{"id":5380,"date":"2026-04-22T16:51:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/?p=5380"},"modified":"2026-04-22T16:51:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T11:21:55","slug":"pampadum-shola-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/pampadum-shola-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Pampadum Shola National Park- Trek Guide, Entry Fee, Timings and Things to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is one of the smallest yet most ecologically significant national parks in Kerala. Located near Vattavada in the Idukki district, the park protects a unique shola &#8211; grassland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. It is known for its dense evergreen forests, misty hills, and rare wildlife such as the Nilgiri marten and Nilgiri langur. The park is also a popular trekking destination for visitors exploring the Munnar region.<\/p>\n<h1>Quick Facts About Pampadum Shola National Park<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Quick Fact<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Location<\/td>\n<td>Near Vattavada, Idukki District, Kerala, India<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nearest Hill Station<\/td>\n<td>Munnar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Distance from Munnar<\/td>\n<td>Approximately 35\u201338 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Established<\/td>\n<td>2003<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Area<\/td>\n<td>Around 12 sq km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ecosystem<\/td>\n<td>Shola forest and grassland ecosystem part of the <strong>Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Altitude<\/td>\n<td>Around 1,600\u20132,000 meters above sea level<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Famous For<\/td>\n<td>Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur, birdwatching, trekking<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best Time to Visit<\/td>\n<td>April to September<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Park Timings<\/td>\n<td>6:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM &amp; 3:00 PM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Entry Fee<\/td>\n<td>Approx \u20b9125 per person<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Managed By<\/td>\n<td>Kerala Forest Department<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nearest Airport<\/td>\n<td>Cochin International Airport (about 139 km)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nearest Railway Station<\/td>\n<td>Aluva Railway Station (about 140 km)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Pampadum Shola National Park \u2013 A Short Trekking Adventure<\/h2>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is located near Munnar. It is open year-round and is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife (Munnar Wildlife Division). It is a small wildlife sanctuary spread over 12 sq km with perfect trekking trails through dense forests and Shola grasslands. The best time to visit the place is between April and September when the weather is clean and green and offers the best scenic views.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"National Parks in Kerala\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/national-parks-in-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Which Popular National Parks in Kerala Should You Not Miss?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pampadum Shola literally translates to \u2018the forest where the snakes dance\u2019. No, you won\u2019t find many snakes here. The snakes refer to the flora and dense vegetation that give the area a \u2018snake-like\u2019 appearance. The place also has different (and rare) fauna that many wildlife lovers admire. Wildlife sightings may include elephants, leopards, gaurs, flying squirrels, sambar deer, wild boars, langurs, and occasionally tigers . If lucky, you may also spot <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nilgiri_marten\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nilgiri Marten<\/a>, a small endemic carnivore listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5385 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park.jpg\" alt=\"pampadum-shola-national-park\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Things to Do in Pampadum Shola National Park<\/h2>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is a great place for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Munnar\u2013Vattavada region. The park offers a mix of adventure, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Go on the Pampadum Shola trek<\/strong> through misty shola forests and grasslands.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enjoy birdwatching<\/strong> and spot rare birds of the Western Ghats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Look for wildlife<\/strong> such as Nilgiri langurs, gaur, and other native species.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capture nature photography<\/strong> with forest trails, valleys, and mountain views.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explore nearby waterfalls and viewpoints<\/strong> around Vattavada.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Experience eco-tourism activities<\/strong> in one of Kerala\u2019s most peaceful national parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is ideal for a short trekking trip, wildlife spotting, and enjoying untouched natural beauty.<\/p>\n<h2>Pampadum Shola National Park Trek Guide<\/h2>\n<p>The trek from Munnar to Pampadum Shola National Park is short and takes about three hours (approx 4 kms).<\/p>\n<h3>Trek Highlights<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>This is classified as a moderate trek and is 4 km long.<\/li>\n<li>It is well-guided by local forest staff via the old Kodaikanal route.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure to bring leech socks (also available at shops around forest checkpost) as this is a leech-infested area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/eravikulam-national-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Eravikulam National Park Entry Fee and Timings<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>How to Reach Pampadum Shola National Park ?<\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can reach Vattavada by different modes of transport:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5;\">\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Mode of\u00a0 Transport<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Nearest Point<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Distance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">By Road<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Munnar Bus Stand<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Approx 38 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">By Rail<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Aluva Railway Station<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Approx 140 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">By Air<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Cochin International Airport<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px;\">Approx 139 km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>How to reach Pampadum Shola National Park from Kochi?<\/h2>\n<p>The journey towards Vattavada starts from Cochin early in the morning. As you move up the hills, you\u2019ll experience the crisp and chilly winds of Munnar. Explore the tea gardens nearby with narrow road meanders filled with Eucalyptus trees.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Things to Do in Vattavada\" href=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/things-to-do-in-vattavada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Things to Do in Vattavada<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vattavada offers endless green slopes of agricultural farms where you\u2019ll find vegetables like strawberries, carrots, garlic and cabbage. Get numerous scenic views, including valleys, vast farmlands and grasslands, all along the route.