Silent Valley National Park, the ecological island with all of its sides enclosed within high ridges, resides on the Northeastern side of Palakkad district. These tropical rainforests are rich in biodiversity in the forms of medicinal herbs, rare birds, animals, plants etc. Silent Valley National park is embedded within Nilgiri Plateau in the North and Mannarkkad plains in the South. It was named as a National Park in 1984.
Once these dense forests were known by the name “Sairandhrivanam”, as it was said to be the place where Sairandhri (Draupadi’s secret identity) hid with her five husbands, the Pandavas, from the young princes of Hastinapur, the Kauravas. The place is also famous for the enchanting Kunthipuzha that feeds the entire forest and its natural inhabitants, Kunthi, being the mother of the Pandavas.
Silent valley is a perfect tourist destination for the nature lovers, as it is the most secluded spot in nature’s enclosure. It remains the favourite of professional scientists and biologists for its rich flora and fauna. To be specific studies show that this National Park has a wealth of 1000 species of flowering plants, including 107 species of orchids, 100 ferns, 200 liverworts, 75 lichens and about 200 algae. The diverse fauna of the jungle comprises 34 species of mammals, 292 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 13 species of fishes, and 500 species of butterflies & moths.
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Grey-headed Bulbul, White-bellied treepie, Rufous Babbler, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, Broad-tailed Grass Warbler etc. are included in the 200 species of birds within the reserve. Silent Valley National park also offers several adventurous activities apart from the sightseeing. One can engage in trekking, bird watching, nature walks, nature camping and jeep safari on your trip here.
Jeep safari through the National park is yet another bewildering experience along the way of watching the best trees and canopies for about 23 kilometres with five-minute stops at certain points for photo sessions. Safari usually starts at 8 AM, as early rides may disturb the deep slumber of natural beings. Animal sighting is rather less in this jeep safari. You mostly get the view of evergreen forests and vegetation along with a majestic view of the watchtower, rising 1050 meters above sea level.
For all the nature lovers out there, never miss this glorious visionary of nature’s wonders within your reach in Palakkad district. A trip to this National Park will let you carry an astonishing memory of being in the lap of nature with all its peace and silence, as per the name of the park suggests, Silent Valley. Be silent to hear the call of nature in the forms of chirping birds, gurgling waters, a faraway elephant call etc.
Contact Details
The Wildlife Warden
Silent Valley Division
MannarkkadP.O., Palakkad
Kerala, India – 678582
Ph.: +91 4924 222056
