[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.

The name Mathikettan derives from the Tamil 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.

The Shola forest in the area is bestowed with unit with geological fauna and flora and geomorphological wealth.

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 the Bodinayakkanur and Kottamalai areas.