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Top 10 best Hotels and restaurants in Aman Lodge [Updated-2026]

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March 19, 2026

Top 10 best Hotels and restaurants in Aman Lodge [Updated-2026]

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Top 10 Best Hotels and Restaurants in Aman Lodge: Your Gateway to Matheran’s Hills

Discover the ultimate guide to the top 10 hotels and restaurants in Aman Lodge, the scenic entry point to Matheran. From peaceful government resorts to heritage properties and local eateries, explore the best places to stay and dine near this charming hill station.

Nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Aman Lodge is not just a railway station—it is the enchanting gateway to Asia’s first car-free hill station, Matheran. Located at the base of the hills, Aman Lodge serves as the point where visitors park their vehicles and begin their journey into the misty mountains via the iconic toy train, hand-pulled rickshaws, or on foot .

While many travelers rush through Aman Lodge on their way to Matheran’s main market, this area deserves attention in its own right. The vicinity around Aman Lodge offers peaceful accommodations away from the crowds, easy access to scenic spots like Simpsons Tank and Valley View, and a chance to experience the hills without the bustle of the main tourist hub .

Here is our curated list of the Top 10 Best Hotels and Restaurants in and around Aman Lodge, blending peaceful retreats with satisfying culinary experiences.

Part 1: The Best Hotels Near Aman Lodge (Where to Stay at the Gateway)

1. MTDC Resort Matheran (Mountain Spice): The Government Retreat

Topping our list is the MTDC Resort Matheran, also known as Mountain Spice. This Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation property is the most prominent accommodation near Aman Lodge, offering a peaceful retreat just a stone’s throw from the station .

Why it made the list:
Location is everything here—the resort is literally a 2-minute walk from Aman Lodge station, making it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by train or those who want to avoid the crowds of Matheran market . Guests consistently praise the “spacious cottages” that are “very clean and neat,” perfect for families and groups . The property features a restaurant, organizes engaging activities like bonfires with music in the evenings, and offers complimentary breakfast with bookings .

The Manager’s Touch:
What sets this property apart is Manager Ravi Patil, described by multiple guests as “enthusiastic and prompt.” He organizes morning treks to viewpoints at 6 AM, arranges entertainment, and personally ensures every guest’s needs are met . As one reviewer noted, “Trust me one should not miss it, as the early wakey is worth, seeing that Sunrise.”

Perfect For: Families, peace seekers, and those wanting immediate access to the toy train.
Key Amenities: Spacious cottages, Complimentary breakfast, Bonfire arrangements, Guided morning treks .
Location: 2-minute walk from Aman Lodge Station, Matheran .

2. Hotel D Maharaja: A Popular Choice

While specific details about Hotel D Maharaja are limited in the search results, it is mentioned as one of the hotels located near Matheran Road, making it accessible from the Aman Lodge area .

Why it made the list:
Its listing among hotels in the vicinity suggests it offers reliable accommodation for travelers heading to Matheran. Typically, such properties provide essential amenities like clean rooms, attached bathrooms, and basic dining facilities.

Perfect For: Budget-conscious travelers and transit visitors.
Key Amenities: Standard rooms, Basic facilities.
Location: Matheran Road area (accessible from Aman Lodge).

3. U S Hospitality: Simple and Functional

U S Hospitality is another property mentioned in the vicinity of Matheran Road . While detailed reviews aren’t available in the search results, its inclusion in local listings indicates it serves as a functional option for travelers.

Why it made the list:
For those who need a no-frills place to rest before or after their Matheran journey, U S Hospitality likely provides the basics at affordable rates. Its location on Matheran Road makes it accessible from Aman Lodge.

Perfect For: Budget travelers and those needing a quick overnight stay.
Key Amenities: Basic accommodation.
Location: Matheran Road area.

4. Hotel Saishangar: A Reliable Option

Hotel Saishangar appears in listings of hotels near Matheran Road . While specific amenities aren’t detailed in the search results, its presence in the hospitality landscape of the region suggests it caters to the steady stream of visitors heading to Matheran.

Why it made the list:
Properties in this category typically offer clean rooms, parking facilities (important since vehicles must be parked before heading into Matheran), and perhaps a small in-house restaurant for basic meals.

Perfect For: Families and groups arriving by private vehicle.
Key Amenities: Parking likely available, Standard rooms.
Location: Matheran Road area.

5. Hotel New Jain Boarding: The Vegetarian Haven

Hotel New Jain Boarding is listed among accommodations near Matheran Road . Given its name, this property likely caters specifically to Jain and vegetarian travelers seeking pure vegetarian meals and accommodations.

Why it made the list:
For travelers with specific dietary requirements, finding a hotel that understands Jain food traditions is invaluable. This property likely offers simple, clean rooms with the assurance of pure vegetarian dining.

Perfect For: Jain travelers, vegetarian families, and those seeking sattvic food.
Key Amenities: Pure vegetarian food, Basic rooms.
Location: Matheran Road area.

6. Hotel Sai Leela: Local Hospitality

Hotel Sai Leela rounds out the list of accommodations in the Matheran Road vicinity . While detailed information is sparse, its inclusion suggests it’s part of the local hospitality ecosystem serving visitors to the hill station.

Why it made the list:
Sometimes the best experiences come from these smaller, locally-run establishments that offer personalized service and authentic local knowledge.

Perfect For: Travelers seeking local hospitality experiences.
Key Amenities: Basic accommodation, Local guidance likely available.
Location: Matheran Road area.

Note on Aman Lodge as a Gateway

It’s important to understand that Aman Lodge itself is primarily a railway station and parking area rather than a developed town with numerous hotels . Most visitors park their vehicles at Aman Lodge and immediately proceed into Matheran proper, where the majority of accommodations are located. The hotels listed above are in the broader vicinity, accessible from the Matheran Road area.

