One of the largest national parks of Kerala, Silent Valley sprawls over 235 km sq. 16 bird species, 100 species of flowering plants, 108 species of orchids, 34 species of mammals and thousand other creatures call this national park their home. Here you may catch a glimpse of animals like tiger, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer and many others.
There are legends behind Silent Valley, which is also known as Sairandhrivanam amongst the locals. Sairandhrivanam in Malayalam means Forest of Sairandhi. This christening is associated with Draupadi, (the polyandrous wife of Pandavas) who disguised herself as Sairandhri. It is believed that Pandavas halted here, beside the river where wild creature comes to quench their thirst. This is indeed is a dangerous place to halt at.
Silent Valley National Park houses the largest population of Lion-tailed Macaque, an endangered Primate species, found in the region.
Best time to visit: Best time to visit Silent Valley is between December and April.
Visiting hours of Silent Valley: 8 am to 1 pm.
How to reach Silent Valley: The Silent Valley is located in Mannakkad, Palakkad District of Kerala. The national park is connected to major cities like Coimbatore and Palghat around, through regular bus services. You can find a bus station at Mannarghat.
Nearest airport from Silent Valley is Peelamamedu Airport in Coimbatore (117 km). And the nearest railway station from Silent Valley National Park is Palakkad Junction in Palghat (Palakkad) (75 km).
Fee: INR 25 per person (still camera)
INR 1,600 per jeep Vehicle Fee for Jeeps (5 persons) including guide fee
INR 200 per person (video camera)
