Matheran Market (MG Road) - Image 1
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Matheran Market MG Road

4.3
·22 reviews·Matheran, India

Matheran's bustling MG Road Market, a car-free zone offering local crafts, delicious chikki, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Matheran Market (MG Road) - Image 1

Matheran Market MG Road

Best Time

Daytime

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Matheran's bustling MG Road Market, a car-free zone offering local crafts, delicious chikki, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.3
(22 reviews)

"A must-visit for souvenirs, local treats, and experiencing the unique charm of Asia's only automobile-free hill station."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Matheran is car-free, so pack your comfiest shoes for exploring MG Road.

🛍️ Bargain for Souvenirs

Haggling is common for handicrafts and leather goods. Don't be afraid to negotiate a fair price for your finds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chikki Delights

Chikki Delights

Various sweet shops along MG Road

Sample an array of traditional Indian brittle made with nuts and jaggery. A must-try Matheran specialty!

Leather Goods Galore

Leather Goods Galore

Footwear and handicraft stalls

Discover authentic Kolhapuri chappals and other handcrafted leather items. Perfect for unique souvenirs.

Bustling Market Stroll

Bustling Market Stroll

Entire stretch of MG Road

Experience the lively atmosphere of Matheran's main commercial hub, lined with diverse shops and eateries.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Car-Free Charm

Matheran is Asia's only automobile-free hill station! MG Road Market is the heart of this unique vibe. Prepare to walk or hire a hand-pulled rickshaw to explore the shops and eateries. It's part of the charm, so pack comfy shoes!

Sweet Treats & Souvenirs

MG Road Market is famous for its delicious 'chikki' (nut brittle) and local handicrafts. Don't miss the leather goods like Kolhapuri chappals. It's the perfect spot to grab unique souvenirs and taste local flavors.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Cooler, relaxed vibe
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pondy లో sunday market 🔥😱 📍MG Road Pondicherry #reels #reelsinstagram #instagram #instagood #travelblogger #traveladdict #travel #pondichery #viral
tasty_bites001
10.2K likes • 307.5K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Matheran is car-free, so pack your comfiest shoes for exploring MG Road. Reddit

🛍️ Bargain for Souvenirs

Haggling is common for handicrafts and leather goods. Don't be afraid to negotiate a fair price for your finds. Reddit

😋 Taste the Local Chikki

Don't leave without trying Matheran's famous chikki! Many vendors offer different flavors to sample. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Consider a Rickshaw

If walking long distances is a concern, hand-pulled rickshaws are available for hire along MG Road. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Matheran is car-free, so pack your comfiest shoes for exploring MG Road. Reddit

🛍️ Bargain for Souvenirs

Haggling is common for handicrafts and leather goods. Don't be afraid to negotiate a fair price for your finds. Reddit

😋 Taste the Local Chikki

Don't leave without trying Matheran's famous chikki! Many vendors offer different flavors to sample. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Consider a Rickshaw

If walking long distances is a concern, hand-pulled rickshaws are available for hire along MG Road. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(22 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Matheran's MG Road Market is a vibrant commercial hub offering a delightful shopping and dining experience. Visitors praise the variety of local products, especially the famous chikki and leather goods, and the lively, car-free atmosphere. Some find the prices a bit high for certain items, and the walking involved can be tiring for some.

"The Matheran MG Road Market is the central commercial hub of the quaint hill station of Matheran, Maharashtra. This bustling street is lined with a variety of shops and kiosks catering to the needs and desires of tourists and locals alike.

Visitors can find an array of items, including local handicrafts, leather goods such as Kolhapuri chappals, footwear, clothing, and souvenirs. The market is also famous for its sweet treats, particularly "chikki," a traditional Indian brittle made with nuts and jaggery. Several vendors offer different varieties of this local delicacy.

Beyond shopping, MG Road Market is a great place to sample local flavors. Numerous food stalls serve quick bites like Maggi noodles and South Indian dishes, perfect for a warm snack amidst the cool climate of Matheran. The market is typically vibrant throughout the day, offering a lively atmosphere for strolling and exploring. Its car-free environment adds to its charm, making it a pedestrian-friendly zone for leisurely browsing and enjoying the local ambiance."

TripperHD Vlogs

"Place is good with multiple hotels and shopping shops majorly Ladies purses and Foot wares, but good choice to buy once, Mini train station is available, one bar but no wine shops, but not that expensive, over all good place"

Vishal

"Good place to visit.Lots of shops for purses and different bags.Footware shops also there.Various hotels for snacks and lunch plus dinner option."

