How to Reach Matheran by Rail, Road and Air – A Comprehensive Guide

Living in a city like Mumbai that is constantly on the move can sometimes take a toll on your physical and mental health. In such times, you inevitably long to get away from all the chaos and to someplace peaceful to relax and rejuvenate. Thankfully, you need not travel too far; Matheran, a scenic and serene hill station and holiday haven is located just about 90 km away. 

Nestled in the laps of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Western Ghats, Matheran is a popular hill station in Maharashtra. It has the unique distinction of being the only vehicle-free hill station in India, which makes the air here pure and serene, another reason to come here for a relaxing holiday. 

Once a favourite summer retreat for British officers during the colonial era, Matheran remains the go-to and favourite weekend getaway destination for many. If you plan a family holiday to this haven with lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, here's a complete guide on how to reach Matheran by different modes of transport. 

The guide also gives you valuable information on:

• Places to visit in Matheran
• Things to do in Matheran 
• Best time to visit Matheran

Travelling to Matheran by Air

Although Matheran is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra and draws plenty of tourists from all over India, the hill town does not have an airport. 

But you can travel by air from your destination and fly to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai or Pune Lohegaon Airport in Pune, the closest to Matheran. The Mumbai airport is about 95 km away, and the Pune airport is about 130 km from the hill town. 

Once you reach here, you have different transport options to reach your holiday destination, i.e., Matheran. If you are travelling from Mumbai, you can either take a cab or hire a private car on rent and drive yourself to reach Aman Lodge (approx 3 km from Matheran). Alternatively, you can take the Mumbai suburban local train to Neral, the main gateway to Matheran and then go up the hill in a taxi  to catch the  toy train from Aman Lodge.

The latter option is a better choice, especially if you are travelling with your kids. They will definitely love riding the cute-looking train. And you too would surely enjoy the beautiful journey as the train runs through the thick greenery of the hills, and as you reach up, the view around is just mesmerising. 

Travelling to Matheran by Rail

Travelling to Matheran by train is a much more affordable and convenient option. No matter where you are from in India, you can easily find a train to Mumbai from your destination. Most of the trains coming to Mumbai, especially from the north and south, pass through Karjat and Kalyan. 

So, if your train to Mumbai passes through these stations, get down here and take the local suburban train to Neral. It is a town located at the base of Matheran. Once you reach Neral, you have to take a cab outside Neral station to reach Aman Lodge, where you can get a toy train to reach Mathern. The taxi charges per seat basis, and 4-8 people sit in the shared taxi depending on the vehicle.

Now that you know how to go to Matheran by train, plan a holiday soon and get your booking done early to avoid any last-minute hassles. 

Travelling to Matheran by Road

If you are from Maharashtra and have been planning to go on a road with family for a long time, now would be the perfect time to get set going on that much-needed vacation to Matheran. Don’t let your worries about how to reach Matheran by road stop you because Matheran is well-connected by road to all parts of Maharashtra and other cities in neighbouring states. 

The total distance from Mumbai and Pune to Matheran is about 95 km and 125 km, respectively. So, you need not worry about how to go to Matheran by car because the journey is going to be a short one, and you can easily reach your holiday destination in less than 4 hours. 

Also, the roads leading to the hill station from Mumbai and Pune are well-maintained. So, you can be sure to have a pleasant and comfortable journey. 

Commuting within Matheran

As mentioned earlier, Matheran is a no-vehicle hill station. So, for commuting within the hill town, you have three options – walking, horseback or hand-pulled rickshaws. 

Places to visit in Matheran

Matheran is a small hill town, but many amazing tourist spots in and around here are must-visits. Viewpoints, temples, lakes, forts, markets, the options are many. But here are the top 10 places you must not miss exploring:

1. Charlotte Lake (distance from city centre – 1 km)
2. Ambarnath Temple (distance from city centre – 1 km)
3. Alexander Point (distance from city centre – 1 km)
4. Echo Point (distance from city centre – 1 km)
5. Louisa Point (distance from city centre – 2 km)
6. Porcupine Point (distance from city centre – 2 km)
7. Hart Point (distance from city centre – 2 km)
8. Shivaji’s Ladder (distance from city centre – 3 km)
9. One Tree Hill Point (distance from city centre – 3 km)
10. Panorama Point (distance from city centre – 3 km)

Best Things to do in Matheran

The scenic hill station of Matheran boasts serene landscapes. It offers stunning views of the Western Ghats and the gorgeous valleys from all around. Apart from the natural beauty and its serenity, Matheran gives you a chance to indulge in various fun and interesting things to do. 

• Explore the various scenic viewpoints on foot. What better way to spend some quality time with your loved one than walking hand-in-hand and soaking in the beautiful views around you?
• Horse riding. This is a fun activity for children. A horse rider for the day and a leisurely ride around the scenic trails make your day.
• Take a toy train. This is one of the best things to do in Matheran. It is one of the few places in India where you have the narrow-gauge toy train operating. It is a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site, and the ride takes you on a journey through lush green forests and panoramic viewpoints. 
• Explore the local bazaar. You can shop for handicraft items, handloom products and wooden toys or souvenirs at an affordable price. 
• Visit the Ambarnath Shiv temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Maharashtra and a heritage site. 
• Watch the beautiful sunset at Porcupine Point. This point also offers a breathtaking view of the Prabalgad Fort in the distance. 

Best Time to Visit Matheran

The best time to visit Matheran is between April and May and from November to February. During summer, it is the perfect spot. The scorching heat unwinds the laps of nature, and you enjoy the pleasant weather. In winter, the mercury levels here dip up to 10 degrees Celsius, creating an ambient condition for you to enjoy a memorable holiday. 

Matheran is a wonderful holiday destination where you can spend a weekend with your loved ones. You can relax, enjoy the scenic view of the hills, valleys, lakes and waterfalls and also indulge in some adventurous activities. Natural beauty is sure to refresh your mind, body and soul!