A part of Cardamom Hill Reserve, this 1281 acres of Mathikettan Shola Park is unique as an elephant corridor. To protect the ecological and geographical wealth with its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, the Mathikettan was declared as a National Park in 2003. Forest trekking is one of the most entertaining activities here where the tribal youths are trained as guides for the purpose. Tourists would stay at a log house called Spice Hut which would allow them to experience the shola forest environment. Mathikettan is an excellent habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, butterflies and reptiles. Apart from these, the Park contains endangered species like spotted deer, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, Hanuman Langur etc. The reptiles including king Cobras, Vipers, Pythons with different types of lizards, turtles and crocodiles are inhabiting independently in these forest areas.
The park is home to beautiful and rare animals like Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Giant grizzled squirrel, Flying squirrels, Spotted deer and Nilgiri tahr.
The park is a biodiversity hotspot and plays a vital role in safeguarding wildlife in the region. Watching birds and wildlife in their natural habitat is a popular attraction among trekkers in the national park.
There are various types of medicinal plants (herbs), of which studies have been conducted. Elephants which visit Mathikettan shola from the Munnar Division become trapped between the Bodinayakkanur and Kottamalai areas.
