Mathikettan Shola National Park

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a 12.82 square kilometer protected area located in the Udumbanchola taluk of Idukki district, Kerala. Established as a national park in 2003 and declared by the state government in 2008, it serves as an important elephant corridor connecting Eravikulam National Park and Pampadum Shola National Park. The park features unique shola-grassland ecosystems with rich biodiversity including endemic flora and fauna.

Visitors can expect to explore dense shola forests and grasslands through guided trekking routes. The park offers viewing centers at Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu with views extending into Tamil Nadu. The terrain involves trekking through initial grasslands followed by dense forest areas. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, Nilgiri tahr, gaur, and various bird species. Entry requires permits from forest officials and guides are mandatory for trekking.

The tract was notified as a Reserve Forest by the Travancore Government in 1897. It was declared a National Park on 21 November 2003 to protect its ecological, faunal, floral and geographical wealth. The state government declared it as a National Park in 2008 considering its importance as an elephant corridor.

The name Mathikettan derives from the Tamil word meaning 'one who had his mind confused', as local people say that one forgets the path once entering the park. The area holds significance as part of the traditional shola forest ecosystem of the Western Ghats.