Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki, Kerala India

The National Park represents the remnant of pristine forests which was part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve in the high ranges of Idukki district. Though the National Park is only covers an area of 12.82 sq.km  the forests are highly significant as an elephant corridor.

The National Park is an excellent habitats for a wide variety of mammals, birds, butterflies and reptiles. Elephant, gaur, wild boar, sambar, wild dog and jungle cat are the common mammals seen here. The Park resembles Anamudi Shola National Park in its richness and diversity of butterflies and other invertebrates.

The Park represents well protected remaining patch of shola grassland ecosystem, which was the part of Cardamom hill reserve. The forests are highly significant in term of the richness and diversity of flora and fauna. Many perennial streams originated from the forest area which nourishes the Panniyar river. It is also significant as an elephant corridor. Mathikettan is an ideal place for conservation education.