The Neral to Matheran narrow-gauge toy train toy in Maharashtra. Photograph: Dinodia Photos/Alamy
Matheran, Maharashtra
When it comes to hill stations, forget Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty, and ascend into the arms of Matheran, a walker's paradise hidden among the jungle-topped Sahyadri hills, 80km east of Mumbai. Originally used by the British to escape the Bombay heat, Matheran is vehicle-free and accessible only on foot, on horseback, or by the narrow-gauge toy train which trundles along tiny tracks laid in the dark-red clay. It's still an ideal weekend break from the heat and noise of Mumbai. Take a picnic to Charlotte Lake, view the mountains from Celia Point and head to Nariman Chikki Mart for some local chikki – a sweet made from groundnuts and jaggery. But beware the bold monkeys who bound alongside, viewing you as little more than a mobile tuck shop.
How to get there Matheran has a 40-rupee (50p) entrance fee. Opt to walk along the shaded tracks to the town, where you will spot single flip-flops dotted around the terrain. On your return take the 1½-hour toy train journey from Matheran down to Neral where you can then take a two-hour connection to Mumbai (£2.30 first class, 50p second class). You'll soon see ticketless passengers dangling off the side of the train, losing their flip-flops en route.
Where to stay The Verandah in the Forest (+91 2148 230810, the-verandah-in-the-forest.neemranahotels.com, twin rooms from £40) is a mansion hideaway which sings of colonial times
How to get there Matheran has a 40-rupee (50p) entrance fee. Opt to walk along the shaded tracks to the town, where you will spot single flip-flops dotted around the terrain. On your return take the 1½-hour toy train journey from Matheran down to Neral where you can then take a two-hour connection to Mumbai (£2.30 first class, 50p second class). You'll soon see ticketless passengers dangling off the side of the train, losing their flip-flops en route.
Where to stay The Verandah in the Forest (+91 2148 230810, the-verandah-in-the-forest.neemranahotels.com, twin rooms from £40) is a mansion hideaway which sings of colonial times
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