Silent Valley, a jewel on Kerala’s tourism map, is a monument to the pristine beauty of the Palakkad area. This haven is reached by Mukali in Attappadi and covers an immense 89 square kilometers in the district’s north-eastern section, offering a unique experience in the lap of nature.
Access and Location
Silent Valley is located in the Western Ghats and may be reached by the Attappadi Pass from Mannarkkad via the Coimbatore-Anakatti route from Tamil Nadu. Traveling in Forest Department buses or Eco Development Committee jeeps is an adventure in and of itself. The Silent Valley is located in the revenue districts of Palakkad and Malappuram, making it accessible by air, rail, and road.
Wildlife Population
The attractiveness of Silent Valley rests in its unique fauna, which includes 34 species of mammals, 292 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 13 species of fishes, 500 species of butterflies and moths, and a plethora of lesser animal forms. The valley is a refuge for wildlife aficionados and nature lovers, with everything from the renowned Lion-tailed Macaque to the stately Elephant.
Flora Diversity
Silent Valley is considered a botanist’s treasure trove, with about 1000 kinds of blooming plants, 107 species of orchids, 100 ferns, 200 liverworts, 75 lichens, and over 200 algae. The Western Ghats are home to a large number of these plants.
Historical Significance
One story attributes Silent Valley’s name to the absence of noisy cicadas, another to the anglicization of Sairandhri, and a third to the prevalence of lion-tailed macaques. Declared a reserve forest in 1914, the area rose to notoriety during the 1973 Silent Valley Movement, which sought to safeguard the forest from a proposed hydroelectric plant.
Tourist Attractions
Silent Valley has a variety of attractions, including the famed suspension bridge (which is currently being rebuilt following the flood) and the stunning view from the Sairandri watchtower. Trekking options to Keeripara and Karuwara are available in the national park, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the natural environment.
Also Read : Mamalakandam: Nature’s Paradise in Ernakulam, Kerala
Accommodations
Silent Valley has several alternatives for visitors looking for a prolonged stay, including a River Hut for two persons and a dormitory near the Divisional Office for bigger groups. The national park can be explored for two days at a fee of 2500 rupees per person.
Preservation Efforts
The Silent Valley effort, a notable environmental effort that successfully preserved the area from potential ecological devastation, is also responsible for the area’s preservation.
Conclusion
Finally, Silent Valley National Park exemplifies the healthy coexistence of biodiversity and conservation efforts. A visit to this pristine wonderland promises an escape from the city, immersing guests in Kerala’s natural beauty.