Matheran (It means 'Forest on the Forehead') is the smallest hill station in India located in the Western Ghats. Discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, a Britisher in 1850, was developed by the then Governor General as a retreat to beat the heat during the summers.
About 10 years back it was declared an eco-sensitive zone and made vehicle free (the only one in Asia). The only motorized vehicles that enter the town are a narrow gauge railway train and ambulance run by the town administration. Transportation is by hand pulled rickshaws and horses. The streets have been made horse friendly- paved on the sides and unpaved in the centre to avoid injury to the hooves of the horses! It is a trekkers paradise. There are so many trails that you can take off on. The thick forest cover keeps you cool at any time of the day. It is a dream for riding enthusiasts. The elderly can avail the hand pulled rickshaws. Game any one !!!
