Toy train tracks leading to Matheran. This was taken just off Jummapatti, the first railway station along the rail route that goes to Matheran from Neral.
The train to Matheran.
The train to Matheran. Each train carries about 150 people in 5 compartments. There is an additional compartment for luggage and other goods.
The train passing along the road that goes to Dasturi Naka. No motor vehicles are allowed beyond Dasturi Naka which is close to Aman Lodge railway station.
The toy train takes about 2 hours to climb 11 kms from Neral to Matheran. By road you reach Dasturi Naka in about 20 minutes. Then you trek 3 kms to Matheran from Dasturi Naka.
Train tracks climbing up to Matheran.
Wildlife. This was at Waterpipe Station -- the second halt for the toy train from Neral en route to Matheran.
Monkey at Waterpipe Station.
A cliff face of the Sahayadris. You get this view as the toy train struggles up towards Matheran.
Horses at Matheran's market place. Matheran is a pedestrian town and motor vehicles are not allowed. Transport is by foot, hand-pulled rickshaws, or horseback.
A bulbul. This was en route to One-Tree-Hill (view) point.
The trail that goes to One-Tree-Hill point. No paved roads in Matheran, only dusty trails.
Dust flies off the trail leading to One-Tree-Hill point.
One of the ways to explore Matheran -- on horseback.
This one was along the trail to One-Tree-Hill Point.
Who dare enters my domain? A monkey guards the trail leading to One-Tree-Hill Point
Anthill. This was en route to Charlotte lake.
The trail descending to Charlotte Lake.
Cue for all to go "Awwww!" At Charlotte Lake.
Cue for all to go "Cho Chweet!" At Charlotte Lake.
Lunch. At Charlotte Lake.
Charlotte Lake. Matheran's water supply.
The trail that moves away from Charlotte Lake.
Play of light in Matheran's rain forest.
Yet another horse.
A rock formation. This was en route to Neral from Matheran by the toy train.
Sahayadri mountain peaks.
Cliff. En route to Neral from Matheran by the toy train.
Descending from Matheran.
Tree silhouetted against the evening sky. This is just after the quaintly named "one-kiss tunnel" presumably called so because the train is in and out of the tunnel in just enough time for lovers to steal a kiss in the sudden darkness.
Another toy train arriving at Jummapatti Station. This was on its way to Matheran as our train to Neral was halted for this one to pass through.
