It’s in the long list for UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Whether it will get the heritage tag or not, the Matheran Light Railway is a fun ride as the small bogies laboriously climb up and down the hill.
So when a friend and Mid-Day reporter decided to do a story on this to-be or not-to-be heritage rail, we decided to tag along. Being a Saturday, the general seats were all taken. So we went First Class, which is an eight-seater cabin with cushioned seats.
Though not the fastest way to reach Matheran (meaning ‘wooded head’), a tiny hill station that lies at around 2,700 ft above sea level, the toy train gives unusual glimpses during its two-hour journey. It climbs about 800 m along a 21-km railway line. There is one tunnel, aptly named “One Kiss Tunnel, as well as two stations—Jumma Patti and Water Pipe—on the way. Stations serve as crossing points as well as refreshment breaks. During a hot day, the guard will even let you finish your drink before giving the green signal. Ticket Examiner moves between bogies by holding on to the windows and walking along the sides of the train. So are some vendors of fruit juices and biscuits.
The toy train starts from Neral, a small station that is almost two hours away from Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus (CST). Tickets can be booked through IRCTC website.
Matheran Hill Railway was conceptualised in 1900 and the construction started in 1904. It was built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Pheerboy. The trains run on 2-ft narrow gauge rail and the route has the sharpest curves of all hill railways.
I have not been on a toy train for ages. Been to Nilgiris when I was a kid ( can recollect very little) and then on the Simla train – in the 1980s. That was a lovely experience. It had a glass top too.
Anu: It happens. We miss the ones that are right next to us. But summer will be too hot and dusty. Try to go just after monsoons. 🙂
Pratap: Thanks 🙂
kirigalpoththa: Yes, it was 🙂
That surely look like an awesome joy ride!
Train rides are so much fun and you have nicely captured it in this post 🙂
can u believe i still havent been to matheran after living in bbay for 30 years?????? am trying to this vacation at least, but lets see if it works out!