Mathikettan Shola National Park

About Mathikettan Shola National Park

Mathikettan Shola National Park is located at Poopara village near Udumbanchola, Idukki District.Mathikettan Shola National Park is a 12.82 km² , This tract, comprising part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR), had been notified as a Reserve Forest by the Travancore Government in 1897. Part of the land, prior to becoming a national park, had been leased out for the production of Cardamom. It was declared a National Park on Nov 21, 2003 to protect its ecological, faunal, floral and geographical wealth and its environment. Plan your adventure holiday or vacation with the information and reviews by users and experts. Find out about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its wildilfe, habitat and much more.The name Mathikettan derives form the tamil word literally meaning mind confuser as the local people say that one forgets the path once he enters into the park..

Interesting things to Visit

Anamudi Shola National Park:

Anamudi Shola National Park is situated in Marayoor Village, Devikulam taluk, Idukki district. The Anamudi Shola National Park constitutes the Mannavan shola, Idivara shola and Pullardi shola, covering a total area of around 750 hectares.

Devikulam Hills Station:

Devikulam Hills Station is located at an altitude of about 1000 meters from sea level and at a distance of 13km south west of Munnar, down the Munnar-Kumily Highway, SH 19, at Idukki District, this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover’s paradise.

Cradomom Hills :

Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala’s beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.

Munnar Hills Station:

Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. This beautiful hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Attukal Waterfall:

Attukal Waterfalls (9 km from Munnar) : A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks and must be visited for its charming sceneries, glittering waterfalls and rolling hills is a feast for the eyes.

Nearest Visiting places

Kuthumkal Waterfalls:

The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!

Top Station:

Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.

Lock Heart Gap:

This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit. Adventurous spot for trekkers and to live with the wildlife

Chellarkovil:

This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.

Kuttikanam:

This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.

Pothamedu:

Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.

Pallivasal:

Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.

Echo point:

As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Nyayamakad:

This place is Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.

Kundala:

Kundala is a town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.

Power House waterfalls:

This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Attukal:

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.

Chithirapuram:

Chithirapuram is having sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Idukki Wildlife sanctuary:

The Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha in the Idukki district in Kerala, India and is spread over an area of 77 square kilometers. This wildlife park includes the regions Idukki Wildlife of Udumpanchola and Thodupuzha districts of Kerala, India. The Idukki wildlife park in Kerala, India came into existence in the year 1976.There is a lake located within the Idukki wildlife sanctuary that is worth visiting during your wildlife tours to this wildlife sanctuary.

Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.

Kumily :

This lace is Situated just 4kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.

Marayoor:

The little town located 36km from munnar.It is famous for the exotic sandal wood forests in the region.

Thekkadi:

Rolling hills,tea and cardamom plantation welcome you to thekkadi.it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India,the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a tiger reserve.A boat ride on the spendid periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.Here we can see herds of elephents,tiger,sambar,spotted deer etc.Trekking facility is another advantage of Thekkadi.

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary:

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is one of the delights for the ornithologists. The sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri Taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. Tourists who are keenly interested in adventure and trekking will enjoy visiting the place.

Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park attracts the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. It is spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex.

The Periyar Lake:

A boat ride on the lake will make your Periyar tour absolutely fantastic. Sighting the elephants from the boat is very easy, as they come in herds near the lake to frolic in the water.

The periyar wildlife sanctuary

This is situated at the banks of the artificial lake named Periyar Lake at Thekkady, encircled with the Western Ghats this sanctuary is blessed with unique qualities of forest itself with evergreen woods and bushy thick forest and savannah grasslands are the enchanting aspects to the viewer’s vision.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

BP Petrol Pump
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Vazhakkulam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

Petrol Pump
NH 49, Puthencruz
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Reliance Petrol Pump
SH 32, Pala
Kottayam, Kerala.

NG Pudur Petrol Pump
SH 21, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Holiday Heaven Resorts Munnar
SH 17, Munnar, Idukki
Kerala 685618
Tel: 04868 249958.

Pearl Green Resorts
Mulakkada, Pallivasal
Munnar, Kerala 685612
Tel: 09447031058.

