Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Express trains from Mumbai CST include the 7.10am Deccan Express and the 8.40am
Koyna Express (2nd class/chair ?56/249, 1½ hours), which stop at Neral junction. Other
expresses from Mumbai stop at Karjat, down the line from Neral, from where you can
backtrack on a local train or catch a bus to Matheran (?30). From Pune, you can reach
Karjat by the Sinhagad Express (2nd class/chair ?57/249, two hours, 6.05am). Note: trains
from Pune don't stop at Neral Junction.
Getting Around
Apart from hand-pulled rickshaws and horses, walking is the only other transport option
in Matheran.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Lonavla
02114 / ELEV 625M
Lonavla is an overdeveloped (and overpriced) mercantile town about 106km southeast of
Mumbai. It's far from attractive, with its main drag consisting almost exclusively of gar-
ishly lit shops flogging chikki, the rock-hard, brittle sweet made in the area.
The only reason you'd want to come here is to visit the nearby Karla and Bhaja Caves
which, after those at Ellora and Ajanta, are the best in Maharashtra.
Hotels, restaurants and the main road to the caves lie north of the train station (exit
from platform 1). Most of the Lonavla township and its markets are located south of the
station.
Activities
Founded in 1924, the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital ( 273039; www.kdham.com ; s/d per week incl full
board from ?4700/8000) , set about 2km from Lonavla en route to the Karla and Bhaja Caves,
combines yoga courses with naturopathic therapies. Room rates cover accommodation,
yoga sessions, programs and lectures over seven days. Two-, three- and four-week pack-
ages are also offered.
Mumbai-based Nirvana Adventures ( 022-26053724; www.flynirvana.com ) offers various
paragliding courses (including full board from ?8000) or 10-minute tandem flights
(?2500) at Kamshet, 25km from Lonavla.
 
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