Wildlife - The India Explorer

The true essence of animals and natural settings comes alive here. The Palakkad District of Kerala's Silent Valley National Park is a striking representation of everything exquisite and well-made in this great state. The deep silence that permeates every crevice of this tropical jungle is a sensation that cannot be described. The sound of birds chirping softly breaks this stillness and draws you out of your meditation. Silent Valley National Park captivatingly demonstrates Kerala's last remaining rainforest splendour. It represents an important people's movement committed to the preservation of this verdant oasis and represents a historical turning point. The park was first established in 1985 after being designated as a National Park in 1984. Its original core zone included 89.52 square kilometres. A buffer zone was created in 2007 when a sizable 148 sq. km. was added to this core zone. When Silent Valley's trees were declared as Reserved trees in 1914, the region began its journey. Silent Valley was under the supervision of the Palakkad Forest Division until 1988. Prior to that, it was a part of the South Malabar Forest Division, which had its headquarters in Nilambur until 1921. This long past demonstrates the unwavering dedication to preserving Silent Valley National Park's unspoiled legacy. Silent Valley Park Flora and Fauna Among the world's richest and least visited landscapes, the Western Ghats are particularly noteworthy. The woodlands of the Silent Valley National Park are home to some of the planet's most pristine, unique, and extraordinarily productive ecosystems. Within the framework of biogeography, Silent Valley and the surrounding woods function as "ecological islands," maintaining conditions that predate major alterations brought about by human activity. This area, especially in the Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen communities, exhibits remarkable species richness and endemism. It is astounding to learn that Silent Valley is home to 400 species of moths, 211 birds, 49 reptiles, 47 amphibians, 12 fish, and 164 butterflies. The park's signature species, the Lion-tailed macaque, is notably well-represented in its expanding population. In addition, the park is home to native tribal groups, including the Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas, and Kattunaikkars, whose cultural legacy is carefully preserved inside the park's borders. The Flora of Silent Valley National Park Enter the lovely Silent Valley, where lush woody vegetation covers 75–80% of the protected area, providing a home for a variety of ecosystems. Savour the twenty per cent that is covered in artificial and natural grasses, and explore the stony areas that are interspersed with peaceful sources of water, such as rivers, ponds, and pools. With more than 2000 plant species, including 1000 blooming plants from 136 families and 117 orchids that lend a touch of exceptional elegance, Silent Valley is a botanical treasure. Discover distinct environments along streams, ranging from luscious Wet Bamboo Brakes to impenetrable Cane Brakes. Travel through semi-evergreen forests on the West Coast, where deciduous and evergreen trees coexist together. See the Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forests, a closed evergreen sanctuary decorated with ferns and mosses, and learn about the mystery of Reed Brakes. Admire the vastness of Southern Montane Wet Savannah Woodland, where big deciduous trees tower over rough grass. The richness of Silent Valley is found in the South Indian Subtropical Hill Savannah Woodland and Southern Montane Wet Scrub, which have a wide variety of plants ranging from Eugenia to rhododendrons. Observe how the Southern Montane Wet Grasslands flow across downlands, demonstrating the delicate balance of nature. Thought to be extinct, two orchid species, among others, have been rediscovered, and Silent Valley serves as a haven for both the known and the unknown. The Fauna of Silent Valley National Park Set off on an enthralling expedition into the centre of Silent Valley, where the Zoological Survey of India has revealed the secrets of its remarkable biodiversity. They have discovered a wealth of 315 faunal species, from annelids to mammals, via careful recording. Of these finds, eight are unique to India, while 37 are the first to be seen on the Western Ghats. Out of the 315, 39 species—including 15 invertebrates—are proud to be Western Ghats endemics. There are 41 mammalian delights to discover as you explore the verdant expanse, ranging from towering Elephants to the secretive Nilgiri Tahr. The distinctive Cullenia-Palaquium tree combination is home to the famous Lion-Tailed Macaques, which swing across the southern region's trees. Take in the stealthy skills of lesser-known predators like as the Rusty Spotted Cat and Nilgiri Marten, which provide an ethereal quality to the lush surroundings. There are 211 bird species in Silent Valley's avian symphony, 30 of which are uncommon treats. Twenty raptor species fly magnificently overhead, while rare breeders like the Malay/Tiger Bittern inhabit the untouched evergreen forests. Within this colourful fabric, the world of reptiles includes 25 verified species of snakes, one of which