I belong to Raigad district so I am glad to have Matheran near my city. In my college days we most of the times planned for the Matheran trip. To reach the Matheran we can go by bus or either we can go by train and one can take their own vehicle also to go to the Matheran.
So we planned to go by train So as decided we meet at the Thane railway station and peeked a train toward the Khopoli and we dropped at Neral railway station.
Then we go by a Neral Matheran mini train. the journey was 1hr to reach the Matheran railway station. There were lots of accommodations are available and we can find lots of verity of food at the heel station.
In the safety point of view, the safety guards are available for any kind of help to tourist.