{"id":4731,"date":"2024-07-31T13:34:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T13:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=4731"},"modified":"2025-08-12T10:31:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T10:31:18","slug":"mathikettan-shola-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/mathikettan-shola-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Mathikettan Shola National Park: A Heavenly Paradise For Every Wildlife Enthusiast"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mathikettan Shola National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. It offers a serene environment, perfect for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The park is home to various endangered species of flora and fauna, making it a significant conservation area. Visitors can enjoy trekking, bird watching, and experiencing the lush greenery. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.<\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Details About Mathikettan Shola National Park<\/h2>\n

Best Time To Visit Mathikettan Shola National Park:<\/strong> April – September
\nMathikettan Shola National Park Timings:<\/strong> 6 AM – 6 PM
\nWhere To Stay:<\/strong> Spice Villas Holiday Munnar, Chill Berg Resort-Bodimettu, Avondale Munnar, Rajappara Estate
\nWhere To Eat:<\/strong> Sagar Ratna, Three Tuns Cafe and Bar, Mister Veg, Bites and Brew, Haldirams
\nMathikettan Shola National Park Ticket Price:<\/strong> \u20b940<\/p>\n

About<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Vinayaraj \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Mathikettan Shola Park was established in the Idukki district of Kerala in 2003. The park is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, focusing on reducing illegal activities like poaching and logging. It is considered one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots.\u201d The park is vital for water resources; supporting the hydrological cycle ensures the survival of numerous rivers and streams, which are critical for ecosystems and human populations.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Idukki National Parks<\/a><\/p>\n

How To Reach<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Johannes Plenio \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Tourists can reach Mathikettan Shola Park through various modes of transportation, like airways, railways, and roadways.<\/p>\n

By Air: <\/strong>150 kilometres from Cochin International Airport (COK) via taxi or bus.<\/p>\n

By Rail: <\/strong>130 kilometres from Kottayam railway station via taxi or bus.<\/p>\n

By Road<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Kochi (Cochin): <\/strong>150 kilometres from Kochi, accessible via NH85, which takes 4-5 hours to drive.<\/p>\n

From Munnar: <\/strong>Munnar is 35 kilometres away and can be reached via a taxi or local bus, taking 1-2 hours.<\/p>\n

Things To Do<\/h2>\n

Mathikettan Shola Park provides a serene environment for nature enthusiasts, offering adventure, learning, and relaxation opportunities.<\/p>\n

1. Trekking And Hiking<\/h3>\n
\"Trekking<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Alvaro Palacios \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

The park offers diverse hiking trails through forests, streams, and meadows for an immersive nature experience. You can hire a local guide for an informative trek.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Trekking In Kerala<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Wildlife Spotting<\/h3>\n
\"Wildlife<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Nam Anh \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

The park boasts diverse wildlife, including elephants, gaurs, Nilgiri tahr, leopards, deer, and endemic species like the Nilgiri wood pigeon and white-bellied shortwing. Wildlife spotting is most effective in the early morning and late evening due to the increased activity of animals during these periods.<\/p>\n

3. Bird Watching<\/h3>\n
\"Spotting<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Sid Balachandran \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

You can see rare and endemic species like the Rufous babbler, white-bellied blue robin, and black-and-orange flycatcher. You can use binoculars to watch birds. The melodious chirping of birds and the delightful ambience make this a delightful experience.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Nature Photography<\/h3>\n
\"Nature<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Christian Wiediger \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

The park’s dense forests and rolling hills provide excellent photography opportunities, particularly for macro photography.<\/p>\n

5. Botanical Exploration<\/h3>\n
\"Botanical<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Fabien BELLANGER \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

The park boasts diverse endemic plant species, including rare orchids and medicinal plants, making it an educational and fascinating destination to explore. The park is great for botanists and researchers who are eager to study plant species.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Top Places To Visit In Kerala To Experience God\u2019s Own Country<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit Around<\/h2>\n

Apart from visiting Mathikettan Shola Park, you can also explore other places that offer a beautiful natural environment with diverse flora and fauna.<\/p>\n

1. Munnar<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Arshad.ka5 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Munnar spans over 350 square kilometres, also known as the \u201cKashmir of Kerala\u201d is a popular hill station in Kerala. It is best known for its tea gardens, refreshing climate, and picturesque landscapes. It is a popular destination for its natural beauty and romantic ambience. Tourists can watch Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur, and the Nilgiri tahr, a mountainous goat. Key attractions include the Tata Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Eravikulam National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Visit the Tea Garden; Rock Climbing; Jeep Safari; Spice plantation<\/p>\n

2. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: niraksharan \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Kolukkumalai is famous for having the world’s highest tea plantation, with an elevation of 7900 feet above sea level. It provides stunning views of hills and valleys, promising a beautiful sunrise overlooking the Palani Hills. The tea factory at Kolukkumalai, established in the 1930s, still follows a traditional method: leaves are handpicked, processed, and manually packed for distribution. The journey to Kolukkumalai itself is an adventure involving a rugged jeep ride.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Kolukkumalai Jeep safari- Tea Trail, and the Off-road Adventures<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Tea Museums In Munnar<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Anamudi Peak<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Mdmadhu \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Anamudi, South India’s highest peak in the Western Ghats, is situated in Eravikulam National Park. With an elevation of 2,695 metres and a topographic prominence of 2,479 metres, the peak is not exceptionally steep but a fault-block mountain. Nestled among the Nilgiri mountain range, it provides great trekking routes and breathtaking views. It is home to Asian Elephants, Gaurs, Bengal Tigers, Amphibians, and unique Raorchestes, with lush vegetation at its summit.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Trek the Peak, Enjoy the Safari<\/p>\n

4. Top Station<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Sajith Erattupetta \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

From Mathikettan Shola, you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding valley stretching over 32 kilometres. With an elevation of 1,880 metres, heaven for campers, hikers and trekkers. A trip to the top station allows you to visit Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Visiting the top station almost feels like being among the clouds. The destination is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthes), which bloom once in 12 years.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Ideal for Camping, Hiking, and Trekking<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/h3>\n
\"An<\/div>\n

Photo: Amara Bharathy \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Close to Mathikettan Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a> offers a dry, rugged escape quite unlike Munnar\u2019s lush greenery. This lesser-known spot is home to thorny scrub forests, sandalwood trees, and rare creatures like the grizzled giant squirrel. Nature walks, trekking paths, and eco-stays give visitors a closer look at the area\u2019s distinct landscape. The sanctuary also touches the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing for a unique mix of wildlife across the border. It\u2019s ideal for nature-focused getaways.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Spot the grizzled giant squirrel; Trekking; Wildlife safari; Visit the watch tower; 7\u202fAM – 5\u202fPM<\/p>\n

6. Thoovanam Waterfalls<\/h3>\n
\"Lush<\/div>\n

Photo: Firos AK \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Thoovanam Waterfalls<\/a> offers a peaceful break from busy tourist spots. The waterfall, flowing from the Pambar River, can only be reached by a guided forest trek. The trail is full of natural beauty and you might even spot wildlife like deer or giant squirrels along the way. Surrounded by thick greenery, the spot feels calm and untouched – perfect for travellers who enjoy quiet places and love spending time in nature.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Trek through the forest trail; Enjoy the waterfall view<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Idukki Waterfalls<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Meesapulimala<\/h3>\n
\"Meesapulimala<\/div>\n

Photo: Niyas8001 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Tucked near the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border, Meesapulimala is a scenic trekking spot just a short drive from Mathikettan Shola National Park. At 2,640 metres, it\u2019s the second tallest peak in the Western Ghats and draws travellers keen on exploring peaceful trails near Munnar. The route winds through pine woods, open grasslands, and colourful rhododendron patches. With misty hills all around and fewer crowds, it\u2019s a great pick for nature lovers. <\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Trek to the peak; Camping; Nature photography<\/p>\n

8. Bodi Mettu<\/h3>\n
\"Valley<\/div>\n

Photo: Hayathkhan.h \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Bodi Mettu is a quiet little hill station near the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border, around 15 km from Mathikettan Shola National Park. Sitting at nearly 4,500 feet, it treats visitors to fresh mountain air, green plantations, and peaceful forest views. Far less crowded than Munnar, it\u2019s a calm place to take a break and enjoy nature. Tea and cardamom fields stretch across the hills, offering lovely scenes for photos. Ideal for travellers who enjoy slow, scenic getaways in the hills.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Scenic mountain drive; Nature walks; Explore spice gardens<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Idukki<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Suruli Falls<\/h3>\n
\"Glistening<\/div>\n

Photo: Michael \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Tucked away in the Western Ghats near Cumbum, close to the Kerala – Tamil Nadu border, Suruli Falls offers a peaceful break surrounded by dense forest. The water drops from around 150 feet, filling the air with a cool mist that\u2019s especially refreshing during the monsoon. Nature lovers often stop here while heading to Thekkady or Bodinayakkanur. The nearby caves, linked to Sage Agasthya, add a spiritual touch to the area. It\u2019s an ideal escape for those who enjoy quiet, offbeat spots.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Enjoy the waterfall view; Bathe in the falls; Visit Suruli Velappar Temple<\/p>\n

Other Factors To Consider<\/h2>\n
\"other<\/div>\n

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips For Travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n