is the magnificent King Cobra. Discover terrestrial marvels like the Travancore tortoise and the Horsfield spiny lizard, as well as rare species like the Beddome keelback and the Ceylon cat snake. A haven of natural delights, Silent Valley invites you to discover its hidden treasures and take in the melodic symphony of life. Things to Do in Silent Valley National Park 1. Safari Exploration Take a safari and immerse yourself in the heart of the park; you may choose to be driven in luxury by informed locals or by yourself. This journey provides a thorough investigation of the whole forest, revealing its fascinating vegetation and wildlife. Following safari rules, guests stay in their cars the entire way, stopping at specific locations for short breaks for refreshments or leg stretching. 2. Watchtower Delights The watchtower is a must-see feature of any jungle safari and a fascinating place to stop. Admire the expansive vistas of the lush green forest, a magnificent treat for tired eyes. This high viewpoint offers a peaceful period among the tall trees in addition to allowing one to glimpse a variety of bird species. 3. Trekking in Silent Valley National Park Take an exciting journey to Kunthi River to add adventure to your trip to Silent Valley. A brief walk takes you through a portion of the forest as part of your safari, ending at the Kunthi River. You may enjoy a boat trip here that combines the excitement of hiking with the tranquillity of exploring a river. 4. Shopping at the Eco Shop The Vanasree eco shop, located in Mukkali, is a treasure trove of environmentally friendly goods, mostly purchased from nearby tribal groups. This one-of-a-kind business runs under the philosophy of sustainability, and the National Park acts as a conduit for the open selling of these ethically sourced products. As a conduit between tourists and the rich handicrafts and customs of the local tribal people, the Vanasree eco shop plays a crucial role. Each item offered for sale under the auspices of Silent Valley National Park is meticulously chosen to maintain the highest standards of quality, guaranteeing that every product represents the spirit of ethical and responsible consumption. Products include pepper, lemongrass oil, honey, pickles and more. Sairandhri Trip – Silent Valley National Park Safari With the Sairandhri eco-tourism package, you may take an enthralling trip through the raw beauty of Silent Valley, discovering the incredible surprises of this surreal setting. With a 5-hour journey that spans several forest types—from lush deciduous to evergreen—it provides an immersive experience with nature. Interestingly, in order to protect the natural equilibrium, the package, which the Silent Valley Forest Development Agency put together, limits lodging options inside the park and forbids swimming in the river. Agency-owned buses and jeeps are available for visitors to use as a safe and pleasant way to explore the area. The package runs from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, and renting a jeep is necessary to enjoy this magical experience. The Sairandhri eco-tourism package offers a chance for people who are keen to explore the heart of Silent Valley to take in its majesty. The safari costs Rs. 400, but there are extra fees for renting a 5-seater jeep, a 15-seater bus, or a 25-seater bus. This flexibility allows for different group sizes to be accommodated, making the trip affordable for all nature lovers who want to see this special national park's natural beauty. Silent Valley National Park Trekking Guide The tourism department of Silent Valley National Park organises many treks for its visitors that include affordable packages for a wholesome experience. Boommiyampadi Situated around 13 kilometres from Mukkali, the base camp of Silent Valley National Park is the tranquil sanctuary of Bommiyampadi, an undiscovered treasure encircled by the magical forest. The Bommiyampadi eco-tourism package unfolds as a jungle hideaway, bringing guests on an experiential trip through the pristine green expanse and providing an enchanting escape into nature's embrace. This special package offers a guided exploration of the verdant, untamed forests in addition to the chance to stay in a "forest front" cottage. The package's flawless integration of the Sairandhri package with a tour of Attappady's tribal lands only serves to enhance its attraction. Trekkers have a guided tour to Bommiyampadi, where they can do a safari in their car after checking in at the information centre. The package includes all the necessities for a lovely stay in a forest hideaway, including breakfast, lunch, tea, supper, and snacks. The cottages, which go by the names Annapoorna, Vasudha, Vasundhara, and Dhathri, are priced at Rs. 6000/- for two people (plus more for additional people) or Rs. 14000/- for five people to accommodate a range of tastes. A refreshing and engaging experience in the midst of nature is what the Bommiyampadi eco-tourism package promises, with check-in and check-out times of 12:00 pm and 01:30 pm, respectively. Keerippara Camping For those who love nature and want to have a truly immersed experience, the Keerippara package is the best option. This two-day hiking and overnight stay package promises a