Location
It is located at about 2400 meters height above the sea level. And is about 45 kilometers from Shimla. The location falls under Tehsil Theog.
History
Matiana is basically a small village. The local people are basically Rajputs and worship Goddess Durga (Ma Maheshwari or Bhagvati). They are devout followers of the Goddess. Many believe that people from the upper part of Himachal are the natives while the rest are migrants.
Language
Pahari is the local language but hindi is spoken by virtually everyone.
Cuisine
Much like everything else in the hills, even the cuisine of Matiana is simple and unadulterated. Fresh fruits are grown in many orchards around which also produce fresh jams, jellies etc. vegetables are grown locally and therefore are fresh when cooked.
Attractions
In Matiana one must sit for a cup of tea, bite of an apple from the local orchards or click a photograph of the beautiful landscapes. Offering a view of high peaked mountains, with fresh breeze airing through the local village, Matiana offers to be one of the most mesmerizing and soul invigorating locations in the lap of nature. Trekking, horse riding, driving, picnics, golfing etc. are popular activities.
Apple orchards stretch over the length and breadth of this small town on NH 22, between Shimla and Narkhanda in Himachal Pradesh. Perpetually pleasant weather, a strong connection with the Goddess Durga and businesses rooted in apple farms, makes this a verdant and relaxed place to visit.
A small town feel and easy pace of life makes Matiana an ideal base for travellers who wish to relax and explore the region away from the tourist crowds. Matiana has a number of things to offer for those who like to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.
Here are our favourite things to do in Matiana.
1. Birdwatching
This small town of Himachal gives a vast opportunity for birding enthusiasts to see plenty of different species. The varieties are distinctly different from that of other parts of India. Birds like Drongo, fly catcher, bar tailed tree creeper, black bulbul and Grosbeak can be spotted here.
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| Birdwatching-in-Matiana |
2. Walking Trails
The hills are a perfect place to explore and there are plenty of local trails to follow. Small village settlements, old-towering trees and local life are found along some of the most beautiful trails here. A good way to see the destination and get acquainted to the local culture, this is highly recommended.
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| Trekking-in-Matiana |
3. Explore the Apple Farms
You can’t escape the importance of the apple farms in the region. Most people here have small or big farms and the conversations invariable leads to the season’s production and other issues. Visit an apple orchard and enjoy the freshness of apples right off the tree. While most of the harvest is sent to local or larger distributors, many people have diversified into small units of chutneys (Indian condiment) and juices. Perfect souvenirs to take home!
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| Juicy-Apples |
4. Hatu Peak
A little over 15 kms from Matiana, the Hatu peak towers over the Narkhanda town. It takes about an hour from the town to drive up to this serene spot with oak stands and bright green pastures in the middle. From here, you can get a good look at the Himalayas on a clear day. Try not to visit on a weekend – the number of visiting cars and bikes often end up in a jam.
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| Hatu peak towers over the Narkhanda town |
5. Local Temples
Matiana has always been associated with its devotion to the Goddess Durga. Apart from her, the destination is also sprinkled with other smaller temples. You will find temples tucked away in nooks and crannies, below trees, by the road and some elaborate ones. The religious zeal in the people is commendable here.
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| Jai Mata Bhawani! |
When to go
As Matiana is high up in the hills it is pleasant all year round. Summers are usually not crowded by the hottest part of the year. Snow can be found in places like Hatu even in March.
How to reach
Getting in: Bikers usually pass through Matiana using National Highway-22. Narkanda is one of the main stops for people travelling to Leh and Ladakh taking the route from Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Narkanda, NH-22 is also a good way to drive down to Matiana. Trains aren't well connected. And direct trains are hard to find.
Getting around: Taxis can be rented through hotels and homestays. There's no better reliable mode of transport around. Hikes, treks and walks are fun for some people.
Distance to other cities
Shimla....................47 Km
Chandigarh............167 Km
Manali...................215 Km
Dharamsala............283 Km
Delhi......................411 Km
Corbett..................498 Km
Ranikhet................610 Km
