Matheran
The Matheran Hill Railway is one of India's most charming mountain railways — a narrow-gauge train that has been chugging up the Sahyadri hill face since 1907 through thick forest, past waterfalls, and around impossible curves for 21 km. The 2-hour journey from Neral Junction to Matheran is not just transport — it's a heritage experience in itself, with the steam-era toy train rattling through tunnels, crossing wooden bridges, and offering heart-stopping valley views that have barely changed in over a century.
Book first-class seats for the best unobstructed window views. The right-hand side of the train (when ascending) offers more dramatic valley and cliff vistas.