Beyond Mumbai
Matheran: the back story
The back story
About Matheran: the back story
In Matheran, motor vehicles are not allowed: visitors leave cars at Dasturi Naka and continue on foot, on horseback or by hand-pulled rickshaw (Maharashtra Tourism). The nearest railhead is Neral, about 20 km away, where the Neral–Matheran toy train begins; Central Railway describes the line as more than 100 years old.
No cars
Park at Dasturi Naka; from there, walk, ride or take a hand-pulled rickshaw.
The toy train
The narrow-gauge train climbs from Neral through the forest; check Central Railway for the day’s services.
Leave the car at Dasturi Naka and walk in.
Our advice: go outside the monsoon, when the forest paths are dry.
Why it's on our list
- No cars
- The toy train
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Matheran: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Matheran: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations
- PendharN120 km
- RBI ColonyN124 km
- CBD BelapurN124 km