Part 2: The Best Restaurants Near Aman Lodge (Where to Dine)

7. MTDC Restaurant Matheran (Mountain Spice): In-House Dining

The MTDC Restaurant, located within the MTDC Resort, is the most convenient dining option for those staying near Aman Lodge. Known as Mountain Spice, this restaurant serves travelers throughout the day with extended hours from 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily .

Why it made the list:
The restaurant offers the convenience of on-site dining with a menu featuring mainly Chinese and Maharashtrian cuisine . Guests appreciate the “very good” service and the polite, helpful staff . While the food receives mixed reviews—described by some as “average” or “a bit disappointing”—the convenience factor is undeniable, especially given that “restaurant options there are equal to zero, unless you are at the market place” .

Pro Tips from Guests:

Order meals in advance, especially if requesting special dishes like mutton curry .
Be aware that not everything on the menu may be available—flexibility is key .
The complimentary breakfast included with room bookings is a solid way to start the day .
Must Try: Maharashtrian specialties, whatever is freshly available.
Perfect For: Resort guests, convenience seekers, and those arriving late.
Location: Inside MTDC Resort, 2 minutes from Aman Lodge Station .

8. Matheran Market Restaurants: The Main Dining Hub

Since options near Aman Lodge itself are limited, most visitors head to Matheran Market for proper meals. The market area, located about 30-45 minutes from Aman Lodge via toy train or rickshaw, offers numerous dining establishments .

Why it made the list:
The market is where Matheran’s food scene truly comes alive. From legendary biryani spots to garden restaurants and street food stalls, this is where you’ll find the widest variety of options. Based on our previous Matheran guide, top market restaurants include:

Garden View Restaurant: Pure vegetarian paradise with Alu Matar, Pav Bhaji, and occasional calligraphy artists .
Shabbir Bhai Biryaniwala: Operating since 1984, famous for authentic chicken biryani and Mughlai dishes .
Ganesh Refreshment: Home-style Parsi and Continental cuisine run by a caring couple .
Must Try: Chicken Biryani at Shabbir Bhai, Parsi dishes at Ganesh Refreshment.
Perfect For: All travelers seeking authentic Matheran dining experiences.
Location: Matheran Market, accessible from Aman Lodge via toy train or rickshaw .

9. Toy Train Snacks: The Moving Feast

The journey from Aman Lodge to Matheran on the toy train is itself a culinary experience. Vendors often hop aboard at various stops, selling local snacks to hungry travelers .

Why it made the list:
There’s something magical about munching on hot bhutta (roasted corn) or munching on local snacks while the narrow-gauge train chugs through the misty hills. It’s not fine dining—it’s an experience. The train ticket itself is just ₹55 per person, making it an affordable and memorable part of your journey .

Must Try: Bhutta (roasted corn), local chips, cutting chai (if available).
Perfect For: Experience seekers, families with children, and train enthusiasts.
Location: Onboard the Matheran toy train from Aman Lodge .

10. Hand-Pulled Rickshaw Stalls: En Route Eateries

For those who prefer not to take the train, hand-pulled rickshaws from Aman Lodge to Matheran (₹35 per person) offer another option . Along the route, small stalls occasionally appear, especially during peak season, selling water, snacks, and refreshments.

Why it made the list:
These tiny, makeshift eateries serve a purpose—they’re lifelines for travelers making the 2-3 km journey on foot or by rickshaw. A chilled water bottle or a packet of biscuits can be a godsend on a warm day.

Must Try: Packaged snacks, cold drinks, water.
Perfect For: Hikers, rickshaw passengers, and those needing quick refreshments.
Location: Along the road from Aman Lodge to Matheran .

Part 3: Essential Travel Tips for Aman Lodge Visitors

Getting Around from Aman Lodge

From Aman Lodge, you have several options to reach Matheran proper:

Mode	Price (per person)	Duration	Experience
Toy Train	₹55	~20-30 mins	Scenic, nostalgic, highly recommended
Hand-pulled Rickshaw	₹35	~30-40 mins	Open-air, bumpy, adventurous
Horse Ride	Negotiable	~30-40 mins	Traditional, requires bargaining
Walking	Free	~45-60 mins	Free, healthy, best for trekkers

Source:

What to Pack for Your Aman Lodge Visit

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring viewpoints
Light jacket or sweater (evenings get cool in the hills)
Cash (ATMs are limited; digital payments may not work everywhere)
Snacks and water for the journey (especially if arriving late)
Monkey awareness—keep your belongings secured as monkeys can be mischievous

Best Time to Visit

October to May offers pleasant weather ideal for exploration. Monsoon (June-September) transforms the region into a lush green paradise but trails can be slippery and the toy train may run on reduced schedules.

Know Before You Go

If staying at MTDC Resort, order meals in advance for special requests like mutton curry
There are no shops near MTDC Resort, so carry necessary items for celebrations or late-night needs
Be flexible with menu availability at smaller establishments

Conclusion

Aman Lodge may be just the starting point of your Matheran adventure, but it offers its own charm—peaceful accommodations, proximity to nature, and that first exhilarating glimpse of the hills. Whether you choose the spacious cottages of MTDC Resort for their 2-minute access to the toy train, or you press on to the legendary biryani at Shabbir Bhai’s in the main market, your journey through this gateway will be memorable.

The magic of Aman Lodge lies in transition—from the noise of the plains to the silence of the hills, from cars and buses to hand-pulled rickshaws and toy trains, from city food to the simple pleasure of hot bhutta eaten while mist swirls around you.

So park your car, buy your train ticket, and let the hills welcome you.

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