The closest railway station to Matheran is Neral Junction on the Main line, which originates from Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus Station (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT). CST departure at 7:10 AM aboard theDeccan Express or 9:00 AM aboard the Koyna Express. Or otherwise, every hour or so aboard the Karjat local trains. (See “Tips for Travelers” page for details on train travel from Mumbai) From Neral Junction you could either share a taxi upto Dasturi - the last motorable point before Matheran. Or you switch to the mountain railway a.k.a. - 'The Toy Train'.

TheToy train weaves and meanders, chugs and pulls at a stately 10 kms. per hour through virgin forests, forgotten hamlets and monkey land. You marvel at the technology, skill and will to conquer the steep gradient. Leaves and branches brush past you, the monkeys amble alongside teasing you, butterflies float in and out en route to another flower.

Reservations for both the Mumbai CST - Neral and Neral - Matheran legs can be done at any of the computerized reservation centers in India . Reservations for the mainline trains (Deccan Exp. Koyna Exp. Etc ) as well as the Naral Matheran Toy Train can also be done online www.irctc.co.in or www.indianrail.gov.in

You set off on the old Bombay Pune road through Dadar, Chembur, New Bombay…

You get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel. (Near McDonalds)…Make sure you get onto the expressway as otherwise you will spend an hour getting through the congested streets of Panvel.

Once on the Expressway make sure you do not miss the first exit (Shedung/Khopoli Exit) that comes less than 5 minutes after you get onto the expressway at McDonalds. (Here you will need to Pay a Toll at the toll-booth for using the expressway).

Now this exit gets you back onto the Old Bombay Pune Road. Once again you will have to pay a toll for using the old Bombay Pune Road. (Toll in both places is about Rs.32 each).

Now follow the old Bombay Pune road for about 10 km. this will bring you to a crossing where a big green sign asks you to turn left for Karjat/Matheran. (Do not miss this crossing as otherwise you will end up in Khopoli). (At this Crossing is a big board advertining “N.D. STUDIOS”)

9 km After turning left you reach another crossing outside Karjat where you need to turn left towards Neral.

11 km After turning left, you will reach the bottom of the Matheran Hill ghat road.

Turn left here and climb 7 km to the Matheran Dasturi Car park.

It is a steep and narrow road but well surfaced for the most part. When you reach the car park find a parking space in the designated area and park your car.

No vehicles are allowed to pass this point but it's a pleasant 40-minute walk to the center of Matheran and Lord's Central Hotel 2 minutes later.

If walking doesn't appeal to you for some or the other reason, you can avail of a hand pulled rickshaw or an exhilarating horseback ride. Porters are available to carry your luggage.

For additional charges, Lord's Central Hotel can arrange to have you picked up at any point in Mumbai or Pune by tourist taxi. (refer to “Tips for Travelers” page for details)

Follow the Old Pune, Bombay road towards Bombay upto a distance of 18 kms past Khopoli, you turn right as per a big green sign, in Chouk town. Follow the signs from then on. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET FROM NERAL TO MATHERAN CAN BE FOUND ON THE CORRESPONDING MUMBAI-MATHERAN PAGE. On additional charges, Lord's Central Hotel can arrange to have you picked up at Lonavla.