Neha Vaidya

What People Like

Famous chikki varieties
Leather goods and chappals
Car-free market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Some prices high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Matheran is a car-free hill station. You'll need to park your vehicle at Dasturi Naka and then walk or take a hand-pulled rickshaw or horse ride to the market. The nearest railway station is Neral, from where you can take a toy train or a taxi to the base and then walk up. Reddit

No, Matheran is strictly a no-vehicle zone. All vehicles must be parked at Dasturi Naka, about 2.5 km from the market. Reddit

From Dasturi Naka, you can either enjoy a pleasant walk (approx. 30-45 minutes) or hire a hand-pulled rickshaw. Horses are also an option for transport within Matheran. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entry fee to enter Matheran as a tourist, which covers the upkeep of the hill station. However, there are no separate tickets required to enter the MG Road Market itself. Reddit

The market is generally open throughout the day, from morning until late evening. Shops might have individual closing times, but the main street remains active. Reddit

Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for tourists entering Matheran, which helps in maintaining the pristine environment of the hill station. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You'll find a great selection of leather goods (especially Kolhapuri chappals), purses, bags, footwear, local handicrafts, and of course, the famous Matheran chikki. Reddit

Yes, bargaining is quite common, especially for handicrafts and leather items. It's advisable to have a price in mind and negotiate respectfully. Reddit

Several sweet shops along MG Road sell chikki. Look for vendors offering a variety of flavors like groundnut, cashew, and mixed nut chikki. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can find various eateries and restaurants serving quick bites like Maggi noodles, South Indian snacks, and full meals for lunch and dinner. Reddit

Yes, MG Road has several hotels and restaurants offering lunch options, ranging from local Maharashtrian cuisine to popular Indian dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire MG Road offers a vibrant backdrop with its shops and the unique car-free environment. Capture the local life, the colorful stalls, and the architecture. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Matheran's car-free nature makes it a safe and enjoyable destination for families. MG Road Market is a great place for kids to experience a lively bazaar atmosphere. They'll love trying different flavors of chikki and picking out small souvenirs. The availability of hand-pulled rickshaws can also be a fun way for younger children to get around if they get tired of walking. Reddit

When visiting the market with children, consider packing extra snacks and water, as well as comfortable walking shoes for everyone. The numerous eateries along MG Road offer simple, kid-friendly options like Maggi noodles and other quick bites, ensuring that even picky eaters can find something they enjoy. The overall relaxed pace of Matheran allows families to explore at their own speed without the stress of traffic.

🚶 Budget Travelers

MG Road Market offers a budget-friendly experience for travelers. While there's an entry fee for Matheran, shopping and dining on MG Road can be quite affordable. Look for local eateries serving snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Bargaining for souvenirs like chikki, leather goods, and handicrafts can help you save money. Reddit

Consider walking from Dasturi Naka to the market to save on rickshaw or horse fares. Many shops offer good value for money, especially if you're looking for practical items like footwear or chappals. The vibrant atmosphere of the market itself is a free attraction, offering plenty to see and experience without spending a lot.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Car-Free Experience

Matheran is renowned as Asia's only automobile-free hill station, and this unique policy is central to its charm. MG Road Market thrives within this pedestrian-friendly environment. Visitors arrive at Dasturi Naka, the last point accessible by vehicles, and then proceed on foot, by hand-pulled rickshaw, or on horseback. This commitment to a pollution-free atmosphere means you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the chatter of fellow travelers without the roar of traffic. It encourages a slower pace, allowing for a more immersive experience of the hill station's natural beauty and its bustling marketplace. Reddit

Exploring MG Road Market is an integral part of this car-free adventure. The absence of vehicles makes it safe and pleasant to wander through the stalls, browse for local crafts, and sample street food. The market itself is a vibrant hub, offering everything from local handicrafts and leather goods to delicious chikki and quick snacks. The leisurely pace of exploration, unhurried by traffic, allows you to truly soak in the local ambiance and discover hidden gems. Reddit

Shopping for Local Delicacies and Crafts

MG Road Market is a shopper's paradise, particularly for those seeking authentic local products. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Matheran chikki, a traditional Indian brittle made from jaggery and nuts. Numerous vendors offer a wide variety, from classic groundnut chikki to more exotic flavors like cashew, almond, and mixed nut. It's the perfect sweet souvenir to take home. Reddit

Beyond sweets, the market is famous for its leather goods, especially Kolhapuri chappals. You'll also find a good selection of purses, bags, and other footwear. Local handicrafts and souvenirs are plentiful, making it easy to find unique items that capture the essence of Matheran. Remember that bargaining is part of the shopping experience here, so don't hesitate to negotiate for the best price. Reddit

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