Pampadum Shola National Park located in the Idukki district is the smallest National Park in all Kerala with only an area of 11. 75-kilometre square. It is maintained by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife along with other national parks. Pampadum Shola got its name from three Malayalam words, “pamp” which means “snake”, “attam” which means “dance” and “cholai” meaning “forests”. Thus, Pampadum Shola means “the forest where snakes dance”.
Owing to the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, along with the western ghats Pampadum Shola National Park with few others are to be considered as World Heritage Site Nominee by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The national park consists of many species of flora including highly beneficial medicinal herbs, 22 species of trees and 16 species of climbers.
Highly endangered Nilgiri Marten and other common species of leopards, tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques etc can be spotted day long. Along with these animals, 14 species of birds like Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, White-bellied Shortwing, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Blue Rock-thrush, Pied kingfisher etc, 93 species of moths and about 100 species of butterflies together forms the fauna of Pampadum Shola National Park.
The dense forests filled with evergreen trees and abundant water resources provide habitat for these various species of flora and fauna. The Ecotourism department also facilitates fun activities for tourists like trekking and night camping. The trekking trails are about 3 hours long. The rich diversity of natural wealth with adventures make Pampadum Shola National Park the favourite picnic spot for Keralites and foreign tourists. It is a heavenly abode for bird watchers and nature lovers to enjoy their life’s greatest desires.
Contact Details
Pampadum Shola National Park
Pampadum National Park Road,
Vattavada, Idukki,
Kerala 685615
