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Silent Valley National Park

The Silent Valley National Park, which is a part of the rainforests of the Western Ghats, is a wonderful and beautiful sanctuary that is almost an un-spoilt by human invasion, because this sanctuary is remotely located. This sanctuary is the main part of the Nilagiri Biosphere Reserve and is also part of the Western Ghats World Heritage Site that is being considered by the UNESCO.

History

In the local language of Malayalam, this forest is commonly known as Sariandhrivanam or Forest of Sairandhri. Draupati took the form of Sairandhri, assistant of Queen Sudheshna when she wanted to disguise herself from others. When the Pandava kings were on an exile of fourteen years along with their wife, Draupadi, they stopped at the place where the national park is now situated as they were mesmerized at the beauty and natural extravaganza of the area. It is believed that all the animals and birds lived in perfect harmony in this sanctuary in the olden days. Elephants and tigers used to drink together from the water reserve. The cave that is found near these hills is the place where the Pandava rulers halted during their exile period.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

The period from November to February is the best time to visit the Silent Valley National Park. The park remains green and lush during this time as it is the time just after the monsoon and the climate is pleasant during this time. There are different kinds of topography found all over this park. This decides the amount of rainfall that these places receive.

How to Reach

By Air

Coimbatore airport, at a distance of 100km, is the nearest airport from this sanctuary.

By Rail

Palakkad railway junction, at a distance of 58km, is the nearest railway station from this sanctuary.

By Road

Mukkali is the point through which one can enter into this sanctuary. There are lots of buses from Palakkad, Coimbatore, Mannarkad and many more cities into this area on a frequent basis.

Wildlife

Flora

There are at least 75 lichens, 100 ferns, 1000 flowering plant varieties, 200 algae and 108 species of orchids are found in this park.

Fauna

Many types of birds, mammals, animals and insects make up the fauna of the park. There are many endangered species of fauna that are well maintained here. Apart from the common birds, some of the rare birds found here is Great Indian Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth. Around 10 species of rare birds like Malabar Pied Hornbill, Red winged crested cuckoo and Pale Harrier are found here in utmost safety. Among the mammals, the tigers, cats, civets, mongoose, elephants, deer, Sambhar, wild boards, gaurs and other common varieties, some rare species like lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar giant squirrel, Hairy winged bat and Peshwa’s Bat too are found safely protected in this national park.

Activities to Do

Trekking, walking, bird-watching and wildlife photography are some of the activities that tourists can indulge in, when they come to the Silent Valley National Park.

Nearby Attractions

Attapady Valley, Poochipara Peak, Kanjirapuzha, Aryampavu Temple, St. Mary’s Church and Thirumathamkunnu Devi Temple are some of the major tourist attractions near this sanctuary.

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