The way to matheran!

The way to Matheran!

The literal meaning of the word Matheran is a place that is covered by a dense jungle. It is basically a hill station with a dense growth of plants. It is a beautiful place for perfect for sightseeing and getting your mind relaxed.

It is total fun to be at the place, but how to reach Matheran has its own charm as well. Matheran is properly connected by rail, from both Pune and Mumbai till the Neral Junction Station. This station is located at the bottom of the hill and toy trains run from here. It is a zigzag route of approximately 21 kilometers that the toy train takes. During the journey you can observe marvelous sceneries of valleys that would leave you spell-bound. There are stations like Water Pipe, Ama Lodge and Jumma Patti on the way.

You have to do an advanced booking for the toy train from Pune or Mumbai. It is a beneficial idea in the peak season. The tickets are put on sale forty five minutes before departure.

Focusing on how to reach Matheran from Mumbai, the distance between Neral and Mumbai is 90 kilometers while that between Neral and Matheran is 21 kilometers. Few express trains like Deccan Express and Koyna Express run from Mumbai CST and halt at Neral. Most of the express trains from Mumbai halt in Karjat that is located futher away from Neral. You need to then backtrack via the local trains that run frequently. The other option that can be taken is a local train that is Kajrat-bound from Mumbai CST and you can then get down at Neral. The distance between Neral and Pune is 120 kilometers. You can take any of the Mumbai-bound express trains that halt at Neral like the Sahyadri Express.

Travelling by road can also be a good option. The road route connecting Mumbai, Neral and Matheran is around 108 kilometers. You can take the NH-4 Mumbai Pune Highway till Chowk Village and then move to Karjat road. The entrance of Matheran via Neral is Dasturi Naka that is led from the road from Kajrat. All you need to do is to get on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway at Panvel thereby avoiding the heavy rush on the roads of Panvel. If you are looking for how to reach Matheran from Pune, get off Pune-Mumbai Expressway at an exit called Khoopli after you pass Khandala/Lonavla and then get back on the old Pune-Mumbai road.

If you plan to go by car, you have to park it some distance away in a parking lot and then get on a local to reach Matheran. Cars are strictly prohibited within a certain region. There are porters who will help you carry your luggage. As far as the local transport is concerned, Hand-pulled rickshaws and horses are the only options available. Trekking is also an option.

If budget is not a problem, you can go for air transport. The airport nearest to Matheran is the Mumbai airport. So choose your options and travel to the living beauty in the world!