Silent Valley
National Park with a zone of 237.52
square kilometers (making it the second largest national park in Kerala). It is
located in the Nilgiri Hills, within the Palakkad District of Kerala, South
India. This park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats
mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India.
The Kuntipuzha
River drains the entire 15 km length of the park from north to south into the
Bharathapuzha River. Kuntipuzha River divides the park into a narrow eastern
sector of width 2 kilometers and a wide western sector of 5 kilometers. The
river is characterized by its crystal clear water and perennial nature.
Charges :
For Indian citizens, fees are not very
high. Approximately, they are (update before visit):
Vehicle (Jeep) rent from Mukkali to the
Valley: Rs 650/-
Guide charges: Rs 150/-
Entry fee: Rs 50/- per head
Vehicle entry fee: Rs 250/- per jeep
Cameras (still camera): Rs 50/- per
camera
Best
Time To Visit Silent Valley
The Silent Valley National Park is a
heavy rainfall region with the places in the higher altitudes getting the
highest rain. The average rainfall in the region varies between 2800 and 3400
mm. The park receives most of its rainfall during the southwest monsoon from
June to December. The relative humidity is considerably high during this season
with the maximum at times going to 95%. April and May are the hottest months
while January and February are the coolest months, though not much difference
in the temperature is experienced.
How
To Reach :-
Nearest town is Mannarkkad, which is 19
km from Mukkali.
By
Railway :
Option
1 Railway : Palakkad Jn. Railway Station
City : Chittur-Thathamangalam
Station code : PGTN
Distance : 68.48
KM
Option
2 Palakkad Town Railway Station
City : Palakkad
Station code : PGTN
Distance : 71.85
KM
Option
3 Lakkidi Railway Station
City : Lakkidi
Station code : LDY
Distance : 78.54 KM
By Air : Nearest Air Ports are Cochin (135KM),
Coimbatore (70
KM)
Calicut (80KM).
By Road : From
East: Palakkad (60 KM)
Coimbatore (63
KM)
Facilities
available :
a) Karuvara Waterfalls Trekking
Karuvara is a small waterfall in the
Panthamthodu and it is 5 Km away from Mukkali. Visitors who are interested to
have trekking can opt this program. This trekking gives the participants an opportunities
for birding and rejuvenilising feel the vibrant nature in her pristine purity
and enchanting glamour. The recommended season for visiting the area is from
August to September and December to March, avoiding peak monsoon and summer.
Availability of this programme will depend on local weather. Advance booking is
necessary for this programme. The tariff details is as follows.
Advance
reservation is necessary to participate in the above trips
b) Keerippara Trekking
The Keerippara Trek explores one of
India's favorite travel destinations – in central Silent Valley. Silent
Valley's international popularity coupled with limitations on guided activities
make it particularly difficult to ensure your participation. Booking your spot
in any of Silent Valley's activities is subject to advance booking.
If you are someone who is interested in
insects and microhabitats, the Keerippara Trek is a great choice. After
trekking the uphills of Keerippara, you will be taken to the campsite of the
Forest Department at the peak. The view from the top is rainforest for as far
as the eye is able to fathom, assuming good visibility.
Small, almost faded trails crisscross
the dense jungle of this hill range.
The Keerippara Trek is around 10
kilometers and should consume the better part of a day. The maximum number of
participants per trip is set at six and the break between two successive treks
is an hour and a half. Birds and butterflies vividly color the grassland trail
of Keerippara.
c) Boomiyampadi Package
Bommiyampadi
is nice and beautiful place located 13 km north east of Mukkali. The
Bommiyampadi package basically aims at those nature lovers who intent to visit
Silent Valley.
d) Sairandri Trip
Sairandhri
is the entrance point and visitors center for Silent Valley National Park.
Sairandhri is the site of a controversial hydroelectric dam that was proposed
in 1958 and finally rejected in 1984.
There
is a visitors center at Sairandhri with a small exhibit building, Observation
tower, parking area for authorized vehicles and a small 4 unit visitors
bungalow.
There
is a memorial to Indira Gandhi, unveiled by her son, the then Prime Minister of
India, Rajiv Gandhi, when the park was inaugurated on September 7, 1985, ten
months after her assassination.
Inside
the exhibit building are photographs and information on the various species of
orchids, plants and animals in the park. There is an innovative Jungle
orchestra at the centre, where the sound of various animals living in the park
can be heard at the press of a button.
One
may get a panoramic view of the park by climbing five levels of winding stairs
to a viewing platform on top of a 30 m high steel observation tower constructed
to commemorate opening of the park.
For
entry permission and other assistance:
Assistant Wildlife Warden,
Silent Valley National Park Range
Mukkali, Palakkad, Kerala, India -
678582
Tel: 91-4924 - 253225
Email : ro@silentvalley.gov.in
For
accommodation
Wildlife Warden,
Silent Valley Division
Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India -
678582
Tel. 91 4924 222056
Email : mail@silentvalley.gov.in
