| Mathikettan Shola National Park | |
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 Interactive map of Mathikettan Shola National Park | |
| Location | Pethotty,Idukki,Kerala,India |
| Nearest city | Munnar |
| Coordinates | 10°02′N77°08′E / 10.033°N 77.133°E /10.033; 77.133 |
| Area | 12.82 km2 (4.95 sq mi) |
| Established | 21 November 2003 |
Mathikettan Shola National Park is a 12.82 km2national park in Poopara village ofUdumbanchola taluk inIdukki district ofIndia'sKerala state. It was notified as a national park on 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]
The name Mathikettan derives from theTamil word literally meaning 'one who had his mind confused', as the local people say that one forgets the path once he enters into the park.[3] 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.[4]
This tract was notified as aReserve Forest by the Travancore Government in 1897. Part of the land, prior to becoming a national park, had been leased out for the production ofCardamom. It was declared a National Park on 21 November 2003 to protect its ecological, faunal, floral and geographical wealth and its environment.[5]
Elephants which visit Mathikettan shola from the Munnar Division become trapped between theBodinayakkanur andKottamalai 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.[6]
There are 2 viewing centres called Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu. One can see Tamilnadu from these mountains. Mathikettan Shola can be approached from Poopara viaMunnar, on the Munnar -Kumily Highway. One can also reach Poopara on the Idukki route viaKothamangalam. The nearest airports areMadurai Airport andCochin International Airport.Tiruvalla Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Lodging facilities are available at Poopara.
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