One of earth's last unspoiled ecosystems,
where mother Nature reigns Supreme!
Thriving.. Untamed.. Diverse..
Silent valley is a true relic of pristine nature in its unspoilt wilderness.. A poem.. A piece of exceptional beauty!
Spread across 237.52 square kilometres, this 50 million years old valley exudes a quite grandeur and mystery that is part of a story that is probably older than mankind.
More Bio-diverse than the Amazon forests..
With a Bio-diversity index higher than the amazon forests and home to numerous endangered species including certain living fossils - surviving remnants of a bygone era - the valley beckons us to witness the marvelous exuberance of life that expresses itself in an incredible harmony of plants and animals, birds and insects. Here is the world, as it was meant to be!
Location
Silent Valley National Park also known as Sairindhri Vanam (the forest in the valley) is located at southwest corner of Nilgiri hills, Palakkad district of Kerala in South India. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.Forming the core area of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Silent Valley perhaps, is one among the most magnificent gifts of nature to mankind. The dense forest, the music of the birds and the deep gorges formed by the wild river Kunthi that flows crystal clear water year round, all add up to enhance the experience of the Valley.
Climate
The mean annual temperature is 20.2°C. The hottest months are April and May when the mean temperature is 23 °C and the coolest months are January and February when the mean temperature is 18o C. Because of the high rainfall, the relative humidity is consistently high (above 95%) between June and December.
Silent Valley gets copious amounts of rainfall during the monsoons, but the actual amount varies within the region due the varied topography. Eighty per cent of the rainfall occurs during the south-west monsoon between June and September. It also receives significant amount of rainfall during the north-east monsoon between October and November. The park being completely enclosed within a ring of hills, has its own micro-climate and probably receives some convectional rainfall, in addition to rain from two monsoons. In the remaining months, condensation on vegetation of mist shrouding the valley is estimated to yield 15 per cent of the total water generated in the rainforest
Wild.. Truly wild at the heart..
Silent Valley shelters thousands of wild endangered species of flora and fauna. And very often, new and new plant and animal species are discovered here. The Lion-tailed Macaque, Niligiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel,Nilgiri Tahr, Peshwa’s Bat (Myotis peshwa), Hairy-winged Bat, Tiger, leopard (panther), leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Brown Palm Civet, Ruddy Mongoose,Stripe-necked Mongoose, Dhole, clawless otter, sloth bear, small travancore flying squirrel, Indian pangolin (scaly anteater), porcupine, wildboar, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer and gaur are just a few of the inhabitants at the heart of this truly wild Valley.
How to reach Silent Valley?
The nearest railway station is the Palakkad Railway Station in Kerala, about 80 km away. From the railway station you have to reach Mukkali via Mannarkad.
Tourist planning to visit the Silent Valley National Park by flight should reach the Coimbatore Airport in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The Coimbatore Airport is about 55 km away. From the airport tourists need to reach Mukkali by car or bus or by train [via Palakkad].
Mukkali a sleepy village that makes you wonder whether you are still in the 1970's era, serves as base camp to Silent Valley. Mukkali is the last check point of 'civilization' and from there on to proceed you need special sanction from the forest department. Private vehicles are not allowed anymore and you will have to hire a guide [for a fee] and one of the jeeps with permit from Mukkali [the charge is approx Rs 600/-] and off you go into the forest through a rugged road, catching glimpses of monkeys, squirells and birds galore. Limited number of passes are issued each day and you have to return by 2 in the afternoon.
Accomodation facilities at Mukkali
Varied accommodation options are available including guest houses, paying guest accomodations and resorts.
The forest guest house and dormitory offers overnight stay. Rooms have to be booked in advance. with the warden. The facilities are minimal but adequate for an overnight stay. To make a booking one can contact Wildlife warden at 04924 222056 or email to mail@silentvalley.gov.in .
Paying guest accomodation can also be availed at Mukkali. There are several traditional coffee shops too in Mukkali offering meals and snacks all day long.
The Government of Kerala has declared Mukkali as an eco-tourism zone and nature friendly developement is expected around Mukkali in the very near future.
