Mathikettan Shola National Park

4.4

Location: Kochi – Dhanushkodi Road, Pooppara, Kerala 685619, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a national park that is 12.82 km 2 spread in Poopara village of Udumbanchola taluk in Idukki district, Kerala state, India. The whole area was notified as a ‘national park’ almost 2 decades ago on 21 November 2003. The unique nature of the shola forest in Mathikettan, as well as its importance as an elephant strip, was considered when the state government declared it a National park in 2003. The Central government of India has notified its area varying from zero to one kilometre around the boundary as ‘Eco sensitive zone’. The park is located between other reserve forests like ‘Eravikulam National Park’ and ‘Pampadum Shola National Park.’

Attraction

Mathikettan Shola National Park has numerous things to offer you. You can enjoy the natural creation of God here. The flora and fauna that you get to see here are priceless. It is a perfect destination for understanding the Shola rainforest. Trekking through this terrain will certainly give an extreme experience. A cool, gentle breeze and pure Oxygen inside the Shola forest will embrace you in no time.Elephants from the Munnar Division become trapped between the ‘Bodinayakanur’ and ‘Kottamalai’ areas. According to the reports, this is due to private establishments on the northern side of Mathikettan, the degradation of forests, and human settlements on the southern side. Consequently, many elephants are seen in this area.
Besides, this park is home to many rare animals. This includes: tigers, panthers, flying squirrels, spotted deer, giant grizzled squirrels, and Nilgiri tahrs. This forest also has many venomous snakes, including cobras, pythons, vipers, and rat snakes. On top of that, orchids, ferns, mosses, tribal communities, medical herbs, and many more are found here.

History

The tract of Mathikettan Shola National Park was notified as a Reserve Forest by the Travancore Government in 1897. A part of the land (obviously prior to becoming a national park) had been leased out for the production of ‘Cardamom.’ However, the area was declared a National Park on 21 November 2003 to protect its ecological, faunal, floral, and geographical wealth and its environment as well.
The name ‘Mathikettan’ derives from the Tamil word, which literally means the one who had his mind confused. And as per the local people, people forget the path once they enter into the park. It is recognized as a national park to protect the rich wildlife as well as the vast biodiversity of the area. The whole Shola forest in the area is truly bestowed with geological fauna, flora, and geomorphological wealth.

Inside/Outside Views

Mathikettan Shola National Park is really beautiful. It is a heaven for nature lovers. The undulating terrain that sometimes climbs up to large hillocks of varying heights, Mathikettan Shola houses an evergreen forest. It houses moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreens as well. Suppose you take a look at the rich variety of animal life in gaur, wild boar, common langur, wild dog, sambar, and some wild jungle cats. The National Park can be considered a biodiversity hotspot with its rich treasure of medicinal herbs and other elements as well.
Apart from these, a ‘Muthavan tribal colony’ at Aduvilanthankudy is situated near the northeastern borders of Mathikettan Shola. Moreover, the tributaries of the ‘Panniyar River’ are the Uchilkuthipuzha, Chemmannar, Mathikettan Puzha, and Nander Puzha, which originate from the hills of Matikettan make it ethereal.

Opening Hours

The park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park is between the months of April and September.

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee is required.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Idukki’s ‘Poopara’ area. From the busy area of Idukki, Mathikettan Shola National Park is 20 to 30 km away. Kerala is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Midnapore, Chennai, Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, etc. From Idukki City, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Cochin International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 121 kilometers away from this area and is in Nedumbassery, Kochi, Kerala, 683111. You can visit this place from outside of India. It is also well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow by direct flights. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from Mathikettan Shola National Park is around 120 km away at the ‘Angamaly Railway Station.’ This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kerala for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.