Mathikettan Shola National Park with an area of 12.82 square kilometres is located in Udumbanchola taluk in Idukki district, Kerala. The name Mathikettan, the Tamil word is literally translated to English as “mind confuser”. There are multiple paths and crossways in the forest, the visitors often get confused once entered within the gates of the national park. Mathokettan Shola is widely known for the large populations and preservation of elephants. Visitors often see even these majestic elephants lost in their path.
Mathikettan Shola was first a part of cardamom plantations back in 1897, it was later in November 2003 it was raised as a National Park, for the preservation of wildlife, trees, flora and fauna. Now this protected forest provides shelter for tigers, panthers, wild elephants, giant grizzled squirrels, flying squirrels, spotted deer and Nilgiri tahrs. The park also hosts different snake varieties such as king cobras, pythons, vipers and rat snakes, turtles, crocodiles and lizards. There are many medicinal herbs growing within the park.
There are numerous trekking trails available for adventure seekers to have a clear vision of the beauty and wonder of wildlife within the woods. It is such a heaven for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. There are three streams originating from the hill ranges of Mathikettan, they are Uchillkuthi Puzha, Mathikettan Puzha and Njandar Puzha. Each one of them is the tributaries of the Panniyar River, which is again the tributary of the Periyar River. Towards the northeastern borders of Mathikettan Shola National Park there inhibits Muthavan tribal community. Visit this national park, for the rich biodiversity, it possesses along with cardamom plantation views surrounding the area. Enrich yourselves in the wealth and glory of nature.
Contact Details
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Dhanushkodi Road, Pooppara,
Idukki, Kerala 685619
