The park's name, Mathikettan, is derived from a local belief that people entering the dense forest often lose their sense of direction.
The shola ecosystem found here is a unique type of stunted tropical montane forest found only in the valleys of the Southern Western Ghats.
The park was declared a National Park in 2003 to protect the ecological corridor that connects the Munnar range with the Eravikulam National Park.
The region is a significant watershed, with several perennial streams originating within its boundaries that eventually drain into the Pambiyar River.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site nomination for the Western Ghats due to its high level of biological diversity and endemism.
Mathikettan Shola National Park is a high-altitude evergreen shola forest located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It covers an area of 12.82 square kilometers and serves as a vital corridor for elephant movement between the Western Ghats ranges. The park is characterized by a mix of tropical montane grasslands and dense shola forests. It is part of the Anamudi Shola mountain range and is situated at an elevation ranging between 1,800 and 2,100 meters above sea level. The park is managed by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife. It acts as a primary catchment area for the river tributaries feeding the local irrigation systems. Wildlife inhabitants include Indian elephants, sambar deer, gaur, and occasionally, leopards. The park's name translates to 'mind-confusing,' attributed to the dense, disorienting nature of its forest trails.
The elevated vantage points along the periphery of the Pooppara entrance offering panoramic views of the dense forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots to navigate the dense, uneven, and often slippery forest floor.
Carry leeches protection such as salt or specialized socks, as these are common in the humid, high-altitude undergrowth.
Ensure you have necessary permits from the Kerala Forest Department office at Pooppara before attempting to enter the core zone.
Do not attempt to explore the forest interior without a licensed local forest guide, as the terrain is notoriously disorienting.
May be restricted or closed during the peak monsoon season due to safety concerns and trail erosion.
Strictly follow 'Leave No Trace' principles; carrying plastic inside the park is prohibited and heavily monitored.
