Anamudi Shola National Park

Anamudi Shola National Park is a protected area located in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki district of Kerala, along the Western Ghats mountain range. It covers a total area of around 7.5 km² and is composed of Mannavan shola, Idivara shola, and Pullardi shola. The park has a cool and humid climate throughout the year, the temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C.

At a Glance

Anamudi Shola National Park is part of the Anamalai sub-cluster of the Western Ghats, which was nominated for World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2006. The park is named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. The word “shola” means a patch of stunted evergreen forest in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. These shola forests are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic and endangered.

Biodiversity of Anamudi Shola National Park

Anamudi Shola National Park was established in 2003 and provides a perfect opportunity to study the biodiversity of montane vegetation. The high-altitude grassland eco-restoration initiated at Pazhathottam, a one-of-a-kind project undertaken by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, is also located within the park. Anamudi Shola’s unique climate and continuous water supply have resulted in an exceptionally diverse and abundant biodiversity. The park is inhabited by approximately 174 herb and shrub species, 62 tree species, and roughly 40 climber species, many of which are found only in this area.

Anamudi Shola National Park attracts both wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its diverse ecosystem. The park is home to a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. Among the notable animals found in the park are the Indian bison, leopard, tiger, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri marten, and Nilgiri langur. Additionally, the park boasts over 100 species of birds, including the Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied blue flycatcher, Kerala laughing thrush, Nilgiri flycatcher, and black-and-orange flycatcher.

Things to Do at Anamudi Shola National Park

Visitors to Anamudi Shola National Park can engage in several activities, including trekking, camping, birdwatching, and photography. Forest rest house at Rajamala and eco-lodges near Munnar are available for accommodation. The park is accessible by road from Munnar or Marayoor.

The park is managed by the Kerala Wildlife and Forest Department and Munnar Wildlife Division, along with Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pambadum Shola National Park, and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. Entry fees apply to visitors, with different rates for Indian and foreign nationals.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Anamudi Shola National Park is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant. Visitors can reach the place easily by road, and it is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Entry fees are INR 125 for adults and INR 65 for children (age 5-12) for Indian visitors, and INR 360 for adults and children for foreign visitors.

How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Palani in Tamil Nadu, located 90 kilometers away,y and the closest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located about 133 kilometers away. The Cochin International Airport is located about 160 kilometers away from the park. Visitors coming from the Munnar area can take Kanthalloor – Marayoor Rd to Munnar – Udumalpet Rd.

Finding a Stay: There are a few hotels and resorts in the area.

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