- Starting from
- Pune
- Duration
- 1 Day
- Distance
- about 260 to 290 km round trip (approx.)
- Mode
- Private AC cab with driver
- Package rate
- Call for best fare
About This Tour Package
The one day Pune to Matheran tour is a charming idea with one important catch: cars cannot enter Matheran. The whole hill station is vehicle-free, so every visitor finishes the journey on foot, on horseback, by hand-pulled rickshaw or on the narrow-gauge toy train. Cab Service Pune, based in Viman Nagar near Pune Airport, arranges the road portion with a clean AC vehicle and an experienced driver, and helps you plan the rest so the day does not slip away.
Because the trip is long and the last leg is slow, this page is candid about what fits into one day and when an overnight stay is wiser.
How Matheran Is Different
Matheran is a small hill station in the Raigad district, close to Mumbai and Karjat, set on a plateau of red laterite lanes lined with trees. Motor vehicles are not allowed inside, which is exactly why the air feels quiet and the monkeys feel bold.
For a day visitor this changes the plan. Your cab will stop at the parking area near Dasturi Naka, and from there you walk the remaining stretch of a few kilometres, ride a horse, hire a hand-rickshaw or use other local options. Allow time for this on both the upward and return journeys.
The Drive from Pune
The usual route follows the Pune to Mumbai expressway towards Khopoli, then turns towards Karjat and on to Neral, the base town for Matheran. The distance is roughly 130 to 140 km one way, and the drive generally takes about 3 to 3.5 hours with a breakfast halt. The final climb from Neral to Dasturi Naka is a winding ghat road.
Because the trip is long, we recommend a pickup around 5 to 5.30 am. That puts you at Dasturi Naka by about 9 am, which leaves enough hours for a proper walk before the late afternoon return.
Ways to Reach the Town
From Dasturi Naka you can walk, which is the traditional and free-of-cost way, though it is a steady uphill and may feel long for small children or elders. Horses, hand-pulled rickshaws and porters are available for hire, and rates are agreed locally on the spot, so please confirm them before you start.
The toy train runs between Neral and Matheran and is a favourite with families. Its schedule and operating status can change, especially in the monsoon, so check current timings before you plan around it. If it suits your day, some groups take the train one way and walk or ride back.
Viewpoints and Lakes
Matheran has dozens of lookout points, most reached by flat forest lanes. Echo Point is popular for shouting across the valley, Louisa Point and Panorama Point offer wide views, and Porcupine Point is known for sunset. Charlotte Lake is a calm spot near the town, and One Tree Hill is a short walk along the way.
You will not visit them all in a day. Pick three or four, walk at an unhurried pace and keep the evening for the market area. Local guides and horsemen can suggest a circuit that matches your time.
What to Do in the Market and Eat
The main market lane has small restaurants, chikki stalls, fruit sellers and shops selling leather goods and handicrafts. Lunch is usually simple Maharashtrian or North Indian thali food, and tea and bhajiyas hit the spot in drizzle.
Keep your food covered and do not feed the monkeys, as they snatch bags and snacks. Carry your own water bottle, and drop litter only in bins since the town is proud of its clean environment.
Best Time for the Matheran Day Trip
Winter, from about October to February, is the most comfortable time for a long day of walking, with clear skies and cool mornings. The monsoon is beautiful with mist and waterfalls, but lanes become slippery and some views vanish in fog. Check current advisories, since access and services can be restricted during heavy rain.
Summer is hot on the walk, though the forest shade helps. Weekdays are far calmer than weekends, which fill with visitors from Mumbai and Pune alike.
Vehicle Choice
For two to four people a Swift Dzire sedan is enough, since you will leave luggage in the car at Dasturi Naka anyway. An Ertiga or Innova Crysta suits families with elders or extra bags, and a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania works well for friend groups and school or office outings.
All vehicles are clean and air-conditioned, which is a relief after a hot walk. Tell Cab Service Pune your group size and we will suggest the right one.
A Sample Timeline
Pickup in Pune is at about 5 to 5.30 am. After breakfast near Khopoli or Karjat you reach Neral and Dasturi Naka by around 9 am. Spend roughly 4 to 5 hours on the hill: walk or ride to the main lane, see three or four points and have lunch.
Begin the return to the car by 3 pm, depart for Pune by 4 pm, and expect to be home around 8 or 9 pm. If you would like more time or sunset views, speak to the Cab Service Pune team about adding a night.
Practical Tips and Safety
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with a good grip, not flip-flops.
- Carry a light raincoat or umbrella in the monsoon and sunscreen otherwise.
- Keep cash handy, because horse and rickshaw hires are settled locally.
- Keep photo ID with you and do not step beyond railings at viewpoints.
Pregnant women, very young children and people with knee trouble should plan carefully and consider a horse or rickshaw. Start downhill earlier than you think you need to.
Booking Your Matheran Day Tour
Message or call 7888117999 on WhatsApp with your date, group size and pickup area. Cab Service Pune shares the fare before the trip, and toll, parking and state tax are normally charged at actuals unless an all-inclusive package is quoted. Hotel, ticket or darshan assistance can be coordinated on request, so mention any special needs while booking.
For a smooth one day Pune to Matheran tour with a trusted driver, call or WhatsApp 7888117999 and Cab Service Pune will plan the day with you.
Tour Itinerary
- 5.00 am: Pickup in Pune and drive via the expressway towards Khopoli
- 7.00 am: Breakfast halt near Khopoli or Karjat
- 9.00 am: Reach Neral and Dasturi Naka, park the cab
- 9.30 am: Walk, ride a horse or take the toy train to Matheran
- 11.30 am: Visit Echo Point, Louisa Point or Panorama Point
- 1.30 pm: Lunch and a stroll through the market lane
- 3.00 pm: Return to Dasturi Naka, then drive back to Pune
Choose Your Vehicle
FAQs
Can we take the cab into Matheran?
No. Matheran is vehicle-free, so cars stop at the Dasturi Naka side near Neral. From there you walk, ride a horse, hire a hand-rickshaw or use the toy train, depending on current services.
Is one day enough for Matheran?
It is possible if you leave Pune by 5 am and pick three or four viewpoints, but it is tight. For sunrise or sunset views and a relaxed pace, an overnight stay is a better choice.
How far is Matheran from Pune?
Neral, the base town, is roughly 130 to 140 km from Pune and the drive usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, depending on traffic, halts and monsoon conditions.
Is the toy train included?
The toy train is run separately and its timings can change, so please check current schedules before you go. We can help coordinate tickets on request if you tell us at booking.
Is the trip suitable for elders and small children?
It can be, with planning. The walk is uphill, so elders and young children may prefer a horse or rickshaw. Tell us in advance and we will suggest a comfortable timeline.
How do I book this package?
Call or WhatsApp 7888117999 with your date, group size and preferred vehicle. We confirm the plan and fare before you pay anything.