Explanations:Matheran is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, approximately 96 kilometers from Mumbai. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and strict environmental policies. The hill station is situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra and is easily accessible by train and road from Mumbai. However, once visitors reach the base of the hill, they must use eco-friendly modes of transportation such as the Matheran Light Railway or horse-drawn carriages to reach the top, as motor vehicles are strictly prohibited to maintain the natural and peaceful environment.
The ban on motor vehicles in Matheran is a significant aspect of its environmental policies. This policy helps to reduce pollution and noise, ensuring that the hill station remains a serene and unpolluted environment. The absence of motor vehicles also contributes to the unique charm of Matheran, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Other hill stations like Ooty, Coorg, and Nainital, while popular and scenic, are not located in Maharashtra and do not have the same strict environmental policies as Matheran. Ooty is in Tamil Nadu, Coorg is in Karnataka, and Nainital is in Uttarakhand. These hill stations are known for their own unique features, such as tea plantations in Ooty, coffee plantations in Coorg, and the Naini Lake in Nainital, but they do not share the same proximity to Mumbai or the same environmental policies as Matheran.
Therefore, Matheran is the closest hill station to Mumbai and is known for its strict environmental policies, making it the correct answer to the question.