Pune To Matheran

It was nice travelling for Matheran with Deccan Express Train early in the morning. This train does not go to the Matheran. We need to book ticket up to Neral station and after that there is a toy train from Neral to Matheran. It was also nice experience with that. I liked the travelling and it takes almost 4 hours from Pune.

Train taken during sunrise is very good. You get to see good country side. Worth visiting during monsoon. At times, can even see waterfalls along the Lonavala-Karjat passage. Can take good photos from train itself (especially if the train is slow). Also, can get to see good view around Talegaon and Malavali range (just before Lonavala). We got down at Neral station and then took a cab. Can also take a joy ride train though frequency is very less.

We picked up train early morning to Karjat from Pune. We have good connectivity from Pune to Neral via Karjat. There is good frequency trains between Neral and Karjat. Almost every 40-50 min. From Neral one can pick-up toy train or taxi for Matheran. Matheran also having shuttle service on every hour during day time.

The journey was not more than 3 hours but interesting. Especially from Neral to Matheran in toy train. Make sure bookings are in advance for train if its weekend. Though it was a family tour, the location was close to nature and away from city pollution. People are friendly but monkeys are not. It is good to be here for 2 days to explore in entity.

Matheran is on hill, hence when you go to Matheran the ghat section is very sloppy. Only good and experience drivers can drive there. Your car should also have power to climb the slopes. Don't take underpower vehicles like Nano etc fully loaded you will face difficulty in driving. If you are new in driving than there are drivers available at the start of ghat section to take your vehicle on the top. In rainy season you can enjoy natural fruits on the road trip like (Jamun and guavas). There is one more option of taking toy train from neral. Which is also very good option to travel to matheral. You will enjoy the sightseeing on the mountain.