight—a full-fledged race course nestled in a high-altitude, dense forest, which is unique among Indian hill stations.
Learning Hub: It is the main place for beginners and children to take short horse riding lessons or a simple trot on the flat track before attempting longer sightseeing rides. : -
Architecture:
Simple Equestrian Design: The architecture of the race course is defined by its function: a wide, flat, oval-shaped earth track designed for horse-based activities.
Colonial Heritage Structure: While the track itself is simple, the area once...Simple Equestrian Design: The architecture of the race course is defined by its function: a wide, flat, oval-shaped earth track designed for horse-based activities.
Colonial Heritage Structure: While the track itself is simple, the area once featured and may still retain small remnants of British-era structures like a spectator stand or stables, adding a touch of colonial architectural history. Dimension wise, the track is a distinct oval shape, measuring approximately 400-500 meters in circumference, a significant clearing within the dense forest. Its design facilitates easy movement of a large number of horses and ponies, which are a major feature of present-day Matheran transport and tourism. The design is purely functional for equestrian use. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) (approx. 90 KMS). Take a cab to Neral and proceed to Dasturi.
By Train: Take a local train from Mumbai to Neral Junction. From Neral, take a shared...
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be cautious around horses and ponies; maintain a respectful distance unless riding. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Packing: Carry a small water bottle. The proximity to the market means essentials are readily availab...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(608+) of Maharashtra Has Been Added :-
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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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