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Maharashtra’s iconic hill station, Matheran, closed indefinitely from March 18, 2025, as locals protest against unchecked tourist scams. The Matheran Bachao Sangharsh Samiti announced the shutdown due to rising fraud by certain horse operators that were misleading and overcharging visitors at the Dasturi entry point. Despite repeated complaints, authorities failed to act, leaving residents with no choice but to halt tourism.
This directly impacted horse riders, porters, and rickshaw pullers who were dependent on the tourist visitors. A viral social media post exposing these scams further intensified the local's outrage. Locals had formally raised concerns with multiple government bodies on February 27, but not a single action was taken. After waiting 19 days for intervention, they have now enforced an indefinite closure until authorities crack down on these fraudulent practices.
For travelers who arrived unaware of the protest, the experience was anything but pleasant. “We had no idea about such a strike. All the shops were closed, which forced us to return home immediately. Since vacations have already started and summer is picking up, Mumbaikars find this hill station nearest to their homes, which is why it has become a popular destination. This kind of stir during the peak season will deprive the visitors of spending quality hangout time, away from the city," Nitin Pagar, a tourist from Ghatkopar, told Times of India.
Former municipal council president and MPVSS member Manoj Khedkar has made it clear—that the strike will not end until authorities step in to stop these scams. Meanwhile, horse operators have argued that Matheran’s heritage and the economy depend on them, and blame negative social media reviews for the decline in tourism. As the problem continues, travelers are left wondering: when will Matheran reopen? Until then, everyone might have to rethink their weekend plans.
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