Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Introduction
Pampadum Shola National Park in Kerala is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Idukki (Vattavada) district, Pampadum Shola National Park is Kerala’s smallest National Park, preserving pristine Shola woods near Top Station.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Districts | Idukki (Vattavada) |
| Year of Notification | 2003 |
| Total Area | 1.32 sq km (Kerala’s smallest National Park) |
| Landscape | Shola evergreen canopy, eucalyptus border, and high altitude ridge. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Pambar River upper rills |
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport (COK) – 140 km / Madurai Airport – 120 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Aluva (145 km) / Udumalaipettai (70 km) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
Location
The national park lies in the Idukki (Vattavada) region of Kerala. 35 km from Munnar on Top Station road.
History
Notified in November 2003 to protect high altitude Shola forest biodiversity near Vattavada.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 1.32 sq km (Kerala’s smallest National Park), the park’s terrain features Shola evergreen canopy, eucalyptus border, and high altitude ridge.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Shola evergreen canopy, eucalyptus border, and high altitude ridge.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Gaur (Indian Bison), Nilgai, Leopard, Elephant, Nilgiri Marten (rare endemic carnivore), and Barking Deer.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Blue Robin, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and Scaly Thrush.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Pampadum Shola National Park is sustained by: Pambar River upper rills.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Top Station Viewpoint (5 km), Vattavada Organic Village (10 km), Koviloor (12 km), Munnar (35 km).
Weather & Climate
Cool misty weather (6°C to 20°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) – 140 km / Madurai Airport – 120 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (145 km) / Udumalaipettai (70 km)
- Road Connectivity: 35 km from Munnar on Top Station road.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Pampadum Shola National Park is from November to March.
Accommodation
Forest Department Log Houses at Top Station.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Protects the highly endangered Nilgiri Marten, South India’s only pine marten species.
Visitor Tips
Book stay at the Kerala Forest Department loghouse at Top Station for mist-filled mornings.
Did You Know?
- Kerala’s SMALLEST National Park, spanning just 1.32 square kilometers.
- ‘Pampadum Shola’ means ‘the forest where the snake dances’ in local dialect.
- One of the last strongholds of the rare Nilgiri Marten.
Last Updated: August 2026