revitalising study of nature as it takes you on a riveting tour through the many forest types in the Park's buffer zone. The experience is set against an enchanted backdrop as the route winds through the countryside, revealing captivating views of butterflies dancing and birds soaring overhead. Each group completing the Keerippara package is limited to a maximum of five people, ensuring a customised experience. The package is designed for an intimate interaction with nature. The four-hour walk, led by an experienced guide, reveals the mysteries of the forest and forges a special connection between visitors and the thriving ecology. The package offers lodging in a tent, allowing guests to spend the night beneath the forest's starry canopy. The Keerippara package costs Rs. 2000 per person and has check-in and check-out times of 03:00 pm and 08:30 am on days one and two, respectively. Furthermore, group pricing for five people is offered at Rs. 8500, with the option to add a person for an additional Rs. 1500. This ensures flexibility for a range of nature enthusiasts to participate in this exciting wildlife expedition. Nature Walks Experience the marvels of nature with us through our paid nature camp, which offers students and nature enthusiasts an exclusive chance to have meaningful talks with seasoned experts in the area. Over two to three days, this flexible nature programme provides a wide range of activities, such as nature photography and guided nature hikes. Only 15 to 20 people are invited to this special experience, which enables a close-knit and enlightening interaction with the national park's natural surroundings. This immersive adventure begins with check-in at 9:00 am, when attendees may engage in talks with specialists and learn about a variety of aspects of the natural world. The camp creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and allows for discovery and engagement. This nature camp, which costs Rs. 2000 per person for a 2-day programme and Rs. 2500 per person for a 3-day programme, is an affordable opportunity to learn about and develop an appreciation for the national park's many ecosystems. Participants may take the spirit of this enlightening event with them onto their continued journey as stewards of nature, with check-out scheduled for 3:00 pm. Silent Valley National Park Entry Fee The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. You can get a guide for Rs. 150. Photography and videography cameras are chargeable at Rs. 25 and Rs. 200, respectively. Silent Valley National Park Booking You can book your trip here from their website directly or from the official Kerala Tourism website. Silent Valley National Park Timing The park is open on all days except Fridays from 06.45 am to 02.45 pm. Silent Valley National Park Best Time to Visit Travellers are drawn to the enthralling biodiversity of Silent Valley National Park throughout the year. October through February is the best time to visit and see the animals in all its glory. This period also provides the best opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery. It is important to remember that the park is closed to tourists from March through May, so make sure you schedule your visit during a time when it is open. In Silent Valley, every season offers something different to enjoy; the summer scenery could not be the same as the winter scenery. In addition, the park is painted a lovely hue by the monsoons, making for a beautiful view for those who like the beauty of rainfall. It is recommended to pack appropriately to guarantee a comfortable and pleasurable vacation, as this month may see significant rains. How to Reach Silent Valley National Park There are several ways to go about Silent Valley National Park for visitors: By Air: The main air gateway is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is situated around 117 kilometres away from the park. Regular flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Pune, and Chennai, as well as overseas destinations like Singapore and Bangkok, are made possible by this well-connected airport. Once there, tourists may go to the park by renting a private vehicle or a taxi from reliable car rental firms in Kerala. By Rail: The closest train station to Silent Valley, located 45 km away, is the Palakkad Junction railway station, which is for those who choose to go by rail. There is strong connectivity between this station and important Indian cities. Travellers can take taxis or cabs from Palakkad Junction to finish their trip to the park. By Road: The well-connected road system of Silent Valley National Park makes it easy for drivers to reach the area. The park is reachable from neighbouring cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Chennai via bus, private taxi, or car. Buses from Karnataka serve passengers from Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Telangana, and they run frequently to Palakkad in Kerala. Travelling to Silent Valley by car offers beautiful routes and the opportunity to see the surrounding areas. Silent Valley National Park Photos Conclusion The Silent Valley National Park is a gorgeous burst of colours in the soothing haven of Kerala. Visit it to see and experience some of the best and unique flora and fauna!