Shola forest is tropical even green forest in which shorter trees grow in a cluster about some acres in valleys. Shola forest is also found in the hill depressions at high range areas. Shola forest is different from grasslands that we see in the hill ranges. One can see shorter trees, seedlings and grasses in a Shola forest area. Hydnocarpus alpina, Isonandra stocksii, Gomphandra coriacea, Lasianthus Alpina, Chionanthus ramiflorus and Mastixia arborea are the dominant trees that is seen mostly in Shola forest areas. Shola forest maintains its greenery all over the year irrespective of seasons. This helps some endangered animals to find their natural habitat. You can see Shola forest areas in different parts of Munnar. If you are lucky, you can spot animals like Tiger, Leopard, Elephant and birds like, Wood Pigeons and yellow throated Bulbuls in the Shola forest areas at Munnar.
Anamudi Shola National Park is the mostly visited Shola forest area in Munnar. It
includes Mannavan Shola, Idivara Shola, Pullardi Shola forest area. Mannavan Shola forest area at Munnar is the largest Shola type forest reserve in the world. It is located at a distance of 20 km from Marayoor. It is a wonderful place to visit at Munnar. Anamudi Shola National Park is above 2150 m above sea level. You can see many wild animals like Flyinh Squirrels, Wild boar and jungle cat etc. Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in Poopara village. This place was given for cardamom cultivation and it was declared as a National Park in 2003.
Pampadum Shola National Park is another area near Munnar where you can spot Shola forest. It is the smallest national park in Kerala. You can see evergreen Shola forest with many medicinal plants at here. Eucalyptus is another tree that you see at this park. The soil in the park is rich in Humus. Many studies are being done on the soil in Shola forest areas at Munnar. This place is under the consideration of UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the selection as a World Heritage Site. In this park, you can see many rare and endangered animals like Leopard, Wild Dog, Tiger, Nilgiri Marten etc. You can spot many rare birds including Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue Rock Thrush, Nilgiri Flycatcher etc. You can reach Pampadum Shola forest area at a distance of 35 km from Munnar. You have to move towards the road to Koviloor and Vattavad.
The Shola Forest areas at Munnar are a fascination for nature lovers and study matter for geologists. The abundant wildlife wealth in these areas gives significance to these forest areas in ecological balance. You can plan a stay at Munnar and can visit all these places in your trip.
Jyothis Mp
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