Technically, this is not about information for a trek. It is more to do with a trip to Matheran by the toy train. Treks to Matheran are there but I haven't done one to comment on that. Last Thursday, we went to Matheran by the toy train. It is an interesting journey but needs careful preparation. We were in Matheran only for the day, i.e. we started in the morning from IIT and wanted to come back on the same night.
Now, many of us may think (like we thought) that the toy train can be availed easily. This, unfortunately, is not true. The time-table for the toy train can be found out here. The train at 7:30 runs only on weekends and gazetted holidays. So, the first train available to Matheran is at 8:50 AM.
The toy train has five coaches. Of these, three coaches are second class seating reserved coaches, one is a first class seating reserved coach, while the fifth is a second class unreserved coach. The tickets for the train can be booked online from IRCTC's website. If you want to try your luck, reach Neral station atleast one-and-half hour before the train's scheduled time of departure. This is because, the number of seats in the unreserved compartment too are fixed. The ticket window for filling up the unreserved seats opens up 45 minutes before the train's scheduled time of departure and you can expect a big rush for the tickets, especially on weekends and holidays.
If traveling from Mumbai, it is better to take the Karjat local and get down at Neral. The Deccan Express does stop at Neral, but it has chances of getting delayed and thus you may end up missing the 8:50 train. The Karjat local timetable can be found here.
The toy train journey is about 2 hrs. Once on the top, you need to pay an entry fee of Rs. 25/- per person to enter and roam around Matheran. This is collected by the local governing body and is used for the upkeep of Matheran. At the same place, you can find a map which shows the various points of interest in Matheran. Use that map and roam around Matheran. Motorised vehicles of any kind are banned in Matheran. Hence, all touring is either on foot or on horseback. But I would favour going around on foot as you can enjoy the weather and the locations at your will.
While returning, the last train is at 4:30 PM. On weekends and gazetted holidays, the last train is at 5:30 PM. So, if you have no reservation, again, be in line by 2:45 PM to stand a chance of getting the return ticket.
Facilities: Since Matheran is a popular tourist place, everything needed is available over there. Food arrangements are excellent and there are a number of eateries to satisfy your hunger. The type of food ranges from Maharashtrian to Gujarati and South Indian to Chinese. Bottled water too is available in the various shops and stores over there. However, be prepared to pay more (even on M.R.P. items) as all the items are hauled up from Neral/Karjat. A safe way is to carry some snacks and water with you from your home itself.
Now, many of us may think (like we thought) that the toy train can be availed easily. This, unfortunately, is not true. The time-table for the toy train can be found out here. The train at 7:30 runs only on weekends and gazetted holidays. So, the first train available to Matheran is at 8:50 AM.
The toy train has five coaches. Of these, three coaches are second class seating reserved coaches, one is a first class seating reserved coach, while the fifth is a second class unreserved coach. The tickets for the train can be booked online from IRCTC's website. If you want to try your luck, reach Neral station atleast one-and-half hour before the train's scheduled time of departure. This is because, the number of seats in the unreserved compartment too are fixed. The ticket window for filling up the unreserved seats opens up 45 minutes before the train's scheduled time of departure and you can expect a big rush for the tickets, especially on weekends and holidays.
If traveling from Mumbai, it is better to take the Karjat local and get down at Neral. The Deccan Express does stop at Neral, but it has chances of getting delayed and thus you may end up missing the 8:50 train. The Karjat local timetable can be found here.
The toy train journey is about 2 hrs. Once on the top, you need to pay an entry fee of Rs. 25/- per person to enter and roam around Matheran. This is collected by the local governing body and is used for the upkeep of Matheran. At the same place, you can find a map which shows the various points of interest in Matheran. Use that map and roam around Matheran. Motorised vehicles of any kind are banned in Matheran. Hence, all touring is either on foot or on horseback. But I would favour going around on foot as you can enjoy the weather and the locations at your will.
While returning, the last train is at 4:30 PM. On weekends and gazetted holidays, the last train is at 5:30 PM. So, if you have no reservation, again, be in line by 2:45 PM to stand a chance of getting the return ticket.
Facilities: Since Matheran is a popular tourist place, everything needed is available over there. Food arrangements are excellent and there are a number of eateries to satisfy your hunger. The type of food ranges from Maharashtrian to Gujarati and South Indian to Chinese. Bottled water too is available in the various shops and stores over there. However, be prepared to pay more (even on M.R.P. items) as all the items are hauled up from Neral/Karjat. A safe way is to carry some snacks and water with you from your home itself.
