Matheran or 'forest on top was discovered by the British in 1851. It was Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then collector of Thane district who actually found this serene hill town in the Sahyadri ranges.
Lord Elphinstone put his sincere effort in developing the region.Soon it became one of the popular resorts of the British who wanted to escape from the unbearable heat during summer.
The hill station has till date retained 19th century colonial ambience. The huge colonial mansions, toy train and the various lanes still seem to miss the glorious colonial days.
Today the British discovery happens to be the only hill station in Asia where pollution has no place. It has also bagged the title of Eco Sensitive Zone. No vehicle is allowed to invade the privacy and serenity of the hill station.