How to Reach Matheran from Mumbai
By Pramila Sharma • Maharashtra
Matheran, a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, is a popular destination for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Matheran.
By Air
Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai / Pune Airport.
From the Airport to Matheran⎯
Taxi/Private Car: You can hire a taxi or book a private car from Mumbai Airport (90 km) / Pune Airport (130 km to Matheran. Multiple carriers operate flights from all major cities in India.
Alternatively, you can take a local train from Mumbai to Neral and then proceed to Matheran (details below).
By Road
Budget Travel:
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) regular bus services are available from Mumbai ,Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur etc. to Matheran. The best drop-off at 2.5 km from the city, so you can opt taxi/rickshaw to reach Matheran
Driving to Matheran:
From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exit at Chowk, and follow the road to Neral. From Neral, ascend the winding roads to Dasturi Naka. Parking is available at Dasturi Naka, as no vehicles are allowed inside Matheran.
From Pune: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, exit at Khopoli, and follow the road to Karjat and then to Neral. Proceed as above.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Neral Junction (NRL)
From Major Cities to Neral:
From Mumbai: Trains like Deccan Express, Koyna Express, and other local trains from Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)/Dadar stop at Neral. The journey takes about 2 hours.
From Pune: Pune-Mumbai trains such as the Intercity Express stop at Karjat. From Karjat, you can take a local train to Neral.
From Other Cities: Check for long-distance trains that halt at Karjat or Neral.
From Neral to Matheran
There are 2 options to reach Matheran from Nerul Station⎯
Option I - Toy Train
The Matheran Hill Railway offers a scenic toy train journey from Neral to Matheran. The toy train operates at specific times and takes about 2 hours to reach Matheran. It’s a delightful experience, especially for nature lovers.
Nerul Station to Matheran Toy Train
Duration: 2 hours - 30 mins
Timing: 8:35 am | 10:25 am
Ticket Cost:
Nerul Station to Matheran: 1st Class- Rs.340.pp | 2nd class - Rs.95.pp
Aman Lodge to Matheran: 1st Class- Rs.95.pp | 2nd class - Rs.55.pp
- Each person can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets per booking.
- Ticket counter opens 45 mins before the departure time. But you need to stand in the queue early as there are only limited seats
- Toy trains can also be boarded from Aman lodge or entry point if missed from Nerul station .
Option II - Shared Taxi
Shared or private taxis (vans) are available at Neral station, which will drop you at Dasturi Naka (the entry point of Matheran). From Dasturi Naka, you can either walk (2.5 km) or hire a horse/hand-pulled rickshaw to reach the town center.
Shared taxi: Cost: Rs. 100/- pp (Adult); Rs. 50/- pp (kids) | Duration: 20 mins
Private Vehicles to Matheran:
For those coming by own vehicle parking facilities are available near the Dasturi Naka entry point.
Parking cost at Dasturi Naka entry point: 100 per day.
Local Transportation
Trekking: Adventurous travelers can trek from Neral to Matheran. The trek route is well-marked and takes about 2-3 hours. This is a good option for trekking enthusiasts.
Horse Ride: From Dasturi Naka, you can hire a horse to reach Matheran town center. This is a unique and traditional way to experience Matheran.
Dasturi Naka - Main Market
E-Rickshaw: Rs. 35/-pp
Horses: Rs. 350/-pp or above
Hand-Pulled Rickshaw: Rs. 800-1000/-pp
➡ Cost of horse riding, hand-pulling rickshaws etc. vary depending on season and tourist footfall.
➡ Negotiate while hiring a horse ride or rickshaw.
Within Matheran
Walking: Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, making it perfect for walking.
Horses and Hand-pulled Rickshaws: These are the main modes of transport within Matheran, offering a unique experience.
Tips for Traveling to Matheran
Weather: The best time to visit Matheran is from October to May. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains, making the paths slippery.
Luggage: Pack light, as you might need to walk or take a horse/rickshaw from Dasturi Naka.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Matheran is best explored on foot.
Bookings: If you plan to take the toy train, book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Booking Tools
Local Train Ticket - UTS app
Train Information - mIndicator
By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Matheran, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this charming hill station.
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Thank You for stopping by on this website.
I hope, above information on How to reach Matheran from Mumbai/Pune was helpful. Enjoy your journey and have a fantastic time exploring its mesmerizing wonders!
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