Silent Valley National Park is one of the topmost favourite biodiversity hubs for nature lovers and wildlife fanatics. This incredibly beautiful tourist destination is situated in the Northeast corner of Palakkad district of Kerala.

It houses the greenest of evergreen forests ever and is home to animals as rare as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion Tailed Macaques as well. Malabar Giant, Squirrels, Moths, Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Panther and Sambar are the other inhabitants of this national park.

The Silent Valley National Park is also well known for its presence of valuable reserve of flora and fauna. Over 1000 species of flowering plants and another 110 species of orchids can be seen at this national park that will enchant everyone. Over 200 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths have been catalogued here.

It was only in the year 1984, the Silent Valley was named a National Park. Before that, it was known as the 'Sairandhrivanam' because as per the legends, this was considered to be the place where Sairandhiri (the secret identity donned by Panchali, from the epic Mahabharata) hid along with her five husbands - the Pandavas while escaping from the Kauravas, their cruel cousins.

The river which feeds the entire forest is called Kunthippuzha river which was named after Kunthi, mother of the Pandavas. It is shielded by the Mannarkkad Plains to the South and the Nilgiri Plateau to the North.

The Silent Valley National Park sprawls over an area of about 237.52 sq. km with a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests. Trekking through this national park is an entirely different experience. Karuvara Trekking and Keerippara Trekking are the popular trekking trails in Silent Valley National Park.  From Mukkali, which is the base camp of the Silent Valley National Park, there is only 5 Km trek to Karuvara waterfall which is situated at Panthamthodu.

Trekking to this waterfall is a scenic adventure which provides ample opportunities for bird watching. This trek takes almost 4 hours to complete. August to September and December to March is the best recommended season to visit this area. Next is the Keerippara which is most suited for those trekking enthusiasts who are interested in wildlife.

Trekking through this region covered with dense forest is a feast for the eyes and ears with the soothing sight of greenery, spotting the wildlife and listening to the orchestra struck up by the birds. The Keerippara trekking trail runs through a tangle of forest types within the buffer zone of the Silent Valley National Park.

So, before venturing into the secondary grasslands at Keerippara, it is a wonderful experience to trek through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests. This trekking trail is so refreshing with the mesmerizing visuals of butterflies and birds flitting above. The time span for the Keerippara trek is nearly 4 hours.

Major attractions of the place

The evergreen forest, biodiversity, Silent Valley Trek and the chance of getting face to face with wildlife are the major attractions of the Silent Valley National Park.

Specialty  of the place

• The Silent Valley National Park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2012.
• The main speciality of the Silent Valley National Park is its Sylvan environment along with its majestic and lofty peaks and lovely rivers.
• Another major speciality of Silent Valley National Park is that it is said to be the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forests in India. And one can witness the greenest of evergreen forests ever at this beautiful national park.
• The next noteworthy factor in this park is its diversity in flora and fauna. Lion-Tailed Macaques, Elephant, Tiger, Malabar Giant, Squirrels, Moths, Gaur, Panther and Sambar along with 1000 species of flowering plants, 110 species of orchids, over 200 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths are inhabited here.

Activities Suggested

FAQs:

What are the popular trekking routes in Silent Valley National Park?

The two most popular trekking routes in Silent Valley National Park are: Karuvara Trek: A 5 km trek from the base camp at Mukkali to the scenic Karuvara Waterfall, perfect for bird watchers. Keerippara Trek: This trail is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a trek through dense forests and secondary grasslands where you can spot various species of wildlife.

How long does it take to complete a trek in Silent Valley National Park?

Both the Karuvara Trek and the Keerippara Trek typically take around 4 hours to complete. These treks provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and enjoying the rich biodiversity of the park.

What kind of wildlife can I spot while trekking in Silent Valley National Park?

Silent Valley National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife. While trekking, you might spot Lion-Tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Giant Squirrels, elephants, tigers, panthers, and sambars. The park is also a haven for bird watchers with over 200 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths.

Are there any waterfalls to visit while trekking in Silent Valley National Park?

Yes, the Karuvara Waterfall is a highlight of the Karuvara trekking trail. Located near Panthamthodu, this waterfall provides a scenic adventure, and the trek offers bird-watching and beautiful forest views along the way.

How difficult are the trekking trails in Silent Valley National Park?

The trekking trails in Silent Valley National Park are moderately challenging. Both the Karuvara and Keerippara treks involve walking through dense forests, crossing streams, and navigating uneven terrain, making them ideal for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness.

Do I need special permission to trek in Silent Valley National Park?

Yes, visitors need permission from the Kerala Forest Department to trek in Silent Valley National Park. It is advisable to arrange for the necessary permits in advance and adhere to the park’s guidelines to ensure the safety of both trekkers and the environment.

Is Silent Valley National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, Silent Valley National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The park is globally recognized for its unspoiled tropical evergreen forests and remarkable biodiversity, making it one of India's most significant ecological reserves.

Monday through Sunday, all day