<\/p>\n<h3>Day 1: Explore Pampadum Shola National Park and a Waterfall:<\/h3>\n<p>Your journey will take you to the National Park where the trek starts. It is filled with green hills and blue mountain views of the Shola Forest. Explore the flora and fauna here.<\/p>\n<p>Next stop is another short forest trek to a nearby waterfall in the National Park. It\u2019s a natural, quiet and pleasant place where trekkers unwind and relax. Experience the natural scenic beauty of nature here.<\/p>\n<p>Timings: 6 am to 11 am &amp; 3 pm to 6 pm<\/p>\n<p>Entry Fee: INR 125<\/p>\n<p>Accommodations: Log Houses<\/p>\n<p>The local accommodations include Bison Log House, Mud House, Jungle Tent, and &#8216;A&#8217; Frame Loghouse. These are local stays located inside the Shola Forest that generally have breakfast and dinner included in the package. The check-in and check-out times are from 3 PM to 10 AM (next day).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5386 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall.jpg\" alt=\"pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pampadum-shola-national-park-waterfall-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Day 2: Exploring a Hidden Valley and Kundala Dam Reservoir<\/h3>\n<p>Next day, start your early morning hike to a magical valley. It\u2019s a short trek to a natural paradise filled with green views and scenic mountain views.<\/p>\n<p>Next is a quick spot to another attraction called Kundala Dam Reservoir. It is located around grasslands offering water across nearby local villages.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5387 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam.jpg\" alt=\"kundala-dam\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kundala-dam-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Tips For Trekking in Pampadum Shola National Park Vattavada<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The main road to reach Vattavada is a forested area. Some routes may be closed for road travel to allow trekking.<\/li>\n<li>Do not go alone for trekking. It is a protected national park with wild animals.<\/li>\n<li>Carry identification cards to be checked at check-in.<\/li>\n<li>Always follow the forest tour guide. Do not try to interact with wild animals.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure to pack all trekking essentials like torches, sunscreen, mosquito repellent creams, leech socks, etc for travel.<\/li>\n<li>Check the official Kerala Tourism Ecotourism website to know current ticket prices and availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Nearby Attractions in Vattavada<\/h2>\n<p>Vattavada aka the \u2018Vegetable Bowl of Kerala\u2019 offers many attractions nearby. After wildlife beauty exploration, plan an extra day to completely explore this Kerala hill station.<\/p>\n<p>The top nearby attractions in Vattavada include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Strawberry &amp; Organic Farms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Spot the fruits and vegetables like apples, plums, strawberries, cabbage and carrots. You may also buy strawberries, vegetables, homemade jams, and wines.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pazhathottam Viewpoint<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This viewpoint offers a complete valley view with colourful terraced fields.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chilanthiyar Waterfalls<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This waterfall is located 5-8 km from the village. It\u2019s a perfect afternoon visit for tourists.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kottakamboor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is one of the oldest villages in the area. Drive through the pine forests and explore this ancient village.<\/p>\n<h2>Flora and Fauna of Pampadum Shola National Park<\/h2>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park protects a rich <strong>shola\u2013grassland ecosystem<\/strong> of the Western Ghats, supporting diverse wildlife and plant species.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Nilgiri marten<\/strong>, one of the rarest carnivores in the Western Ghats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nilgiri langur<\/strong>, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and wild boar.<\/li>\n<li>A variety of <strong>endemic birds<\/strong> such as the Nilgiri flycatcher and laughing thrush.<\/li>\n<li>Dense <strong>evergreen shola forests<\/strong> with orchids, mosses, and medicinal plants.<\/li>\n<li>Unique <strong>grassland habitats<\/strong> that support butterflies, insects, and small mammals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is a nature paradise. It\u2019s a perfect place to explore wildlife, greenery, waterfalls &amp; valleys. As you trek inside the forest, you\u2019ll fall more in love with it. It\u2019s a short yet refreshing experience that should not be missed. Pampadum Shola National Park is one of the most peaceful national parks near Munnar, offering a perfect mix of trekking, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Pampadum Shola National Park FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Where is Pampadum Shola National Park located?<\/h3>\n<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is located near Vattavada, around 38 km from Munnar in Kerala. It lies in the Western Ghats and is known for its unique shola forest ecosystem.<\/p>\n<h3>2. What is the entry fee for Pampadum Shola National Park?<\/h3>\n<p>The entry fee is approximately \u20b9125 per person. Charges may vary depending on forest department regulations and guide fees.<\/p>\n<h3>3. What are the timings of Pampadum Shola National Park?<\/h3>\n<p>The park is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Entry is restricted outside these hours for safety and conservation reasons.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Do I need permission for trekking in Pampadum Shola?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, prior permission is required. Visitors must register at the forest checkpost and are required to trek with an authorized forest guide.<\/p>\n<h3>5. How difficult is the Pampadum Shola trek?<\/h3>\n<p>The trek is considered moderate, covering around 4 km through dense forest and grasslands. It is suitable for beginners with basic fitness.<\/p>\n<h3>6. What is the best time to visit Pampadum Shola National Park?<\/h3>\n<p>The best time to visit is between April and September, when the region is lush, green, and offers clear scenic views. Early mornings are ideal for trekking.<\/p>\n<h3>7. What wildlife can be seen in Pampadum Shola National Park?<\/h3>\n<p>The park is home to species like Nilgiri langurs, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and a variety of rare birds. Sightings of elusive species like the Nilgiri marten are rare but possible.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Is Pampadum Shola National Park worth visiting?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, it is one of the most peaceful and less crowded national parks near Munnar, ideal for trekking, birdwatching, and experiencing untouched nature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pampadum Shola National Park is one of the smallest yet most ecologically significant national parks in Kerala. Located near Vattavada in the Idukki district, the park protects a unique shola &#8211; grassland ecosystem of the Western Ghats. It is known for its dense evergreen forests, misty hills, and rare wildlife such as the Nilgiri marten [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,88,7,9,10],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5380","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-munnar-sightseeing","8":"category-kerala-travel-tips","9":"category-munnar-tourism","10":"category-munnar-travel-guide","11":"category-munnar-trip-ideas","12":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5380"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5380\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5397,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5380\/revisions\/5397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.munnar.holiday\/munnartourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}