We had been to Matheran in the month of May - first week. Thankfully it was not very hot and the dense forest does not let you feel the heat much.
Best time to go during the year is Nov - April. Avoid main summer months and monsoon time. Though during monsoon you will enjoy the greenery and beauty, it will be difficult time due to muddy roads.
Once you are at the Neral Station, you have couple of options to reach Matheran base station, from where there is no alternative but to walk or horse riding. At Neral station the best option is TOY TRAIN but its better to book the train in advance (search on net for booking toy train).
There is a facility to get the booking on the spot as well (as they keep some seats unreserved) but usually there is lot of crowd and you might have to wait in the line for longer time. **During rains toy train services are closed.
If you are unable to get the train come out of station and you will find lot of taxies waiting out. Per person charge for taxi is Rs50. We were 4 and we booked the entire taxi by giving additional 50Rs.
Taxi takes you to the base station from where we walked down till our **hotel – Woodland** which was booked in advance. **Book the hotel not very far from main market because every time you have to come to the main market and not very near to the market as its crowded and interior hotels provide calm and peaceful stay**. **So get something at the middle point.** You have many options available but **do the booking in advance. The hotel’s best part was its food. Especially as we were walking so much it was important to have real good food without much hazard. Food quality was good and like home made. ALso had few games facility like TT and Badminton etc. **The walk is nice and we enjoyed as we primarily went there for trekking purpose. But you have option of riding a horse. (Not aware about exact charges but negotiation is must!!!)
Three days we enjoyed trekking and walked almost 30 kms in total as we covered everything by walking and didn’t take horse. That was the best part for people like us. But it is very tiring.
You get the maps and can plan your day. You can book the horses which take you to the points.
Almost all the points are similar as you look to the same valley from different sides and hence you might get disappointed if you book the horse and shell out money from your pocket. Do not miss the charlotte lake in the evening.
IMP TIPS: (For trekking freaks)
Carry torch and extra cells
Remember the roads and keep track of time as on few roads there is no electricity.
Carry dark clothes and shoes as they get completely dirty (keep extra pair and sleepers)
keep on drinking water or liquid
Its a nice place as its no vehicle place. Enjoy shopping in the market. 2 nights and 3 days are sufficient to cover everything. Enjoy!!!!!