Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Kotagiri - Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 3 km from Kotagiri Bus Stand, Longwood Shola is a reserve forest located in the Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the best places to visit as part of Kotagiri tour.

Spanning an area of 116 hectares, the untouched tropical rainforest of Longwood Shola represents the last significant remnant of natural shola forest in the immediate vicinity of Kotagiri in the Nilgiris. Longwood Shola provides visitors with a comprehensive experience of Kotagiri's wilderness at its most vibrant. It is a biodiversity hotspot and believed to be the richest in amphibian diversity in Asia. In 2024, this wetland was designated as a Ramsar site.

Longwood Shola plays a crucial role in the delicate Nilgiri ecosystem. Longwood Shola is the source of three perennial streams with a few seasonal ones. This serene retreat serves as a vital water source for downstream villages, including Kairbetta, Hosahatti, Aravenu, and Jakkanarai. It supplies drinking water for local residents, supports irrigated agriculture, and contributes to the regulation of the local climate, greenhouse gas levels, temperature, precipitation, flooding, and other climatic processes.

This reserve boasts a distinctive ecosystem, establishing it as a significant conservation area. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, hosting approximately 170 rare and endangered bird species, making it an exceptional location for birdwatching. Reports indicate that 14 of these bird species are endemic to the Western Ghats. Additionally, the forest reserve is home to several endangered species, including the Nilgiri tahr and various types of antelopes.

The area is known to support 44 tree species, 32 shrub species, 5 epiphyte species, 12 fern species, and 25 liana and climbing species, with the majority of these plants being endemic to the Western Ghats. The site also includes endangered tree species such as Psychotria nilgiriensis, Actinodaphne bourneae, and Cinnamomum wightii.

Trekking is a favored activity within the Longwood Shola reserve, allowing visitors to traverse the area while enjoying the stunning scenery of its diverse landscape. The trails lead through lush forests, flowing streams, and picturesque meadows, providing an authentic experience of nature.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 100 per Person