Charlotte Lake

Also coined as Sharlott Lake, the emerald green Charlotte Lake is one amongst the most frequented tourist hotspots in Matheran. The lake is the only place in Matheran which oozes with its essence and charm. Besides, being the main water source for the residents in Matheran, the Charlotte lake is looked upon as the ideal weekend gateway to catch some fresh air, and to search for the inner bliss. Tucked away from the city hubbub, the Charlotte Lake, Matheran lays centred in the lush forest region, with one dam sprawling from one of its sides and the other side flaunting the holy Pisarnath temple. The lake overlooks some spellbinding views of the Louisa Point and Echo Point.

Traveller Tips for Charlotte Lake

• Since Charlotte Lake, Matheran is the primary source of water for the residents of Matheran, any kind of water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming are strictly restricted.

• If you happen to visit the place for picnic purposes, make sure you keep the area clean and free of any kind of plastics and garbage.

• You can choose to opt for a hand-pulled rickshaw or a horse ride back to your hotel from the lake.

• The place is filled with monkeys and thus, you must be careful when opening food packets in front of them.

• The place doesn’t allow any pets.

• Photography, Videography is allowed in the region for tourists.

Things to Do at the Charlotte Lake in Matheran

• The Pisarnath Mahadev Temple, standing tall on the left side of the lake, is thronged by devotees from across the nation.

• The two popular viewpoints- Louisa Point and Echo Point shares proximity with the lake and can be given a brief visit to enjoy some enthralling views of the surrounding mountain ranges, dense forests, and valleys.

• When at Charlotte Lake, you can also engage in watching a plethora of migratory and domestic birds flocking to the region for a quick meal, especially during the morning and evening hours.

• The breath-taking views of the Charlotte Lake, Matheran following the cool breeze kissing your cheeks are worth the 2.5 kilometres walk from the marketplace of Matheran to the lake.

• You can treat your sore eyes to the nearby waterfall, and the sparkling clean lake set against the verdant green backdrop.

• The sunrise and the golden rays reflecting on the lake during the hour are a sight to behold as well.

• The lake lays out sufficient opportunities for avid photographers or nature lovers to catch a glimpse of nature’s beauty and myriad birds through their lenses.

Availability

Charlotte Lake is open between 5 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

History

Built in the early 1956 AD, the Charlotte Lake, Matheran is first filtered and thereafter distributed to the whole of Matheran. The age-old Pisarnath temple on the left side of the lake is devoted to Lord Shiva (The God of Destroyer) who is also looked upon as the village deity of the Charlotte Lake region. The worshipped Shiva lingam present inside the temple is believed to be self-manifested as per the ancient folklore.

Architecture

One of the key aspects of the Pisarnath Temple at Charlotte Lake, Matheran is the unique Shiva lingam, which is all red, due to smearing of vermillion and is also tilted to one side unlike the usual straight black Shiva lingams found everywhere.

Festival

While Ganesh Chaturthi is the most celebrated festival amongst others in Matheran. However, there are a few more festivals that are inclusive of Matheran Mahotsav. The Charlotte Lake, is witness to one of the most popular Shivratri, thanks to the ancient Pisarnath Temple situated there. The place is also decked up in a multitude of lights and dresses up in happiness during Diwali, in November.

Popular Culture

Matheran’s culture strikes a resemblance to Raigad District’s culture. The famous cuisines of Maharashtra and Gujarat are sold abundantly all across Matheran and even in Charlotte Lake. Matheran also boasts of a marketplace that is famous for hats, footwear, belts, purses, and bags. Chikki is a locally based food that is quite hyped all around Matheran and is relished by tourists from all across the world.

How to Reach Charlotte Lake?

Matheran is the only hill-station to have earned the eco-sensitive zone of the state- thus restricting any movement of buses and transports. This is the exact reason, why people choose horse rides and trekking to move from one place to another. To reach Charlotte Lake, Matheran you have to walk from the nearest railway station, which happens to be 2 kilometres away from the lake.

You can also board a bus or book a private cab to Dasturi car point. From here you would be needed to get on horseback or opt for a man-pulled rickshaw to help you reach your hotel in Matheran or straight to the Charlotte lake as per your preference.

Best Time to Visit Charlotte Lake

The sheer grandeur and the magnitude of the Lake’s beauty are best unveiled during the monsoons when the emerald green reservoir drapes a tinge of gold, that reflects under the sun. However, most tourists prefer planning a trip to the lake right after the monsoons during October-November to best enjoy the place and to witness its’ marvellous beauty and grandeur.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Charlotte Lake

• The dam is the source of the lake, which generally overflows during showers and forms into a quaint waterfall, thus leading to the formation of a glistening lake during the monsoons.

• The place is an interesting spot for camping and picnicking with your family and friends. An ideal romantic spot where you can indulge in overnight barbecue parties.

• The beauty of the place is best enjoyed during the foggy winter mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions on Charlotte Lake

Q1) Can I find any restaurants near the Charlotte Lake, Matheran?

Yes, there are about 9 restaurants within the proximity of 10 kilometres. The restaurants at the lake offer cold drinks and fresh snacks.

Q2) Are there any places to sit in and around the lake?

There are quite a few benches installed around the lake, where you can sit and celebrate eternal bliss.

Q3) Are there any washroom facilities available at the lake?

Yes, washroom facilities have been arranged for the tourists here.