Pampadum Shola National Park, Munnar

About Pampadum Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala which is 35 km from Munnar town, in Idukki, Kerala. Pampadum Shola and its ecosystem are a continuation of the dense shola grasslands of the Palani Hills which features clean topsoil. Here, tourists can explore and experience the wildness of nature with the facilities provided by the Munnar Wildlife Division and the Shola National Park. The Shola forests of Pampadum Shola National Park are home to a variety of rare and endangered animals, including the Brown Palm Civet, Nilgiri Marten, and Nilgiri Langur. Other attractions include the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Woodpecker, rare butterflies, wild elephants, sambar deer, and barking deer. Although there are elephants and tigers in the park, they rarely come out onto the roads. Other attractions of the park are trekking in the shola forest and overnight stays in wooden houses.

The weather in Pampadum Shola National Park is enjoyed by tourists all year round. However, the best time to visit Shola National Park is during the season, which is from April to September. The coldest months are December and January, when the temperature can drop to as low as 6 degrees Celsius. Experience a dry season from December to March, but receive heavy rain during the North-East monsoon due to their proximity to Tamil Nadu.

The walk to the watch tower is another attraction. The journey that ends at the watchtower inside the forest through the old Munnar Kodaikanal forest path is called the 'Nature Trail'. The Shola Nature Walk trekking fills the hearts of tourists and nature lovers. The Shola Nature Walk and the Shola Trek are both popular activities at the Pampadum Shola National Park. The Shola Nature Walk is a good option for people who want to experience the shola forest without having to hike for a long distance. The Shola Trek is a more challenging option that offers a deeper experience of the forest. Forest department staff will be available as guides for trekking The Shola Nature Walk starts from the Top Station check post on the road from Munnar to Vattava. The main attraction of this nature walk is the rich sight of wild elephants, which can be seen from the path that stretches to Pothinthangad. Visitors can also see other attractions such as the log house, the rare Nilgiri Martin, various species of birds, other wild animals, and the rare tree sloth. There is also an opportunity to cross two wild streams on a suspension bridge. There are also rest centers along the path to help tourists relieve fatigue. The cost of a 1-kilometer Shola Nature Walk is ₹150, and the cost of a 5-kilometer Shola Trek is ₹300. Light meals and drinking water are included.

Accommodation available in the park has an amenity center that can accommodate up to 15 people, and two log houses that can accommodate two people each. The amenity center charges 500 rupees per person per day, and the log houses charge 4500 rupees per day. Food is not available at the park, so visitors must rely on the small town of Vattavada, which is located nearby. The distance from the park to Vattavada is 7 km.

The park offers camping facilities, where you can spend the night under the stars. This is a great way to experience the park's natural beauty and tranquility.

The park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. You can spot birds such as the Malabar trogon, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and the white-bellied tree pie.

The park offers a variety of trekking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can trek through the dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and to the top of scenic viewpoints.

The Wildlife Warden Munnar
PO, Idukki Dist.Kerala, India.
Tel: 91-4865-231587, Mob: 9447979093,

Assistant Wildlife Warden
Shola National Parks Range,
Top Station, Ellapatty. P.O.Vattavada Kerala, India.
PIN: 685615
Online Booking: https://bit.ly/3LBGurb