Matheran is the only pedestrian resort in Asia. The town is located at the altitude of 800 m (2624 ft), offering 38 look-out points of the hills and valleys. The cars are banned in the resort and the only way of getting around is by walking, horseback or man-pulled rickshaw. Arriving by mountain train from Neral station provides one the most scenic train journeys in India. Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai in the Sahyadri hill range in Raigad district of Maharashtra State. It could be a one day-trip from Mumbai. 

Tourism Board Website

When to visit: best time to visit is September to November and from February to March. December and January are pretty cold.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Neral junction is about 8 km (4.9 mi) from Matheran. A narrow gauge railway line connects Matheran to Neral. The journey takes about 2 hours in a Toy Train. Express train connects Karjat with Mumbai and Pune.

For detailed train timings and other information log on to www.indianrailways.gov.in or https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO) is about 126 km (78 mi) away.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai (IATA: BOM, ICAO: VABB) is about 88 km (54.6 mi) away.

For more information see section TravelInfo/Airports

Buses: Maharastra State transport buses (MSRTC) and private buses ply regularly to from Pune and other cities in the state. The buses stop about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from the city.

Motor vehicles are completely banned in Matheran. Dasturi Point is the last point to which vehicles are allowed in Matheran. There are two ways of getting around in Matheran - walking, on horseback, man-pulled Rickshaw.

By road: The distance from Matheran to Mumbai is about 81 km (50.3 mi) via Bengaluru - Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai - Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai - Pune Hwy. It takes around 2 hours.

The distance from Matheran to Pune is about 119 km (74 mi) via Bengaluru - Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai - Pune Hwy/Mumbai - Pune Expy. It takes around 3 hours.

The distance from Lonavala to Matheran is about 50 km (31 mi) via NH 48. It takes around 1-2 hours.
The distance from Alibag to Matheran is about 92 km (57 mi) via NH166A. It takes around 2-3 hours.