Silent Valley National Park Palakkad (Entry Fee, Timings, Safari, Best time to visit, Images, Facts & Location)

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‘In this world of chaos, nature is our only respite…’

When such words resonate, the true meaning of wildlife and natural habitats come to life. Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad District, Kerala is one such living example of all things beautiful and all things created in this magnificent state. The eerie silence crooning across the corners of this tropical rainforest is one that you may never have imagined. The silence is broken with the chirping of the birds that take you out of your reverie.

#Trivia- It was named a national park only in 1984.

History of Silent Valley National Park

A quaint small space that gained significance because of its evergreen rainforests, and probably the only ones remaining in the country today, Silent Valley gets its name from missing Cicadas that emphasize their presence in the valley.

Many centuries ago, it is believed that, this forest served as a shelter to Sairandhiri (known as Draupadi in Hindu Mythology) and her five husbands (the Pandavas) while escaping from the cruel clutches of their cousins - the Kauravas, in the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that they hid in the realms of this expansive forest where Draupadi disguised herself as Sairandhiri, becoming the maid to a queen named Sudeshna, while living in exile with her family. Hence, it got the name Sairandhrivanam.

It is also believed that the Kunthipuzzha River was named after Kunthi, the mother of the Pandavas. It provides water to the entire forest area.

The British Influence …

It is believed that this gorgeous Western Ghat forest was first explored by a British botanist named Robert Wight in 1857. The Britishers named the place Silent Valley because of the missing sounds of the Cicadas.

#Trivia: Cicadas are noisy creatures that make an unmissable shrill droning sound or noise by vibrating two membranes on their abdomen. This valley supposedly did not have their presence, hence the name.

With many theories that have evolved over the years, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala holds a significant place in the state's vast biosphere.

As it stands today…

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is protected by the Mannarkkad Plains to the South and the Nigiri Plateau to the North. It is located in the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. It is part of the Nilgiri sub-cluster that comprises more than 6000 sq. km. Western Ghats World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO in 2007.

Such is the significance of this last undisturbed South Western Ghats mountain rain forest that boasts of exquisite flora and fauna and expansive vegetation.

From the unending green escapade that captures your heart, to an ecosystem that has stood the test of time, Silent Valley is truly one-of-a-kind. This tropical evergreen wet jungle in India is home to many beautiful species of animals that serve as a reminder of all things God created so stunning and quaint.

#Trivia- The people’s movement to prevent the construction of a dam and a hydroelectric project in the very premise of The Silent Valley National Park was a first significant milestone that garnered the attention of National and International Environmentalists to the forest and eventual intervention from a Prime Minister.

Although it is small in size, the national park has a much bigger impact on the core ecosystem of the Nilgiri Biosphere and the entire state of Kerala. It is said to be one of the last tropical evergreen forests remaining in the Western Ghats. The destruction or even a slight imbalance in the ecosystem would spiral the biosphere downward, creating a bigger disaster.

#Trivia- The Silent Valley National Park is home to the second most threatened Monkey in the world- The Lion-tailed Macaque. Since the population lives and thrives in this particular evergreen forest, their existence needs to be protected and hence every type of deforestation effort or power project is fiercely fought for every time.

Entry Fee for Silent Valley National Park

One needs to pay a nominal fee of Rs.50 per person as entry charges here as compared to other national parks of Kerala. The vehicle charges are Rs. 1600 per jeep that takes a maximum of 5 people. The charges for Guide are INR 150.

You can take cameras along with you at a fee of INR 25 for Still camera and INR 200 for Video Camera.

Silent Valley National Park Safari Timings

The park opens to tourists everyday around 6:45 am and remains open to tourists till 2:45 pm. It is open on all days except Friday.

Safari ride starts from 8 am to 5 pm and the vehicles have to return by 5 pm maximum. You can enter the park anytime during the given time slot however you need to adhere to the park timings.

You need to spend almost 4 to 5 hours inside Silent Valley National Park to thoroughly explore all nooks and corners of the place.

Best Time to Visit Silent Valley

The rich biodiversity beckons many a traveller almost all year round. However, the best time to visit the park is between October to February to get the best chance to view wildlife in all its glory.

The park remains closed for visitors between March to May.

It is important to remember that the seasonal experiences in Silent valley will be different and hence what you experience in summer may not be the same in winter.

However, the picturesque monsoons are a delight as well. Be prepared for heavy rainfall though. So pack accordingly.

Flora and Fauna at Silent Valley National Park

The beauty that lies within is the result of the untouched human hand that has saved it so far…

The Silent Valley National Park is home to over 23 unique species of mammals who are comfortably placed within the realms of this forest cover. From the endangered Tiger to the Lion-tailed Macaque, Leopard, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Indian Civet, Indian Elephants, and the Nilgiri Langur, the forest is definitely rich in every aspect.

