Mathikettan Shola National Park
National Park Small shola forest park conserving endemic species
High-altitude shola forests in the Western Ghats draw birdwatchers and hikers to Mathikettan Shola National Park in Kerala. Trails thread through montane grasslands and cloud forest; visitors come for endemic plants, wildlife sightings and quiet hill vistas.
Mathikettan Shola National Park is a protected area in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India that conserves shola forest and montane grassland habitat.
The park preserves native high-elevation forest and associated biodiversity; it is valued for endemic plants, amphibians and mammals typical of Western Ghats montane ecosystems. Recreational use is limited and trails are managed to reduce impact.
The area was designated to protect these shola-grassland mosaics and to maintain wildlife corridors in this part of the Western Ghats; management focuses on habitat protection and regulated visitor access.
The park lies in the Western Ghats range within Kerala, in a hilly, forested landscape on the state’s eastern side; it is part of the chain of montane habitats that run along India’s southwest coast.
- Conservation status: Protects remnant shola (montane evergreen) forest and adjoining grassland typical of the Western Ghats; access is controlled to limit disturbance.
- Visiting practicalities: Best visited in the dry season for easier trail conditions and clearer views; local forest department offices provide information and permits where required.
How to Get to Mathikettan Shola National Park #
Nearest towns include Munnar and Thekkady; access is by road from these hill stations. Local guides and forest department permissions are recommended for park access.
Tips for Visiting Mathikettan Shola National Park #
- Hire local guides from nearby towns if planning longer treks - trails are uneven and the park is fragmented.
- Ask about wildlife corridors and sensitive zones before venturing into the shola forest areas.
- Visit early in the morning to catch endemic bird species and the golden light on the shola canopy.
Best Time to Visit Mathikettan Shola National Park #
Best after the monsoon (October-February) when trails are accessible and wildlife activity increases.
Weather & Climate near Mathikettan Shola National Park #
Mathikettan Shola National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfall (2082 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (278 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (412 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (279 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
