Pampadum Shola National Park: The Amazing Rainforest Of Kerala

Visit once here in your life. You will definitely love this experience. We can do many activities at Pampadum Shola National Park. Honestly, this National Park is one of the greatest parks in Kerala State. I am sharing much valuable information for your kind awareness. Do comment on your experience after visiting here. At the same time, Do comment if you need more information. we will update this as per your requirements. We hope that we could assist you for plan your trip through this article.

The Importance of Pampadum Shola National Park

Why Is Pampadum Shola National Park Famous For?

The Pampadum Shola Park is the smallest National Park. The National Park is situated in Kerala State of south India. The area of Pampadum National Park is 11.75 km square. The Government of Kerala, India declared this place a National Park in the year 2003. At that time Government considered the ecological, Faunal, Floral, zoological, and geological importance of Pampadum Shola.

Did you know Pampadum Shola National Park is a UNESCO Heritage?

This place is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the section as a world Heritage Site. (UNESCO represents The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The UNESCO aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture.)

What is The Meaning of “Pampadum Shola”?

The word “Pampadum shola is a Malayalam word. The meaning of “Pampadum shola” is “the forest where the snake dances”. (Malayalam is a Dravidian Language. The Natives of Kerala state are using this language. The Malayalam Language is one of the twenty-two languages of India. Accordingly, there are 2.88% of Indians speak Malayalam as their mother language in India. As a number, there are 38 million who speak Malayalam as their Native Language. Further, Malayalam is the Official Language of Kerala State).

Society And Culture

Where is Pampadum Shola Park Situated? This is also a popular question. Just look into a map when I explain this. Okay. The Pampadum Shola Park is exactly located in the eastern part of the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Further, The Pampadum National Park is in the Idukki District of Kerala state in South India. (Idukki is a district in Kerala state. This region contains a large number of Hills, mountains, and forests. Idukki is very much famous for its Nature. The flowers of Idukki make the region more beautiful. Idukki is also famous for animals. I can say, Idukki is one of the greenest regions in Kerala state. Further, Idukki is mostly famous for tourism).

The Park is boarding in the Dindigul district. The Dindigul District is in Tamil Nadu state.

The Pampadum National Park is very much near to Allinagaram reserved Forest. If you plan your vacation, you can visit there after this. Moreover, the park is a part of Palani hills. Palani Hills are also very much popular in south India.

The National Park has been established on the way to “Vattavada”. Moreover, it is near the top station about 35kms from Munnar town. 

Things To Do At The Pampadum Shola National Park

I am going to mention one by one the special places here for you to visit. also, mention the activities you can do here for your entertainment. Moreover, I am mentioning one by one the animals and other species living here for you to watch.

Watch Vandaravu Lookout Tower

There is a viewpoint at the Pampadum Shola. Therefore, the visitors to watch around staying here. The name of that viewpoint is “Vandaravu lookout tower”. You can spend some more time here. You can take a rest here. If you need relaxation, this is the place for you. The place is great for a shoot. But, you need to get permission for that. climb up to the tower. Then you feel great and look around.

Watch The Flora and Herbs at The Park

This National Park is very much famous for its Flora. Further, the Park protects several species of flora too. At the same time, the Park is home to various types of Medicinal / herbal plants. Moreover, The Ayurvedic Doctors are using these herbals in Indian traditional medicine. Accordingly, there are 74 species of herbs and shrubs available at the National Park. Further, there are 22 species of trees available in the Pampadum Shola Park.

Visit & Experience a Rural Village Life

There are some special villages nearby to this National Park. The villages such as Urkkad, Vattavada, Koviloor, and Kottakamboor is there. The majority of the villagers in these villagers are cultivating vegetables. These people/villagers are using traditional methods for cultivation. Most of the foreign tourists are watching and experiencing such villages and the cultivation as well. Nowadays, the world is running towards technology. Therefore, such traditional cultivation is rare. These villagers do the cultivation to survive. But, it’s an art. Traditional cultivation provides more satisfaction than income. You can understand their traditional knowledge of them. They share such knowledge of cultivation by mouth. They keep that habits and practices from generation to generation. the knowledge share from Parents to children.

