Directions

From Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) previously Bombay VT, many local trains going upto Karjat or Khopoli stop at Neral (2 hrs) besides two express trains like Deccan Express (dep. Mumbai CST 0700) and Koyna Express (dep. Mumbai CST 8.45). Most of the express trains from Mumbai also stop at Karjat, about 20 mins beyond Neral. One can take a suburban local from either Neral or Karjat to Mumbai.

From Pune, Sahyadri Express (dep 0730 hrs.) is the only express train which stops at Neral Junction. Alternatively one can take any of the express train which stops at Karjat and continue on a local train from there for Neral.

One can reach Matheran by the toy train which departs from Neral and back, except during the monsoon season (June-September). These trains are timed to link up with incoming expresses and some local trains from Mumbai/Pune.

Taxis can also be hired from Neral Junction to Dasturi Naka. Dasturi {about 3 kms. from Matheran town, the car park point} is the last road point until which cars can be driven to reach Matheran as there is a blanket ban on motor vehicles within Matheran.

The charge for one full taxi (max 5 pax) is Rs. 350 and a seat in a shared taxi is Rs. 70 which takes 25-30 minutes to reach Dasturi. From here one can walk with a porter (Rs. 50 – 100, per piece of luggage), rent a horse (Rs. 150 – 250) or take a rickshaw powered by men (Rs. 250– 400). You have to pay an entry tax (Rs.50)to enter the town.
(Amount mentioned is on approximate basis and may vary)
(Please confirm railway timings, availability and fares from the station).

From Mumbai one can take the NH4 highway till Chowk which is 16 km from Panvel and then turn left onto the state highway for Neral, past Karjat. From Neral, the uphill to Dasturi Naka is about 8 km. One can leave their vehicle here (parking Rs. 50 per day) and walk (40 minutes) or ride a horse or hire a rickshaw from here to the centre of Matheran. Mumbai – Neral – Matheran, by road is about 95 Km.

From Pune (about 120 km.) one can reach Chowk either via Lonavala / Khandala / Khapoli on the NH4 or by the Express way (upto Khapoli) and then turn right at Chowk to Neral, past Karjat. Taxis (Car, SUV’s etc) from Mumbai or Pune to/from Dasturi (or Matheran Car Park) are available and most of the hotels also arrange for a pick up.

Mumbai to Matheran Car Park, Small vehicles like Maruti Van (max 4 pax) costs (Approx) Rs. 2000 – 2200 for Non AC and Rs. 2500 for an AC one. Larger vehicles like AC Qualis / Traveria / Sumo etc (max 7 pax) cost (Approx) Rs.3000 – 3500, from any address within Mumbai. (Amount mentioned is on approximate basis and may vary).

Pune to Matheran Car Park, Small vehicle cost (Approx) Rs. 2200 for Non AC and Rs. 2500 for AC and larger vehicle costs Rs. 3000. All these rates are approximate quotes which vary and hence could be checked up either with the hotelier or at the taxi stands. (Amount mentioned is on approximate basis and may vary).