Mathikettan Shola National Park is a small but ecologically important protected area located in the Idukki district of Kerala, near Poopara and the Munnar–Thekkady region. It covers around 12.82 sq km and was declared a national park in 2003 to protect its fragile shola forest ecosystem, wildlife corridors, and biodiversity-rich Western Ghats landscape.
The name “Mathikettan” means “mind confuser”, referring to the dense forest where people can easily lose direction due to thick vegetation and misty terrain. The park forms part of an important elephant movement corridor between major forest regions of the Western Ghats.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mathikettan Shola National Park |
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala, India |
| Nearest Town | Poopara / Munnar |
| Area | 12.82 sq. km |
| Established | 2003 (declared National Park) |
| Ecosystem Type | Shola forests, evergreen forests, grasslands |
| Governing Body | Kerala Forest Department |
| Significance | Important elephant corridor in Western Ghats |
| Major Rivers | Tributaries of Panniyar River originate here |
| Flora | Medicinal plants, orchids, shola vegetation, evergreen trees |
| Fauna | Elephants, gaur, leopard, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel |
| Main Attractions | Misty hills, trekking trails, biodiversity zones, viewpoints |
| Activities | Trekking, nature walks, wildlife observation, photography |
| Entry System | Forest department permit / check-post entry |
| Ticket Booking | On-spot at Poopara check post or Munnar Wildlife Office |
| Entry Fee | ₹40–₹50 (Indians), ₹200–₹500 (foreigners approx.) |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 5:00/6:00 PM (varies seasonally) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport (~135 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Aluva / Kottayam |
| Accessibility | Via Munnar–Kumily highway to Poopara |
| Restrictions | Controlled entry, guided trekking only in some zones |
Point of Attractions
- Dense shola and evergreen forests
- Mist-covered Western Ghats hills and valleys
- Elephant movement corridors and wildlife trails
- Scenic viewpoints around Poopara hills
- Rich medicinal plant zones and endemic flora
- Trekking routes through grasslands and forest edges
- Rare birdlife and forest biodiversity
Facilities
- Forest Department permit-based entry (restricted access area)
- Basic trekking guidance with forest officials or local guides
- Limited eco-tourism infrastructure (no heavy commercial tourism setup)
- Parking facilities near entry/buffer zones
- Small rest points near nearby Poopara village
- Accommodation options available in Poopara and Munnar region
Note: Inside-park facilities are minimal to preserve the ecosystem.
Best in the Park (Best Experiences)
- Guided forest trekking through untouched shola patches
- Wildlife spotting (especially elephants, gaur, and birds)
- Photography of mist-covered hills and valleys
- Nature walks along buffer zones
- Peaceful eco-tourism experience away from crowds
- Study and observation of Western Ghats biodiversity
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