The three shola national parks of Idukki, with Pampadum Shola the smallest in Kerala at 1.32 sq km

Background

The Kerala Forest Department records three shola national parks, all in Idukki district. Anamudi Shola National Park covers 7.5 sq km and was declared a national park in 2003. Mathikettan Shola National Park spans 12.82 sq km and was declared a national park in 2003. Pampadum Shola National Park covers 1.32 sq km and was declared a national park in 2004; the department calls it the smallest national park in the state. The department says Anamudi Shola and Pampadum Shola are part of the larger Anamalai sub-cluster, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.