These villages are really great for ethnographic researchers. Such researchers visit here. These researchers try to understand the village. They study the lifestyle of these villagers. Further, the researchers study the cultivation pattern. Villagers are also very cooperative. They share information without hesitation. Further, They welcome visitors too. It’s your skill to win the hearts of villagers. Language is not a big barrier to talking with them. you can get assistance. an officer will support you. But, You can feel their love. Love doesn’t have a language.

Plan Your Trekking here at The Mountains

The above park is full of the mountain area. That provides great value. It’s an attractive place. The altitudes range from 1500 meters to 2500 meters. The area above that is mostly full of grasslands there at Pampadum National Park.

Do your Research Work here

Not only the visitors but also there are many scientists and researchers who visit this National Park. They conduct various studies about animals, flora, and forests for a few decades. If you do research about animals, you can plan here. But please do your research without disturbing animals. You can get special approval for that. The Government support such studies.

Which Animal is Protected At Pampadum Shola National Park?

I can’t mention one animal here. Because there are many rare endemic species living in this National Park. I will share the information about them one by one with its importance. I hope you will like that.

Watch Nilgiri Martens is an Endemic

We can watch that there are many Nilgiri martens living in the National Park. So, he is an exotic carnivore. Most importantly, he is also endemic to the region. Therefore, Nilgiri Martens receive recognition and attention here from every visitor.

Watch Animals In Pampadum Shola National Park

Not only that but also, there are many animals such as Leopards, Indian wild dogs, and tigers that live there. They are also mostly available at the Papadum Shola National Park. Moreover, there are many elephants too. Visitors are especially waiting to see elephants.

At the same time, the lion-tailed macaque, gaur, and Nilgiri langurs are also available there in the park. Further, The wild boar, sambar, and common langur also live there. As per the records of the Government, there are more than 9 species of mammals in this park.

Are The Buffaloes in This Park Wild?

In India, you can see wild buffaloes here. At the same time, buffaloes in village houses. cows are treated as mothers at village houses. Cows also receive respect in temples. Therefore, Buffaloes are different and cows are treated differently in different places in India. The buffaloes in the Pampadum Shola are special. Because they are wild. This is also an interesting fact among foreigners.

Park Is More Famous For Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon.

The Nilgiri Wood- Pigeon is a bird and this bird is coming under the category of pigeon. This is a large pigeon compared to others. Normally these birds are living in tropical higher mountain forests in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Mountains in South India. The Males and Females have different colors. They mostly have fruits in the forests. Small species too. They spend time as couples or in small groups too.

Watch The Birds In The Pampadum Shola National Park

I cannot forget the role of birds there. Because the birds at the National Park are also a popular topic. Birds at the Pampadum Shola are also making the place very much attractive. The Pampadum Shola National is famous for Nilgiri wood-pigeon.

According to the research and the documents maintained by the Government, there are 14 species of birds at this place. Further, there are many varieties of birds such as Nilgiri wood-pigeon, white-bellied short wing, and vernal hanging parrot. At the same time, there are blue rock-thrush and blue-capped rock-thrush in this park. Further, Nilgiri flycatchers and black-and-orange flycatchers also play a great role there.

Watch More Than 100 Varieties Of Butterflies

Butterflies are my favorite. Kids enjoy the butterflies here very much. I must say that the butterflies also play a great role there. They are getting visitors’ attraction to the Pampadum Shola. Do you believe that the researchers say there are more than 100 species of butterflies in the National Park?

Moreover, there are 93 species of moths in this park. The butterfly variety of Parantica nilgiriensis is highly abundant in the National Park( They are also known as Nymphalidae). Moreover, there are many butterfly varieties such as including Libythea lepita. The Pantoporia ranga, Rohana pariasatis, Zipoetis saintis, and Jamides dalecto in this place. Those varieties are also very rare species in south India.       

Watch Snakes Live In Pampadum Shola National Park

I must not forget the reptile population in this National Park. Are you afraid if I mention that there are a huge number of pythons in this park? Yes, That’s true. There are pythons at the park. Therefore, if you are afraid do one thing. Please get advice from the forest officers before you entered the place. Then you can skip such species. Not only them, but also cobras are also available at the park.

