The narrow-gauge railway from Neral to Matheran is one of the oldest hill railways in India, built in 1907 and operating essentially unchanged. The 21-km journey takes about two hours — which is slow even by the standards of hill railways — because the line negotiates dozens of tight curves and climbs nearly 800 metres through forested hillside.
The train itself is small: a compact diesel-hauled rake of 10-seater carriages, each car barely wide enough for two adults side-by-side. Windows are open, the views are extraordinary, and the whole experience is exactly what you'd hope for from a Victorian hill railway. Sit on the right side going up for the best cliff-edge views. The return journey downhill is equally impressive but less thrilling.
Services are limited — check current times locally, as the timetable changes seasonally and the line occasionally closes for maintenance. The station at Matheran is the upper terminus at 800 metres.