Pampadum Shola National Park

Pampadum Shola National Park is said to be the Smallest National Park in India.

Overview

The name´"Pampadum Shola" means, "the forest where the snake dances", derived from three Tamil (one of the Dravidian languages) words, "paamp", which means "snake"; "aattam", means "dance"; and "cholai", means "forest". "Shola" may be considered as a mis-speller of "cholai". This thick green forest is spread in the two states of India, namely, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is situated almost 35 km away from Munnar, towards the road to Madhurai, presently to Koviloor and Vattavada. The Old Madhurai Road is closed due to the growing population of Wildlife such as Elephants, Buffaloes and Black Monkeys. There are various types of Medicinal plants (Herbs), of which studies have been made. A special welcome board is placed at the entrance of the National Park, at the Check-post, which is 7 km before reaching Vattavada. These days the National Park is open to the tourists with payment, and the accompaniment of the forest officers, for the safety of the forest as well as of the people. After the forest range there are Grandis (a variety of Eucalyptus) that threatens the Ecology of the area due to its dehydrating and quick-spreading character. These trees as well as the private legal and illegal plantations of the same trees remain as a living danger. The National Park with its unique richness of uncontaminated "humus", has been an interest of studies recently. The evergreen trees and the water sources become the habitat of various birds and animals. The Forestry also provides opportunity to experience the beauty of Pampadum Shola National Park to the curious tourists and research fellows.

Nearby Villages

The next villages beyond the National Park are Urkkad, Vattavada, Koviloor, and Kottakkampur, with its rich vegetable cultivations. However, the Eucalyptus trees (Grandis) that eat up the unique eco-system is yet to be a consideration of the forestry. (Dr JOHNS J)