9.984477.2439Idukki, Kerala

WILDLIFE

Mathikettan Shola National Park - A Trekker's Guide

Explore the unique shola grasslands and evergreen forests of this critical elephant corridor in Kerala's Idukki district, known for its guided treks.

Idukki, KeralaHalf day (3-4 hours)7:00 AM – 4:00 PM₹40No Photography

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Best Season:The best period to visit is from September to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for trekking. The forest is vibrant and green following the monsoon. Avoid the heavy monsoon season from June to August, as trails become slippery and inaccessible. The summer months of April and May can be hot and dry, and the park sometimes closes due to the risk of forest fires. Winter (December-January) offers the most comfortable trekking conditions.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹40

Entry (Foreign):₹300

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Mathikettan Shola National Park?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a dense evergreen forest region located in the Idukki district of Kerala, part of the Western Ghats. The name 'Mathikettan' translates from Tamil to 'mind-confusing,' which hints at the maze-like trails that once baffled locals. The park is primarily a 'shola' ecosystem, a unique mix of high-altitude grasslands and pockets of stunted evergreen forests found in valleys. Visitors experience a walk through a thick canopy that keeps the forest floor cool and damp, with sunlight filtering through in patches. The park's main purpose is to protect the rich biodiversity and serve as a crucial wildlife corridor.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

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Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

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Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, especially on weekends and public holidays, aligning with the main tourist season in Kerala.

Moderate

September-November and February-March, during weekdays.

Low Season

April-August, due to the hot summer and subsequent heavy monsoon rains.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹40

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹300

Per person

Opening Hours

7:00 AM — 4:00 PM

Open all days. Last entry for trekking is generally around 14:00 to ensure visitors can return before dusk. It's best to confirm the exact timings with the local forest office at Pooppara as they can vary based on season and weather conditions.

Fees are per person. Standard rate for Indian adults is ₹40. Guide fee is mandatory and extra, typically around ₹1000 for a group. Still camera fee is ₹40, video camera fee is ₹275. Prices are subject to change by the Forest Department.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pooppara P.O, Udumbanchola Taluk, Idukki District

Coordinates

9.9844, 77.2439

Nearest City

Idukki

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest major airport, about 140 km away (4-5 hours by car). Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu is also an option, lo...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Aluva (AWY) in Kerala, approximately 140 km away. Theni Railway Station in Tamil Nadu is closer (about 55 km) but has limit...

By Road

The park is accessible via the Munnar-Kumily road. It is about 35 km from Munnar and 65 km from Thekkady (Kumily). You can drive to Pooppara and then hire a loc...

Local Transport

From nearby towns like Pooppara or Santhanpara, the best way to reach the park entrance is by hiring a local jeep, as they are well-suited for the terrain. Taxi...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The area of Mathikettan Shola was historically part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve, with sections leased out for cardamom cultivation under the Travancore government in the late 19th century. For decades, it remained a tract of private and government-owned land with a mix of plantations and remnant fo...

Significance

Mathikettan Shola's primary significance lies in its status as a shola forest, a fragile and ancient ecosystem endemic to the southern Western Ghats. It functions as a vital elephant corridor, ensuring the safe passage of herds and maintaining genetic diversity. The park is home to a wide range of f...

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