Mathikettan Shola National Park

Mathikettan Shola National Park
Mathikettan Shola National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Location	, Idukki, Kerala, India
Nearest city	Munnar
Coordinates	10°02′N 77°08′E / 10.033°N 77.133°ECoordinates: 10°02′N 77°08′E / 10.033°N 77.133°E
Area	12.82 km2 (4.95 sq mi)
Established	21 November 2003

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a 12.82 km² national park in Poopara village of Udumbanchola taluk in Idukki district of Kerala state, South India.It notified area national park in 21 November 2003.^[1]Considering the unique nature of the shola forest in Mathikettan and its importance as an elephant strip, the state government has declared it as a National park in 2008. Central government has notified its area varying from zero to one kilometre around the boundary as eco sensitive zone. The park is located between other reserve forests like Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park.^[2]

There are 2 viewing centre called Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu.

Etymology[]

The name Mathikettan derives from the Tamil word literally meaning 'mind confuser', as the local people say that one forgets the path once he enters into the park.^{[citation needed]} It notified as a national park to protect the wildlife and rich biodiversity of the area. The Shola forest in the area is bestowed with unit with geological fauna and flora and geomorphological wealth.^{[citation needed]}

History[]

This tract was notified as a Reserve Forest by the Travancore Government in 1897. Part of the land, prior to becoming a national park, had been leased out for the production of Cardamom. It was declared a National Park on 21 November 2003 to protect its ecological, faunal, floral and geographical wealth and its environment.^[3]

Fauna[]

Elephants which visit Mathikettan shola from the Munnar Division become trapped between the Bodinayakkanur and areas. This is due to private establishments on the northern side of Mathikettan, as well as degraded forests and human settlements on the southern side in areas of Chinnamanur Forest beat in Gudalur range.^[4]

Visitor information[]

There are 2 viewing centre called Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu. One can see Tamilnadu from these mountains. Mathikettan Shola can be approached from Poopara via Munnar, on the Munnar - Kumily Highway. One can also reach Poopara on the Idukki route via Kothamangalam. The nearest airports are Madurai Airport and Cochin International Airport. Tiruvalla Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Lodging facilities are available at Poopara.

Notes[]

^ Mathikettan Shola National Park Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, 2009
^ "Mathikettan Shola National Park complete detail – updated". NatureConservation.in. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
^ (21 November 2003) The Hindu, retrieved 6/21/2007 Mathikettan declared National Park
^ ANAIMALAI - PARAMBIKULAM, Asian nature Conservation Foundation Threat of isolated elephant herds Archived 8 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine

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[1] Mathikettan Shola National Park Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, 2009

[2] "Mathikettan Shola National Park complete detail – updated". NatureConservation.in. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2021.

[3] (21 November 2003) The Hindu, retrieved 6/21/2007 Mathikettan declared National Park

[4] ANAIMALAI - PARAMBIKULAM, Asian nature Conservation Foundation Threat of isolated elephant herds Archived 8 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine

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show v t Protected areas of Kerala
Biosphere reserves	Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
National parks	Anamudi Shola National Park Eravikulam National Park Karimpuzha National Park Mathikettan Shola National Park Pampadum Shola National Park Periyar National Park Silent Valley National Park
Wildlife sanctuaries	Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Kurinjimala Sanctuary Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Bird sanctuaries	Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Pathiramanal Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Protected areas of India