The toy train is typically picked up at a station called the Neral Junction (pictures Blake at the end of our trip). There are numerous tunnels and tight curves that the train goes through on the way to and from Matheran. Pictured below is a tunnel that is so short, its called "one kiss tunnel." Also, because of the hairy curves, we pass a "Ganesha" painted on a rock to help with a safe travel/journey
A visit to Matheran is a nice break from a vacation. Its a quiet place to do some hiking and horse riding. No vehicles are allowed there. We stayed at a nice old precolonial bungalow owned by a Parsi family called Lords' Hotel (definitely recommend it). It was Subbu's birthday and we had a nice ride on horses around town. The morning after we were woken up by loud monkeys that were jumping about on the roofs of the cottages.
A hill station outside of Mumbai has a toy train (one of only four toy trains in India) leading up to it. Went to Matheran with Arpana's Uncle, Subbu
Recently we visited Pune for a conference that Arpana was invited to. On the way, we stopped at a couple places - the first photograph shows a spot right by Fergusson College (where Arpana did her bachelors' degree). Here we found a place that made some excellent chocolate pan - the most delicious that we have ever had --- similar to chocolate covered strawberries - just better!
Tibetan monks are attempting to keep their culture alive by continuing the education of their young
