Located in the center of the Palakkad district of Kerala, Silent Valley National Park reveals a beautiful realm surrounded by the Mannarkkad Plains and Nilgiri Plateau. The green refuge, which became a national park in 1984, evokes memories of the Mahabharata: the then-Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi officially opened the Silent Valley National Park on September 7, 1985. It is believed that the Kunthippuzha River, named after the Pandavas’ mother, provided vitality for the forest where their legendary spouse, Sairandhri, found comfort. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with ancient rainforests and resounding with the secrets of India’s epic past, it forms the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve today.
See also: Best tourist places to visit in Kerala
Key Facts about Silent Valley National Park
- Area: 89.52 sqkm
- Established: September 7, 1985
- State: Kerala
- Terrain: South Western Ghats mountain rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India.
- Average elevation: 900 m to 2,300 m
- Major river: Kunthi River (Kunthi Puzha)
- Wildlife: Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Tiger, Leopard (Panther), Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Common Palm Civet, and Leopard Cat
- Birdlife: Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus ; Rufous-bellied Eagle, Lophotriorchis kienerii ; Black Eagle, Ictinaetus malaiensis.
- Best season to visit: December to April
- Safari timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entry fee: Rs 50 per person, jeep or vehicle charges Rs 1,600 for 5 people
- Nearest railway station: Palakkad Junction Railway Station (37.6 km)
- Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport (66.8 km)
How to reach Silent Valley National Park?
By air: The busiest airport in the area, Coimbatore International Airport (66.8 km), is closest to the Silent Valley National Park and offers flights to major Indian cities and foreign locations like Singapore and Bangkok. To get to the park gates, taxis and cabs will take you through the picturesque Nilgiri hills.
By road: To reach the park gate, use NH66 to Mannarkkad and then SH80. This charming road travels through the slopes of Nilgiri Hills, providing views of verdant tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. The 130-mile trip should take 4 to 5 hours.
By train: Trains from around India arrive at the well-connected Palakkad Junction Railway Station (37.6 kilometers). You may reach Mukkali, where the park spreads its lush embrace, via bus or cab from here.
Location advantages of Silent Valley National Park
Address: Silent Valley National Park, mukkali P.O, Mannarkkad, Kerala
Located under the natural shelter of the Nilgiri Hills, Silent Valley National Park is in an ideal position with many benefits. First, visitors who love the outdoors come from around the world because of its location in Kerala, known for its verdant landscapes and ecotourism activities
Another benefit is accessibility. The park is connected to places like Coimbatore and Palakkad by major routes like NH66. Because of its accessibility, it’s a doable weekend trip destination or a handy pit break on a South Indian itinerary.
Visitors may also enjoy a wide variety of flora and animals in a condensed area due to its proximity to other protected places like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Mukurthi National Park. Furthermore, this closeness protects the region’s rich biodiversity by fostering important biological corridors.
Things to explore in Silent Valley National Park
Virgin Valley
Best season to visit: October to February
Virgin Valley is a short distance from Silent Valley National Park. Since you are essentially in the middle of nature here, it is a fantastic location for anyone who likes the outdoors. Here, the only sounds you can hear are the river rushing and the leaves rustling.
Keralamkundu Waterfall
Best season to visit: July to January
This is a waterfall that you really must see if you like gazing at waterfalls. Your eyes will be treated to a beautiful treat with crystal-purple water. Grab your camera and record as many unforgettable experiences and recollections of the waterfall as possible.
Wildlife safari
Best season: December to April
Visit the wildlife safari in the Silent Valley National Park if you want to see a lot of animals. Elephants, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaques, gaurs, and other creatures may be found here.
River Kunthi
Best season: December and April.
The River Kunthi is a must-see as it flows directly through the Silent Valley National Park. This location is ideal for relaxing because of the crystal clean water and mild wind.
Attappadi Hills
Best season: February to May or October to December
There are several impressive slopes and summits in Silent Valley. A notable example is Attapadi Hills. It is a great spot to take in the stunning surroundings and terrain, which makes it a perfect spot for those who like photography.
Where to stay around Silent Valley National Park
KTDC Tea County Resort
Address: KTDC Hill Resort,, Silent Valley, Munnar, India, 685612
Conveniently located in Silent Valley, giving you quick access to nearby landmarks and leisure activities. Before departing, visit the renowned Parakkat Spice Merchant Restaurant in Munnar.
Sterling Anaikatti
Address: 6/301, Vadakottathara, Palakkad Dist, Agali, Kottathara, Kerala 678581
Staying at Sterling Anaikatti in Mannarkkad puts you close to the Strip and just takes 15 minutes to go to Arsha Vidya Gurukulam by vehicle. The distances between this spa resort and Nilgiri Hills are 7.9 mi (12.7 km) and 10.9 mi (17.5 km), respectively.
Dreamotel Luxury Suites and Rooms
Address: V Square Commercial Complex, NH544, opp. ITI, Kanjikode, Kerala 678623
After a long day, guests can rest in style at the Dreamotel Luxury Suites & Rooms. Dreamotel Luxury Suites and Rooms is an excellent option for lodging for visitors visiting Pudussery West.
Real estate around Silent Valley National Park
Residential
It is a rare opportunity to find a permanent residence surrounded by the verdant embrace of Silent Valley National Park. Strict conservation measures mean there are still few residential choices. However, demand for eco-friendly cottages and farm stays located in the park’s edges has been rising gradually, by 15-20% a year. These properties appeal to nature lovers and environmentalists because they provide a unique combination of peace, gorgeous scenery, and the excitement of coexisting with various species.
Commercial
The growing popularity of Silent Valley National Park has led to a 20–25% yearly increase in eco-friendly travel businesses. Striving boutique homestays, locally produced handicraft shops, and organic farm cafés near the park’s entrance attract visitors looking for genuine experiences. But sustainable growth is essential to protect the delicate ecology, which is why environmentally responsible business owners are the best supporters for the park’s conservation initiatives.
The price range of properties around Silent Valley National Park
| Location | Type | Avg Price | Size (sqft) |
| Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram | 2, 3 BHK Apartments | Rs 6.39 K/sq.ft | 1,106 sqft – 1,454 sqft |
| Kazhakoottam, Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram | 2, 2.5, 3 BHK Apartments | Rs 5.00 K/sqft | 1,469 sqft – 2,625 sqft |
Source: housing.com
FAQs
How come Silent Valley National Park is well-known?
Botanists would find the Silent Valley to be an absolute treasure trove.
Where is the National Park of Silent Valley located?
The Silent Valley National Park has several distinctive aspects in Kerala's Palakkad district.
What is the Silent Valley National Park entry fee?
The Silent Valley National Park has an entry fee of Rs 50 per individual.
Which prime minister established the national park status for Silent Valley?
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated Silent Valley as a national park in 1985 after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had proclaimed it a national park in 1984.
Which kind of animal is safe in Silent Valley?
Around 34 different species of mammals are in this group, including the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, and Nilgiri Langur.
What river runs beside Silent Valley?
It is traversed by the Kunthi River, also known locally as Kunthipuzha (puzha in Malayalam meaning river).
Is a trip to Silent Valley worthwhile?
It is a location that everyone who loves the outdoors and animals must see.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
Priya Banerjee, a writer with a keen eye on the property market, she deciphers the ever-changing trends in residential real estate. Priya excels at simplifying complex real estate terms, making them easy for everyone to understand. Her well-researched advice helps buyers and investors understand complex topics.
