The 77-year-old line, connecting Neral to Matheran, is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai.

As a little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air, on can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below.

The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.

The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about one-and-a-half hours. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.