Pampadum Shola National Park

Visit the Pampadum Shola National Park, the smallest national park located in the Idukki district of Kerala, covering an area of 11.75 square kilometers. The park boasts a rich biodiversity and a unique ecosystem that will leave you spellbound.

At a Glance

Biodiversity at Pampadum Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park is located on the border with Tamil Nadu, about 37 kilometers from Munnar town. The name of the park means “the forest where the snake dances” in Malayalam, which reflects the presence of various reptiles and amphibians in the area. The park covers an area of 12 sq km and has an elevation range of 1,886 to 2,531 meters above sea level. The climate here is misty and cloudy throughout the year, and the park receives heavy rainfall during the northeast monsoon.

The Pampadum Shola National Park is home to 22 tree species, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, and 16 species of climbers. The park protects a montane evergreen shola forest that is associated with Eravikulam National Park. The forest contains medicinal plants but is threatened by the quick-spreading eucalyptus trees that remain a danger. The elusive Nilgiri marten is the keystone species, while leopards and Indian wild dogs are occasionally sighted. Notable birds found in the park include the Nilgiri wood pigeon and black-and-orange flycatchers. The park also has other types of vegetation, such as grasslands, scrublands, plantations, and wetlands.

The park is managed and maintained by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, along with nearby national parks such as Mathikettan Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Sanctuary.

Plan Your Visit: Trekking, Camping, and Transportation

The park offers many trekking options, and a forest guide is available at the check post. Explore the park by trekking along its trails with several options available for visitors, ranging from short walks to long hikes. Popular treks include Vattavada, offering a panoramic view of the shola forest and surrounding hills, and Vandaravu peak, the park’s highest point, providing a spectacular view of the Palani hills and Tamil Nadu plains.

Visitors can join the trekking program at the forest checkpost or by contacting the wildlife warden at the numbers provided on this page. There is no entry fee for the park but one has to pay the trekking charge which will be around INR 300 for Indian nationals and INR 600 for foreign nationals. Additionally, there are charges for cameras. If you would like to purchase natural products such as honey, grass oil, etc., there are a few authorized shops at the park.

Overnight stays can be booked in log huts, mud huts, amenity centers, and dormitories in the forest. The accommodations are available at Kuttikadu and Neduvarpu, which can be booked online by visiting the official website of the Munnar Wildlife Division. The park can be accessed throughout the year but it’s recommended to contact the forest office to know the opening hours before you start your journey. The best time to visit the park is from October to March.

The Pampadum Shola National Park is accessible by road from Kochi and Kottayam, which are located at a distance of 135 and 148 kilometers, respectively. The Kochi-Kodaikanal highway passes through this national park. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of about 143 kilometers, and the closest railway station is Udumalpet railway station in Tamilnadu, located 110 kilometers away.

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