(Do you know who is pythons? There is another name for Pythons. That is Pythonidae. They are some of the largest snakes in the world. They are available in Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. That is available in Southern China, Southeastern Pakistan, Philipines, Australia, and Nepal also. )

Let’s Enjoy Pampadum Shola Trekking

The visitors must understand one piece of advice. Unauthorized trekking at the Pampadum Shola is totally prohibited. Please Do remember this. The Kerala Government is monitoring this. Please use the proper entry to enter the National Park.

Trekking to the Shola Forest is one of the main activities that most visitors do here. This is the correct place for you to do the adventure trekking. Please get the advice from the officers there before you start your journey. That will always protect you. That will make your trip easy too. Use proper shoes for the walk. Please keep a water bottle with you. Because there are no shops for you to buy water bottles inside the National Park. But, keep remember to bring the empty water bottle with you. Please put it into a dustbin after finishing the trip. Please don’t throw any bottles inside the National Park. Because the Polytene and plastics are destroying the natural place here. You are most welcome to the park for trekking. Therefore, please follow the conditions and enjoy yourself.

Few Trekking Trails Available At The Pampadum Shola National Park

Not only one, but also there are many trekking trails for you to enjoy climbing the mountains. Walking inside the area of the Pampadum Shola Park is available there. Normally, it takes 3hours for you to complete a trekking journey. If you prefer to walk in Natural Air, you can do it here. That’s really great experience when you walk inside a Gym. Not only the exercise but Your mind can also be refreshed.

Trekking is only in the daytime. No night trek at night. okay. We don’t need to take risks. You can’t stay inside at night time. That’s for your safety too. Therefore, please manage and plan your travel accordingly. Please try your best to spend time here at Pampadum National Park in the daytime. Accordingly, reach the place early morning. The trekking starts in the morning at 6.00 am. If you reach the place in the early morning, then you can start the journey in the early morning. Anyway, that is good for your health. That will feel comfortable for you as well. The trekking is available here. The trekking starts in the afternoon at 3.00 pm as well. That will complete the work by 6.00 pm in the evening.              

What Is The Best Time To Visit This Park?

The Tourists who visit Pampadum National Park can enjoy its misty. you can enjoy the cloudy nature throughout the year equally at the park. Tourism at this park is more popular from April to September in the year. The climate is sunnier during these months comparing the rest of the months. If you prefer a sunny climate, choose April to September. The maximum temperature goes up to 30°C in the month of April.

The months of December and January are colder comparing the rest of the months of the year. The minimum climate is 6°C which can experience from December to January. If you love to experience a colder climate you can choose these months. The average weather during the rest of the months will be 22° C. That’s up to you. you can plan your tour as per your favorite climate. Some prefer sunny days. Some prefer a Cold and cloudy climate.   

The area of Pampadum Shola Park receives heavy rains too. But that is during the period of the North–East monsoons. If you don’t prefer rain skip the monsoon period.

In short, the Pambadum Shola National Park is receiving visitors all the year. But, it is very much popular and it is said that the park is ideal between the month of August to October.

Facilities and Services

Support Services at Park

The Pampadum Park is under the governance of the Department of Forest and Wildlife of Kerala state. Therefore, there are many forest officers have been appointed at the Pampadum Shola Park. These forest officers are responsible and taking care of the safety of the visitors at the same time safety of the forest as well.

National Park Stay and Accommodation

Pampadum Shola Park accommodation facility is one major topic. Most tourists ask that question and they want to know. So, I have good news for you regarding your stay. The Government office will provide you the accommodation here. But there are so many private places as well.

There are places such as log houses for you to stay nearby. Therefore, no need to travel back within one day. You can keep staying around here and see the beautiful places nearby. Especially, there are famous log houses in the kuttikadu region and Neduvarpu.

If you prefer to stay in a cottage, then try his place. There are cottages built and monitored by the Forest Department. These cottages for the tourists which is more attractive here. Because some tourists prefer Hotels. But, some prefer Cottages in the forest area. Some prefer wildlife experience more than luxury rooms. If you are a person like that, this is your preference. These cottages may match your choices. Moreover, there are Bison Houses too.

Many foreign tourists love to stay at the Mud houses established here. These Mud Houses belong to the Department of Forestry. I hope you also like them. That is simple. that reminds you of rural village life. That provides a wild feeling. But, That is not a luxurious room. Anyway, I am sure mud houses will give you a totally different experience in life. Many foreigners prefer that. Because they can’t experience this in an urban place.

