Silent Valley National Park is an outstanding biodiversity hub situated in the Northeast corner of Palakkad district of Kerala. It is well-known for its Sylvan environment which is adorned with majestic and lofty peaks and lovely rivers. It treasures the greenest of evergreen forests ever and offers an ideal habitat to animals as rare as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion Tailed Macaques.

This National Park with breathtaking natural beauty is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2012. One of the major speciality of Silent Valley National Park is that it is supposed to be the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forests in India. Before declaring it as a National Park, the Silent Valley was known as the 'Sairandhrivanam' where Sairandhiri (the secret identity donned by Panchali, from the epic Mahabharata) hid along with her five husbands, the Pandavas while escaping from their cruel cousins Kauravas.

This sanctuary was declared a national park in 1985 after a lot of deliberations between the state and the central government for undertaking a Hydro Power project. After the successful conclusion of the deliberations, Silent Valley National Park was created which is spread over an area of 236 square kilometers with river Kuntipuzha draining the entire length of the park from north to south.

Best time to visit :

December to April is regarded as the best time to visit Silent Valley National Park.

Flora and fauna

Since the major area of the park is evergreen tropical rain forest, it is extremely rich in flora and fauna and its rich biodiversity attracts biologists and researchers from all over the world who often discover new species of plants and animals in this valley. Silent Valley National Park boasts of diverse flora that includes 1000 species of flowering plants, 108 species of orchids, 100 ferns, 200 liverworts, 75 lichens and around 200 varieties of algae.

This national park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species of birds like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, Grey Headed Bulbul, Broad tailed Grass Bird, Great Indian Hornbill and many more. Threatened mammals like Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Hairy Winged Bat are also found in this national park. Apart from the birds and the mammals there are around 730 species of insects in this park.

Activities

Silent Valley National Park is a dream destination for all nature lovers and bird watchers. Since this national park is still untouched and is one of the most protected in India, only guided tours are allowed inside the park. Visitors to this magnificent national park can enjoy a guided trip of the park jointly operated by the forest department and eco development committees.

Nature lovers enjoy these guided tours through the park in the lap of Mother Nature and get amazed by the huge and diversified variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can also enjoy the riverside trail along Bhavani River which is quite refreshing and feel rejuvenated. Guided Karuwara Waterfall Trail is another amazing experience as trekkers get the opportunity to feel the vibrant nature in her pristine purity and enchanting glamour during their trekking expedition of the region.

Opening & Closing Time:

7 AM to 3 PM.

Entrance Fee:

How to reach

 By Air - Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport to Silent Valley National Park which is situated at a distance of 77.5 Km

 By Rail -  Palakkad Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Silent Valley National Park which is situated at a distance of 52.1 Km.

 By Road - Silent Valley National Park is well-connected to major cities of the country by road.

FAQs:

Why is it called Silent Valley?

The park is called "Silent Valley" because of its distinctive tranquillity, marked by the absence of the typical noise made by cicadas, which are commonly found in tropical forests. This unusual silence, along with its serene environment, gives the valley its name.

What are the key attractions of Silent Valley National Park?

Key attractions of Silent Valley National Park include the Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, the lush evergreen forests, and the Kunthipuzha River, which flows through the park. Visitors can also enjoy trekking and bird watching, with the park housing over 200 bird species and various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Is trekking allowed in Silent Valley National Park?

Yes, trekking is allowed in Silent Valley National Park. Guided trekking tours offer visitors the chance to explore the dense forests, enjoy the stunning landscapes, and spot various wildlife. However, trekking in the core area is highly restricted to ensure minimal disturbance to the ecosystem.

What is the historical significance of Silent Valley National Park?

Before its designation as a National Park in 1984, Silent Valley was known as Sairandhrivanam, a name rooted in the Mahabharata legend, where Panchali (Draupadi) hid with her five husbands, the Pandavas. The park’s preservation became a major environmental issue in the 1970s, leading to the halting of a hydroelectric project that threatened the area’s biodiversity.

Is Silent Valley National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes, Silent Valley National Park was recognized as part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. It is noted for being one of the last undisturbed tracts of tropical rainforests in India, representing the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the region.