Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in the Idukki district of Kerala, lying on the border with Kodaikanal in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife under the Munnar Wildlife Division, it protects pristine high-altitude shola forests and grasslands rich in rare flora and fauna.

The park is a tranquil retreat for nature lovers, offering overnight stays in forest loghouses, mud houses and wild-stay rooms set deep within the woods. It is an ideal base for experiencing the cool climate, misty landscapes and wildlife of the Western Ghats.

The park hosts a rich collection of 22 species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, and 16 species of climbers. Its wildlife includes several rare and threatened species, such as elephants, gaurs, leopards, wild boars, sambars, and common langurs. Additionally, Pampadum Shola is a biodiversity hotspot, with over 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies, and 93 species of moths recorded in the area. The park is particularly noted for the presence of the rare butterfly species Parantica nilgiriensis, which is listed as threatened by the IUCN.

For adventure enthusiasts, Pampadum Shola offers some amazing trekking trails that take you through the park's dense woods and offer stunning views of the rolling green hills and blue mountains. One popular trekking trail leads to Vattavada, where you can explore the most picturesque parts of the shola forests. Staying overnight in the park is also an option, with accommodations like Bison Log Houses, Mud Houses, and Amenity Centers provided by the forest department, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Shola forests. The park's proximity to Top Station and the scenic route through the Munnar-Kodaikanal forest road make it a dream destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.