Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek, Tamil Nadu
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek in Tamil Nadu highlights
Walk through a 3 km round-trip forest trail in Kotagiri, taking around 2 hours through marshes, meadows, and shaded Shola woods.
Enjoy thoughtful inclusions like a cap, detailed pamphlet for local birdlife, trek route guide, and light snacks your trek to Longwood Shola Reserve Forest.
Trek under the guidance of an expert leader who ensures safety while enriching the experience with local insights.
Admire the wonders of the forest as you walk past moss-covered rocks, seasonal water streams, and 30+ species of towering shrub layers.
Keep an eye out for porcupines, barking deer, Nilgiri birds, and wild dogs in one of the Western Ghats’ richest habitats.
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Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek in Tamil Nadu cancellation_policy
- If cancellation is made 15 days or more before the date of travel, no cancellation fees will be charged.
- If cancellation is made between 7 days to 15 days before the date of travel, 50.0% of total booking cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellation is made within 7 days before the date of travel, total booking cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- In the event of unforeseen weather conditions, union issues, government restrictions, or any other circumstances beyond human control, certain trips or activities may be cancelled. In such cases, alternate feasible options will be provided. However, a cash refund will not be available.
Why Choose Thrillophilia
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek in Tamil Nadu overview
About Tamil Nadu and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest:
Tamil Nadu is home to some of India’s most biologically rich landscapes, with the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve standing out as a globally significant hotspot. One of the hidden gems that this state offers is the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Kotagiri. It is an urban forest that reflects the harmony between nature and conservation. Recognised as both a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area (IBA), it exemplifies ecological richness, community protection, and sustainable tourism.
Located just 3 km from Kotagiri Bus Stand, the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest spans 116 hectares and protects the last patch of natural Shola forest in the region. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including Indian gaur, barking deer, sloth bears, wild dogs, and over 170 bird species, many endemic to the Western Ghats. In 2024, it gained recognition as a Ramsar wetland, further emphasising its role in sustaining water sources and regulating the local climate.
The forest is botanically diverse too. With 40+ tree species, several rare plants, and three perennial streams originating here, it is vital for nearby villages. Strong community involvement and responsible forest management continue to play a key role in preserving Longwood Shola as a thriving model of conservation.
About Longwood Shola Reserve Forest Trek:
The Longwood Shola Trek offers a serene 3 km round trip through a vibrant forest trail. The trek lasts for approximately 2 hours. You will be accompanied by a trained trek leader as you step into a landscape alive with the sounds of jungle fowl, rustling gaur, and birdsong.
The trek includes a permit fee and also offers every participant a complimentary cap, a pamphlet to help identify native birds, and an informative guide on trek routes and forest features. Light refreshments or snacks are provided during the experience, helping you stay energised and refreshed along the way.
As trekkers follow winding trails through marshes, open clearings, and dense tree cover, the forest begins to reveal its many wonders. You may come across occasional porcupine quills on the ground, spot sambar deer or wild boar at a distance, and hear the skies above echo with calls from rare Western Ghats bird species. The Shola ecosystem, with its cool, misty microclimate, supports a unique mix of flora and fauna, making the trek both peaceful and enlightening.
This isn’t just a nature trek - it’s a chance to experience the biodiversity and conservation success of the region firsthand. Designed for minimal ecological impact and maximum awareness, the trek appeals to eco-conscious travellers, families, and those looking to reconnect with nature. Walking through Longwood Shola is a reminder of what thoughtful conservation can achieve and offers a chance to witness a living forest preserved by both nature and community.
Activity Duration: 2 hours
Activity Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Trek Distance: 3 kms (roundtrip)