Everything You Need to Know About Silent Valley National Park

If you are craving a vacation where there is peace and nature all around, then Silent Valley National Park is the best spot for you. Nestled in the extravagant evergreen forests of the magnificent Western Ghats, this national park has some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Inside the forest, you will find rare wild animals that you may not even have heard of.

The Silent Valley National Park is one of the last uninterrupted territories of tropical moist evergreen forests and South Western Ghats mountain rain forests in India. Whenever you visit the Silent Valley, make sure you are not disturbing the natural surroundings or polluting this reserved area. If you are planning to travel in and around Kerala, ensure to keep the Silent Valley on your to-visit list. Here is everything you need to know about Silent Valley National Park in Kerala:

History of the Park

The Silent Valley National Park in Kerala was an undiscovered gem before 1847. Then a famous botanist, Robert Wight, explored the watersheds of the Silent Valley National Park area in 1847. The British botanist named it Silent Valley due to the absence of noisy insects called cicadas. In 1914, the government declared the forests of the Silent Valley area a reserved forest, and from 1927 to 1976, some portions of the forests were subjected to forestry operations. Then, in 1928, due to the presence of the Kunthipuzha River, the area was recognised as an ideal spot for electricity generation. After a thorough investigation of the site, the Kerala State Electricity Board proposed a hydroelectric project of 120 MV costing INR 17 crore.

In 1977, after carrying out an ecological impact study in the area, the Kerala Forest Research Institute proposed to declare it a biosphere reserve. Following that, in 1979, the Kerala government passed an enactment for the protection of ecological balance, which was the Silent Valley Protection Area Act 1979. Finally, in 1980, the then Hon. Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi, requested the Kerala government to stop further work in the project area until all aspects were fully discussed.

Flora and Fauna

The Silent Valley in Kerala is famous for its abundant flora and fauna, which include pristine forests and rare species. The flora comprises a wet evergreen jungle that mainly includes teak, amla, rosewood, semal, bamboo, and more. The grasslands of the national park are restricted to the peaks and upper rises in the eastern division region. The Silent Valley has some of the most productive forests in the world, creating a unique ecosystem that allows for their survival.

With almost 12 fish, 41 mammals, 46 reptiles, 47 amphibians, 164 butterflies, 211 birds, and 400 species of moths, this park has a diverse fauna. Along with this, it has a population of lion-tailed macaques, which are a major species of the evergreen forest. Additionally, there are many new plant and animal species that are often discovered in the park.

Things to Do in Silent Valley

You will find various activities to indulge in while in the Silent Valley, including trekking, a wildlife safari, and enjoying breathtaking views. It is the perfect place for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, making it an ideal vacation destination. Here is a list of things you can do in Silent Valley:

1.     Enjoy the Exciting Wildlife Safari

Try spotting different birds and animals when you take the wildlife safari at the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. It is an exciting activity that you can enjoy in your personal vehicle. However, there are some set rules and guidelines that you have to follow for the safety of your family and the flora and fauna of the forest. To spot rare species and wild animals at the right time, a guide is highly recommended for a successful trip. There are some things that you need to keep in mind throughout the wildlife safari: -

• There are certain parts of the Silent Valley that are only accessible to the forest authorities.
• You must leave the forest by 5 p.m., as no vehicles are allowed to stay inside or leave the park after this time.
• You are not allowed to get off the safari vehicle once you board it until the next stop arrives.
• The Silent Valley is closed to visitors from March to May.

2.     Watch Picture Perfect Views from the Watchtower

If you want to enjoy the panoramic views of Silent Valley, then the watchtower is the best spot for you, as it gives a full view of the entire park. It is the best stopover during the safari ride where you can check out rare birds that also provide calming background music that will get engraved in your memory. The most famous birds that you can spot include the Racket-tailed Drongo, Peacocks, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Rufous Treepie, and more.

3.     Take a Trek to Kunthi River

Last but not least is trekking in the Silent Valley, which takes you to the famous Kunthi River in this area. The third segment of the safari ride after the visit to the watchtower is the trek to the river. The trekking in the Silent Valley area is a short walk that takes you through dense forests where you will find unique biodiversity. You can ask your guide to introduce you to rare species of the forest.

Best Time to Visit Silent Valley

The Silent Valley in Kerala is ideal to visit throughout the year. However, the best time is between December and April, as the weather is pleasant and you will be able to spot different wildlife species there. The Silent Valley changes with the seasons, so it is likely that what you experience in the summers will be totally different in the winters.

During the summer season, the park is warm and dry and may get extremely hot in the afternoons. If you are close to the water bodies, chances are that you can spot animals nearby that come there to quench their thirst. In the winter months, i.e., between January and February, the park is snuggled in between misty peaks, giving the perfect view of larger animals like elephants. The predominant season in Silent Valley is the monsoon, which starts in June and lasts until December. Although driving will be a bit tricky in these months, you will be surrounded by abundant greenery and a pleasant climate.

How to Reach Silent Valley National Park

By Air: The nearest airport to the Silent Valley National Park is the Coimbatore International Airport which is nearly 117 Km away. The best thing about it is that it is well connected to all the major cities including Delhi, Pune, Chennai, etc. and overseas destinations like Bangkok, Singapore, etc. After you arrive at the airport you will be able to get a cab, taxi, or bus service to reach the park.

By Train: The closest railway station to the park is Palakkad Junction Railway Station, which is about 45 km away. The railway station is also well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, and more. Additionally, you will easily find a cab or a bus at the station to reach the national park.

By Road: If you are planning a road trip to Silent Valley from cities like Coimbatore, Chennai, and Bangalore, then you will be able to spot phenomenal views along the way. You can either rent a cab, take your personal vehicle, or travel by bus.

The Silent Valley National Park has so much to offer visitors that they come back rejuvenated from their trip. Book your Kerala group tour package today to experience this beautiful destination!