Located in the Western Ghats, Matheran is Maharashtra’s little mountain secret. Just 2.5 hours from Mumbai, this charming hill station is unlike any other — Asia’s only automobile-free hill town, where you can walk on red-mud paths, ride horses, hop on a toy train, and gaze at misty valleys without a single horn to interrupt the peace. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, Matheran is a soul-refreshing weekend escape.
By Train:
From Mumbai or Pune, take a local or express train to Neral Junction. From Neral, you can take the Matheran Hill Railway toy train or a cab till Dasturi Point, the last motorable spot.
The famous Matheran Toy Train runs from Neral to Matheran. The route offers jaw-dropping views and is perfect for slow travel lovers.
Toy Train Timings & Ticket Prices:
From Neral to Matheran: 8:40 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:40 PM, 3:30 PM
Fare: ₹60 for Second Class, ₹300 for First Class (one way)
Note: Service may be suspended during monsoon months due to landslides. Always check IRCTC for real-time availability.
By Road:
You can drive or take a cab to Dasturi Point via Neral.
From there:
Walk (60-90 mins) /
Hire a horse ride (₹500–₹1000) depending on the point
Hand-pulled rickshaws are also available for ₹700–₹800
Entry Fee at Dasturi Point:
₹50 per adult
₹25 per child
(This is an eco-tax charged by the local municipal body)
Monsoon (June to Sept): Matheran turns lush green with foggy paths and roaring waterfalls. Great for photographers and peace seekers.
Winter (Oct to Feb): The most pleasant season with cool breezes — ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
Summer (March to May): Warm but still cooler than Mumbai. Evenings and early mornings are perfect.
Panorama Point: Offers stunning sunrise views with a panoramic sweep of valleys.
Louisa Point: Close to Charlotte Lake with views of waterfalls and echo cliffs.
Porcupine Point: Ideal for sunset lovers.
Echo Point: A favorite for kids and groups who love to shout into the hills.
Matheran has over 30 viewpoints scattered around — each accessible by walk or horseback.
A UNESCO heritage toy train that slowly climbs through dense forests and sharp curves.
The ride takes around 2 hours and is one of the most scenic ways to reach Matheran.
This is the town’s main water source and is surrounded by dense woods. Nearby attractions include: Pisarnath Temple, Echo Point, Louisa Point
Popular in Matheran as there are no vehicles. Approximate cost:
Short rides (1–2 km): ₹300
Full rides (covering 4–5 points): ₹800–₹1,200 (negotiable)
Always bargain and confirm the route before booking.
Walking is the best way to soak in the beauty of Matheran.
The red-soiled trails, chirping birds, and cool forest breeze make the journey more beautiful than the destination.
Budget Options:
Hotel Paramount – ₹1,200–1,500/night
Regal Hotel – ₹1,800–2,200/night
Mid-Range Options:
Usha Ascot – ₹3,500–4,000/night (includes meals, pool, spa)
Westend Hotel – ₹2,800–3,500/night, peaceful colonial-style stay
Premium/Heritage Options:
Verandah in the Forest – ₹5,500–6,500/night
A 19th-century heritage bungalow with an old-world charm and lush garden views. Must-book for couples or heritage lovers.
Most hotels include food, but there are a few must-try spots in the market area:
Shabbir Bhai’s Biryani – Local favorite for non-veg biryani (₹180–220/plate)
Garden View Restaurant – Family-friendly veg thali place (₹150/thali)
Hotel Panorama Restaurant – Serves a range of snacks, Indian meals, and Chinese food
Must Try Local Snacks:
Chikki (peanut, coconut, chocolate)
Vada Pav & Bhajiyas from street vendors
Day 1:
Arrive at Neral → Reach Dasturi Point → Walk/horse to Matheran market → Check-in → Visit Charlotte Lake & Louisa Point → Sunset at Porcupine Point → Dinner at hotel/market
Day 2:
Sunrise at Panorama Point → Breakfast → Explore Echo Point, Alexander Point → Try horse ride → Lunch → Shop for chikki → Return walk to Dasturi → Exit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll walk a lot!
No ATMs inside town: Carry enough cash before entering Dasturi.
Pack a Torch: Some areas get pitch dark post-sunset.
Stay Plastic-Free: Matheran is an eco-sensitive zone; avoid disposable plastic.
Mobile Network: Spotty — Jio and Airtel work better than others.
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train to Neral | ₹100–300 |
| Toy Train (Neral-Matheran) | ₹60–₹300 |
| Entry Fee at Dasturi | ₹50 |
| Horse Ride (optional) | ₹300–₹1,000 |
| Stay (1 night) | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Food | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Total (excluding travel to Mumbai/Pune) | ₹2,500–₹7,000 |