Hill View Hotel
A. M. Road, Munnar
Munnar, Kerala
Tel: 04865 230567.

T & U Leisure Hotel
SH 17, Munnar
Idukki, Kerala
Tel: 04865 233081.

Camp Noel - Nature Resort and Hotel
Pazhathottam, Munnar
Kerala 685615
Tel: 09447166295.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Thodupuzha udumbannoor rd(TU rd)
Karimannoor, Idukki
Kerala
Tel: 04862 262434.

Police Station
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Police Station
Kerala 080 686670.

Police Station
Usilampatti, Madurai
Tamil Nadu.

Nearest Hospital:

Aravind Eye Hospital
Periakulam Road, Theni
Tamilnadu 625531, India
Tel: 04546 252658.

Ashramam Ayurveda Hospital and Reserch Centre
Idukki, Kerala
Tel: 09746063255.

Holy Family Hospital
Muthalakodam, Thodupuzha
Idukki, Kerala.

Archana Hospital
River View Road
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Karuna Hospital
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Link:

http://rprperadfadf.blogspot.com/2005/12/mathikettan-shola-national-park.html
http://mrunal-exam.blogspot.com/2009/06/national-parks-of-india-study-note.html
http://musannif.blogspot.com/2008/07/national-parks-in-india.html

Location info

• Address: Poopara village, Udumbanchola taluk, Idukki District, Kerala, India

• District: Idukki District

• Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore and Thodupuzha .

• Best time to visit: Beetwen October and march.

Climate & weather

During summers the temperature is around 25 °C while the minimum temperature is 15.2°C.

Things to do at Mathikettan Shola National Park

You can find Cardamon hiil and also different species and categories of birds and animals.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park

The best time to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park is from November to April. The park is closed during monsoon (June–September). The dry months (January–April) offer the best wildlife sightings as animals congregate around water sources. Winter mornings and late afternoons are ideal for safaris.

Timings & opening hours

National parks are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Safari timings: morning safari (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) and afternoon safari (2:30 PM–5:00 PM). Parks are closed during monsoon season (June–September). Entry is restricted without authorized guides.

Entry fee & tickets

National park entry fees: INR 50–100 for Indian nationals, INR 300–500 for foreign nationals. Safari charges: INR 300–1,000 per person for jeep safari, INR 100–300 for boat safari. Camera fees: INR 100–200 for still cameras, INR 500–1,000 for video cameras. Advance booking recommended during peak season.

Duration needed

Full day for a complete experience with both morning and afternoon safaris. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers benefit from 2–3 nights.

Safety tips

Never exit your vehicle during safaris except at designated stops. Do not make loud noises or play music in the park. Follow your naturalist guide’s instructions. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife — at least 50 metres from large mammals. Do not use flash photography on animals. Alcohol is prohibited inside the park. Stay within speed limits.

Things to carry

Binoculars, camera with telephoto lens (200mm–400mm recommended), neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours and perfumes), sturdy closed-toe walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, drinking water (at least 1 litre per safari), and a light snack. Forest department guidelines restrict the use of bright colours and strong fragrances.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Mathikettan Shola National Park

Mathikettan Shola National Park is one of Kerala’s premier protected areas, established to conserve the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots. The national park protects critical habitats for endangered species including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and lion-tailed macaque. The park plays a vital role in watershed conservation, protecting the catchment areas of major Kerala rivers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the national park without a safari booking? — Entry to the national park is only through authorised safaris with forest department guides. Independent entry is not permitted to ensure visitor safety and wildlife conservation. What animals can I expect to see? — Depending on the park: Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, langurs, macaques, and numerous bird species. Sightings depend on season, time of day, and luck. How do I book a safari? — Online booking through the Kerala Forest Department website (www.forest.kerala.gov.in) is recommended. Advance booking is essential during peak season (December–April). Is accommodation available? — Forest department lodges and KTDC hotels are available near most national parks. Private resorts and homestays are also available in nearby towns.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Kerala
• Category: National Parks

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.