The green escapades are also home to exquisite birds and flora that truly give it an enriching appeal. Although small in size, this national park holds more appeal in terms of all the beauty that lies within. With a collection of more than a 1000 flowering plant species, the park sure presents a beautiful sight for those nature-devouring enthusiasts.

From towering mountain peaks to many rivers flowing through the forest, it definitely holds a special place amongst Wildlife Sanctuaries of India.

Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is known for its highly endangered species as well as its gorgeous towering trees such as Amla, Semal, Rosewood, Teak and Bamboo, that can captivate your senses anytime.

The birdlife in Silent Valley National Park consists of at least 16 species that are said to be endangered or threatened. For all the bird loving enthusiasts and photography fanatics will definitely find their visit here worthwhile. From the Nilgiri wood-pigeon to white-bellied treepie, grey-headed bulbul, broad-tailed grassbird, Nilgiri blue robin to Nilgiri laughing thrush, rufous babbler to crimson-backed sunbird, and much more.

The rare bird species include Ceylon Frogmouth and Great Indian Hornbill. Out of the 15 endemic species, Black and Orange Flycatcher is the most popular. And the most abundant is the black bulbul.

Nearly 10 species are endangered that include red winged crested cuckoo, pale harrier and Malabar pied hornbill, etc.

There are nearly 140 species of birds that can be spotted flying around different peaks of the park. A wonder for all Ornithologists.

There are nearly 730 species of insects in the parks that include crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies, and much more. A definite paradise for all those budding and enthusiastic Entomologists.

Despite all the human intervention in many places, Silent Valley remains one of the most undisturbed wildlife paradises and viable habitats in India.

#Trivia: Despite its size, this wildlife sanctuary has a sizeable number of endangered and threatened species

Things to do in Silent Valley National Park

1. Safari- The best way to explore the park is to take a safari with the help of the local guides or even in your own vehicle. It gives an opportunity to explore the realms of the forest in entirety, with its exquisite flora and fauna.

As is the rule with all safaris, the tourists are not allowed to disembark from their vehicles during the safari. Only designated spots can be used to get down and stretch one's legs or get some refreshments.

2. Watch tower- This is the main stopover during your safari in the jungle. The panoramic views of the jungle and the lush green escapade is absolutely a delight for sore eyes.

It gives you an opportunity to spot different bird species as well as devour in the presence of the towering thick trees.

3. Trek- The Trek to Kunthi river is one of the most formidable experiences in Silent Valley. During your safari you will be taken on a short trek through a short stretch in the forest to the River Kunthi for a boat ride.

This truly proves to be an experience worth trying.

Places to visit near Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad

While Silent Valley is by itself a great place to visit, there are a few stopovers that you may want to try in and out of the park.

1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – Located around 46 kms from the main city center of Palakkad, this beautiful tiger reserve is known for its preservation efforts towards Tigers of the state.

It is rich in flora and fauna.

2. Keralamkundu Waterfall- Located around 10 kms from Silent valley, the waterfall presents a good respite from humid climate and proves to be quite refreshing. Surrounded by rocky slopes, it is said to be quite different from the other waterfalls in Kerala.

You need to climb down the steps to actually reach the pool that falls about 150 feet forming a gorgeous natural pool below. The charges are Rs. 10 per adult with food and toilet facilities available within the premises.

3. Virgin Valley- Located around 2 kms from Silent Valley, Virgin Valley is a quaint and pristine place with rocky surroundings and greenery all around. It is best visited with the help of a guide just to avoid any trouble getting in and out of the place.

How to reach Silent Valley?

Silent Valley is accessible to everyone via different modes of transportation across the country. You can embark upon your journey and reach the park -

By Air- The International Airport of Coimbatore is located around 117 kms from the park. The airport is well-connected to major metros of India and overseas. Regular flights ply from Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Singapore and Bangkok.

Upon reaching the airport you can hail a taxi or private cab from top car rental companies in Kerala to the park.

By Rail- The nearest railway station to Silent Valley is Palakkad Junction railway station which is located at a distance of 45 kms from the park. The station is also connected with all major metros of India and one can take a cab or taxi to reach the park thereafter.

By Road- The park maintains a well-connected network of roadways that make it easier to reach the park, if you happen to take a road trip too. You can easily take a private cab or your own vehicle or a bus to come from nearby cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai. The KSRTC buses regularly ply to Palakkad in Kerala from Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Telangana.

Coimbatore to Silent Valley – 100 kms
Mannarkkad to Silent Valley- 12 kms
Ooty to Silent Valley- 160 kms
Mysore to Silent Valley- 218 kms
Chennai to Silent Valley- 600 kms
Bangalore to Silent Valley- 460 kms

An escape to Silent Valley is probably the best way to cheer a frozen mind and get your mood reinvigorated. If we respect the flora and fauna around, we know that it will respect us back. Hence, we advise tourists to be careful during their sojourn to Silent Valley National Park.

Nothing is more beautiful than a trip down memory lane with the ones you love and a place that proves to be worth your time.

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Location Map for Silent Valley National Park Palakkad