Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. Silent Valley National Park was discovered by the botanist Robert Wight in 1847. It lies on the border of Mannarkkad Taluk in Palakkad district, Nilambur Taluk in Malappuram district, Kerala, and the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The distinctive tranquillity, marked by the lack of cicadas, is what gave Silent Valley its name.
The Silent Valley National Park represents one of the last remaining untouched expanses of South Western Ghats mountain rainforests and tropical moist evergreen forests in India. It harbours some rare species of flora and fauna. Established as a national park in 1984, this area is renowned for its efforts to conserve the Lion-Tailed Macaque, an endangered primate species.
The park boasts a remarkable biodiversity, with over a thousand species of flowering plants, numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects. The core of the national park is strictly protected, minimizing human interference and preserving the forests in their natural state.
Silent Valley National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Before being designated as a National Park, Silent Valley was known as 'Sairandhrivanam', where Sairandhiri (the secret identity of Panchali from the epic Mahabharata) sought refuge with her five husbands, the Pandavas while fleeing from their cruel cousins, the Kauravas. The main attraction of Silent Valley National Park lies in its sylvan environment, characterized by majestic peaks and beautiful rivers. Silent Valley is nourished by the Kunthipuzha River, which meanders through the dense forest, fostering the thriving biodiversity of the area.
Entry Time:
8 AM to 1 PM
Visiting Hours:
2 to 3 Hrs
Entrance Fee:
₹ 50 per person
Best Time to Visit:
December to April
Famous For:
Silent Valley National Park is renowned for its abundance of highly endangered species. It stands as the last pristine region of tropical evergreen forest in India and boasts a wealth of biodiversity.
How to reach Silent Valley National Park:
By Air : Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, 117 Km away from Silent Valley National Park. From the airport, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the national park.
By Train :Palakkad Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 45 Km away from Silent Valley National Park. From the railway station, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the national park.
By Road :Silent Valley National Park is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire a cab to reach the national park.
FAQ
1. Where is Silent Valley National Park situated?
Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala.
2. Is permission required to enter Silent Valley National Park?
Yes, visitors must obtain permission from the Kerala Forest Department to enter Silent Valley National Park. It is recommended to acquire permits in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
3. What are the accommodation options available near Silent Valley National Park?
Accommodation options near the park are limited. However, visitors can explore various hotels and resorts in nearby towns like Mannarkkad and Palakkad, which provide comfortable lodging facilities.
4. What kind of flora and fauna can I expect to see at Silent Valley National Park?
Silent Valley National Park boasts a diverse array of flora, encompassing tropical evergreen forest trees, orchids, and rare herbs. As for fauna, visitors may spot various primates such as the Lion-Tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur, and Nilgiri Tahr, along with a plethora of bird species. Additionally, the park is home to animals like Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.