Matheran Bandh: Hill Station Shut Indefinitely to Curb Tourist Exploitation (Watch Video)

Matheran is a popular tourist destination and a hill station near Mumbai. Tourists from all over the country visit this spot. But now the small hill station is closed to tourists from March 18. Here’s why:

Matheran is seeing a low tourist footfall. The indefinite bandh has been called a protest to stop the tourists from being misled and cheated by some horse traders in the region. Locals and business owners claim that this is the reason behind the depleting number of tourists visiting the region. Horsemen charge Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for a 2 km ride from Dasturi to Matheran from tourists. Vehicles are not being allowed inside the hill station and people have to park them at Daturi Naka.

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#MatheranShutdown continues as tourism stakeholders protest misleading practices & exploitation of visitors. Shops, hotels & transport services remain closed. A crucial meeting on March 19 aims for resolution. Will Matheran tourism bounce back? #SaveMatheran@lokmattimesengpic.twitter.com/o6rz1aWXwS

— Amit Srivastava (@s_amit007) March 18, 2025

#MatheranShutdown continues as tourism stakeholders protest misleading practices & exploitation of visitors. Shops, hotels & transport services remain closed. A crucial meeting on March 19 aims for resolution. Will Matheran tourism bounce back? @lokmattimeseng#SaveMatheranpic.twitter.com/rmM9osdRua

— Amit Srivastava (@s_amit007) March 18, 2025

The Matheran Paryatan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has announced bandh and it is supported by the hotel owners, e-rickshaw associations, traders, and social organizations.

Until the Matheran government shuts down the cheating enterprise, there has been a call for an indefinite bandh in Matheran. The residents of Matheran remain steadfast in their bandh stance since Monday's talks with the authorities proved to be unsuccessful.