It notified area national park in 21 November 2003.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.There are 2 viewing centre called Njandaar mettu and Uchilukuth mettu.
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.
The national park is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important habitat for various plant and animal species. The park is home to several endemic and endangered species, including the Nilgiri wood pigeon, Nilgiri langur, Indian gaur, and several species of butterflies and reptiles.
Mathikettan Shola National Park is characterized by dense evergreen forests and shola-grassland ecosystems. The park's vegetation includes a mix of shola forests, grasslands, and patches of montane rainforest. It is a haven for a variety of rare and endemic plant species.
Mathikettan Shola National Park offers opportunities for trekking and nature exploration. Visitors can enjoy guided treks through the forested trails, witnessing the beauty of the landscape and observing the flora and fauna.
Elephants which visit Mathikettan shola from the Munnar Division become trapped between the Bodinayakkanur and Kottamalai 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.
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