Pampadum Shola Park Booking

The payments for the Pampadam Shola National Park, Kerala, India are as follows.

(The rates are mentioned as per the amount which was noticed in May 2022. This will be changed in the future. We hope to update them once we get to know the changes from time to time. But, be aware of what you pay. Always keep a receipt with you. Pay for the officer directly. You don’t need middlemen for this. ) You have to pay 65 Indian rupees per person if you are a citizen of India. If you are a foreign tourist, then you have to pay 250 Indian Rupees per person.

How To Reach Pampadum Shola National Park?

You can reach the Pampadum Shola in many ways. Accordingly, there are three main options for you to select here to reach this park.

1. Air
2. Roads
3. Trains (Railways)

Which Airport is Nearby?

There are two Airports nearby Pampadum Shola Park. One is Cochin (Kochi). Kochi belongs to Kerala state. Kochi Airport is 170km far from this place. The second one is Coimbatore Airport. Coimbatore belongs to the Tamil Nādu state. The Coimbatore Airport is around 160km far from the Pampadum Shola.   

Reaching to Park Through Roads

If you travel by road, you can use Bus or taxi. If Munnar city is near to you, use that way. Munnar is just 35km far from Pampadum Shola Park. This forest is situated around 35 km away from Munnar city. The Forest is established towards the road to Koviloor and Vattavada in Kerala state. Else, you can come through Kochi. If you are near Kochi, you also can reach this place by road. From Kochi, you have to come across 135km to reach the Pampadum National Park. Otherwise, take another road. If you are in a place near Kottayam, you have to come across 148km to reach the place.    

Try Railways to Reach The Park

Are you enjoying travel by Railway like me? Then You can choose the train as well. There are two Railway Stations nearby the park. That will support you to reach Pampadum Shola Park. One is the Aluva Railway Station of Kerala State. That is 180km far from this place. From there you have to take a bus. otherwise, you can hire a taxi anyway. Else, you can start from Udumalpet Railway Station. That Udumalpet belongs to Tamil Nadu State. From Udumalpet Railway Station, you have to come across 110km to reach the Pampadum National Park.      

Contact Details

The Forest Department has been provided an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Pampadum Shola Park the visitors. Not only the visitors, but They also welcome the research fellows as well. You will be happy to know that there is a special welcome board at the entrance of the Pampadum National Park. That is available at the check post there. The above entry is around 7km before reaching the “Vattavada”.      

The entrance of the Pampadum Shola Park is open for tourists. Anyway, you must aware that there is a payment for the entrance.

Contact Officials for Your Requirements

There are Government Offices at this National Park. These Government officials are responsible for the Pampadum Shola. They take care of this place and protect it. They assist the visitors as well. If you are a researcher, they will support you as well. Each office has its own responsibility to cover. there are few offices. If you need any assistance, guidance, or support, then you can contact them for your requirements. If you are not aware of the Malayalam Language, then use English. The below offices provide the information related to the place. This office support tourism.

The Wildlife Warden,

Munnar PO, Idukki District, Kerala, India. PIN:685 612

Assistant Wildlife Warden, Shola National Park Range,

Top Station, Ellapatty P.O. Vattavada, Kerala, India.PIN:685615

Tel:                  0091 4865 231587

Mobile:           0091 9447 979093

Email: [email protected]

Call this number for getting Information Assistant: 0091 8301 024187

Summary Of The Content

This article will provide you with complete information about the Pampadum Shola National Park. The article will share with you our knowledge and experience as well. This will help you to get an idea about; The Park is famous for, special endemic animals, Flora, and herbs, Butterflies, endemic snakes, trekking, how to reach, the best time to visit, Entry, Payments, Contacts, Stay, Booking, support services, Dos & Don’ts, further reading links, and our experiences. We will update the article once we get to know about any changes to the information.

Special Note

If you need to know any other information please comment below. We will try our best to update and provide your requirements. Moreover, Please do write down your experience regarding this journey. Those experiences are ery much valuable for our loyal readers.

Further Readings

Keralatourism.org

The article wrote as per the availability of information about the above Eravikulam National Park which I could collect and experienced up to now only.  we are editing and updating this article whenever we receive the latest news on this in the future.

Coming up Next

My next article will be about Silent Valley National Park, Kerala State, South India