Mathikettan Shola National Park in Kerala is a small but scenic national park in the western Ghat of Kerala. It is famous for the pictorial beauty and bio-diverse culture of the park. Hoping to cover 82 square kilometres, the park is ideal for those interested in seeing the local wildlife and flora, hiking, and photography in particular. Located in Kumily, Kerala, Mathikettan Shola, created in 2003, is rich in flora and fauna and shelters several endangered species. A proper name for the park means ‘mind-conflicting forest,’ thus pointing to the fact that the variety of trees here that are intertwined create a real forest of mind. If you are planning to visit Kerala with your friends and family, Mathikettan shola national park has to be on your list. Here, we will tell you everything that you need to know about Mathikettan shola national park, its attractions, the activities that you can enjoy there, how to reach and many more
All About Mathikettan Shola National Park
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Mathikettan Shola is shrouded in a history that is all but intertwined with the indigenous populations and the numerous species which inhabit the area. It was Shola forest, which acted as a catchment area and micro environment for many flora and Fauna in the regional context. This park was in the year 2003 established as a national park to protect its especial scientific significance from commercial profit. Years back, so many conserved programs were aimed at ensuring that this park remained a natural reserve and that the types of animals and plants that inhabited the park were preserved.
The beauty of the National Park is inexpressible; this place remains one of the most pristine and lush areas. Rich forest covers are a mix of the park’s wet and dry features, including rivers, waterfalls and grasslands. The beauty of the hills hazy with the mist and the calmness of the environment makes it the perfect place for people needing solitude and probably meditation. The types of plants found in the park are rare plants such as orchids, medical plants, and trees that give a picturesque green environment. While Lower Dolpo has natural wildlife, it is possible to spot the Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Birds, and butterflies, amongst several others.
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Activities At Mathikettan Shola National Park
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Trekking is one of the best activities you can enjoy at the National Park. It is possible to focus on one of people’s favourite occupations: trekking. There are several tracks that one can walk through, including the forests and grasslands and by the streams, because they give a spectacular view of the western ghats. Due to its diverse wildlife, the park is perfect for wildlife photographers. Take great photographs of elephants, leopards, birds, and butterflies in the wild. Bird Watching is another popular activity here.
Hence, the place is a paradise for bird watching as the area is filled with birds like gem-flecked woodpecker, Malabar white throat, Kerala laughing thrush, and many others. Three principal endemics that one may see are the Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied shortwing, and the Kerala laughing thrush. Go on a small guided trail to familiarise yourself with the plant and animal life in the park. Such walks are good for getting in touch with Nature and acknowledging the park’s role for the ecology.
Nearby Attractions Around Mathikettan Shola National Park
There are several attractions around Mathikettan Shola National Park that you can visit here in the region. Here are some destinations that you can incorporate into your itinerary while planning your holidays in Kerala:
1. Munnar
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Munnar is another famous hill station situated about 40 kilometres from the park famous for its tea gardens, hilly terrains and cool climate. One can go sightseeing at the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Eravikulam National Park while in Munnar.
Location: About 37 km from Mathikettan Shola National Park
Time required: About 1-hour drive
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2. Anamudi Peak
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Anamudi Peak is a mountain that is located in the Ernakulam and Idukki districts of Kerala. With an elevation of about 2,700 metres, it is the highest peak of the Western Ghats and South India. You can easily plan a trip to this highest peak in South India as it is located near the National Park. get the experience of climbing the summit to have clear views of the regions’ topographies.
Location: About 37 km from Mathikettan Shola National Park
Time required: About 1-hour drive
3. Eravikulam National Park
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The nearby tourist attraction is the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the scarcely seen Nilgiri tahr. It also provides breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and, once twelve years, blooming Neelakurinji flowers.
Location: About 37 km from Mathikettan Shola National Park
Time required: About 1-hour drive
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4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Slightly over 37 miles from Mathikettan Shola, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary protects many animals, such as the grizzled giant squirrel. The sanctuary also has nice views, and can engage in trekking exercises.
Location: About 37 km from Mathikettan Shola National Park
Time required: About 1-hour drive
Local Delicacies At Mathikettan Shola National Park
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Despite the state being culturally woven with food and spices, this region is not very popular with tourist stakes regarding eateries and/or restaurants.
Appam with stew puttu and kadala curry, the dosa or Kerala sadya – some vegetarian dishes on a banana leaf. Among non-vegetarian food items, one can get fresh fish, prawns, and crab cooked in real Kerala spices.
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Best Time To Visit The National Park
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Mathikettan Shola National Park can be visited in the winter months of November, December, January, and February since the weather conditions are calm and pleasant.
This time is favourable for trekking, wildlife viewing and scenic views of the park. Because of the monsoon period, which is from June to September, the park is not good for trekking due to heavy downpours. Again, October to November is also preferred, although the park is hotter during this season because the vegetation is fresh from rain.
How To Reach The National Park
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There are a few ways to reach Mathikettan Shola National Park. It can be reached from Poopara through Munnar – Kumily Highway. Another way to reach Poopara is through the Idukki route via Kothamangalam, located at the foot of the Western Ghats. Here is how you can reach here by train, air and road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International airport, about 150 km from the park though closer airports include the one at Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam. One can find a taxi to take him or her to the park or take a bus from the airport to the park.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Kottayam, about 130 km from the park. After arriving at the station, there are always options for getting to your preferred destination through a taxi or bus.
By Road: Mathikettan Shola National Park is easily accessible by car. Kumarakom is well connected by road, and one can drive from Kochi, Munnar, or take a bus from the nearby cities. The park is around 40 kilometres from Munnar, a famous hill resort in Kerala.
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Mathikettan Shola National Park is a storehouse of bio-sustainability. For nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and wildlife lovers, it is a beautiful place where one can go for a nature trail away from the noises of the city. This marvellous park has hidden forests to wander, fancy animals to observe, and a hall to relax in the silence of this fascinating place. Laden, with history and variety in flora and fauna in the placid environment, it stands at the top in the list of most-visited places in Kerala. Plan a trip to Kerala to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park and soak in the serene beauty of this enchanting Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mathikettan Shola National Park
When is the best time to visit Mathikettan Shola National Park?
Ideally, the right time to visit the hometown is during the winter season, that is, during the months of November, December, January and February. The post-monsoon is also a favourable time to visit which spans the month of October to November.
What are potential things that one can engage in during the visit at Mathikettan Shola National Park?
Trekking, wildlife transfers and photography, bird watching, guided nature walks are dominant activities.
What is the access to Mathikettan Shola National Park?
This park can be reached by flight and by railway and by road transport Through Cochin International Airport, Kottayam railway station, and the nearest motorable road transport available from the nearest cities of Munnar, Cochin and Kottayam respectively.
What wild animals can I find in Mathikettan Shola National Park?
Many animals and birds and leopards and tigers and elephants can also be found in the park as well as different kinds of butterflies.
What are the other interesting places to visit if I incorporate Mathikettan Shola National Park in my trip?
Yes, there are several nearby attractions to Mathikettan Shola National Park, such as Munnar, Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. you can make a planned trip including these.
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