Matheran toy train is one of the biggest attraction of the destination. The toy train journey starts from Neral railway station and takes a picturesque journey on the narrow gauge track. All pictures/mid-day archives

Matheran toy train is one of the biggest attraction of the destination. The toy train journey starts from Neral railway station and takes a picturesque journey on the narrow gauge track. All pictures/mid-day archives

The Neral-Matheran Light Railway was built between 1901 and 1907 by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy. Neral Junction is well connected by local trains from Mumbai's CST along the CST-Karjat route

The Neral-Matheran Light Railway was built between 1901 and 1907 by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy. Neral Junction is well connected by local trains from Mumbai's CST along the CST-Karjat route

Forested valleys, misty hills and an all-pervading green blanket of Matheran offer solace to the mind and treat to the eyes

Fondly called as the 'pedestrians' hill station, tourists have to leave their cars at Dasturi halting point and either need to walk or take a horse ride to reach Matheran

Fondly called as the 'pedestrians' hill station, tourists have to leave their cars at Dasturi halting point and either need to walk or take a horse ride to reach Matheran

The hill station of Matheran is Asia's tiniest hill retreat dappled with tiny zigzag pathways, tall sturdy woods, and pristine water bodies. Away from pollution and power-driven vehicles, Matheran makes way for a brief pleasant holiday near Mumbai

The hill station of Matheran is Asia's tiniest hill retreat dappled with tiny zigzag pathways, tall sturdy woods, and pristine water bodies. Away from pollution and power-driven vehicles, Matheran makes way for a brief pleasant holiday near Mumbai

Both the walking trail and horse ride lead to scenic spots, where one can halt, click pictures, and relive the glory of the tiny retreat

Torrential rains and floods of July 2005 washed away a major portion of the narrow gauge tracks. The beauty of the valley was hit and also people could not enjoy the scenic train journey for quite some time

Charlotte Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Matheran. The water body surrounded by lush greenery provides a picturesque view of the surrounding

The railway tracks from Neral station to Matheran were submerged in landslides during 2005 floods. The toy train service was closed due to flood damage during 2005 and was not expected to reopen before April 2007. Train services were suspended during the monsoon season from June to October because of the danger of landslides