Pampadum Shola National Park is near Munnar in Idukki district, Kerala state, India. It’s the smallest national park in Kerala, with an area of just 1.318 square kilometers. Pampadum Shola means forests where the snake dances.

Vandaravu observation tower and sign at Pampadum Shola National Park

Endangered Nilgiri Thar, locally known as Vandaravu, is seen here. There is a watchtower to observe these endangered animals. Endangered and Highly elusive, endemic small carnivores are found in this National Park. Nilgiri wood pigeon, a vulnerable bird species, is also found in this National Park, near Vattavada. Nilgiri marten, the only marten in south India, can be seen inside this national park.

The old Kodaikanal – Munnar road, used during British rule, passes through this national park. This road is closed now.

Eucalyptus trees are there in large numbers in this park. Non-contaminated humus compost is the specialty of this National Park.

Kerala forest department officers accompany tourists to the National Park. You need to buy the entry permits from the Forest Department Office, at the entrance to the National Park. You need to carry your identity document. Trekking is allowed inside this National park. It is a five-kilometre-long trek, which passes through this park and other nearby areas.

Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Kurinjimala Sanctuary & Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are nearby National parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Adjoining this National park are the forests of the proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

Accommodation inside Pampadum Shola National Park

There are two wooden cottages (Log houses) inside the forest, which can be booked as part of the package tour to Pampadum Shola National Park, offered by the forest department. There is also a mud house. Charges for the log house and mud house are rupees 4000 for two persons per day/night. This tour package charge includes entry passes, dinner, breakfast, and the services of a guide. If you need non-vegetarian food, you must bring in the raw materials.

Two Amenity centers can accommodate 4 and 7 persons, respectively. The charges per person are Rs 500.  Food is not included in this charge. Park Entrance fee of 25 rupees per person must also be paid separately.

Please confirm the charges with the booking authorities, as these charges are subject to change.

How Do I Go To Pampadum Shola National Park?

Pampadum Shola National Park is 35 kilometers from Munnar, on the road to Vattavada.  Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala are en-route to PampadumShola National Park. Just ahead of Top Station junction, take the sharp left and proceed for about a kilometer to reach the national park. (The road ahead leads to Top Station View Point.)

Pampadum Shola National Park entrance is after crossing Koviloor. It is seven kilometers ahead of Vattavada. It’s near Pampadumpara. Some of the nearby villages of this National Park are Urkkad and Kottakamboor. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to the park.

Ernakulam North, Ernakulam South, Angamaly alias Kalady, and Kottayam are some of the nearby railway stations.

There are no fuel stations or ATMs, once you cross Munnar town.