Mathikettan Shola National Park - A Trekker's Guide

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.