Everything You Need to Know About Silent Valley National Park In Kerala

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Home to some of the rarest animals and the greenest of forests, the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is one of the top destinations for wildlife fanatics and nature lovers in India.
Silent Valley, with its beautiful views and lush greenery, has so much to offer visitors who come here to explore the best of nature. Spread across 89 sq km, the Silent Valley National Park is a must-visit if you’re looking to escape the chaos of life.
Located on the Kundali Hills in Kerala, this rainforest is known for its rich flora and fauna. The beautiful landscape and the well-organised safaris around the park make the trip worthwhile.
The Silent Valley National Park is relatively smaller in size than other national parks in the country. However, what sets it apart from the rest is its beautiful environment. Majestic peaks, stunning views, and flowing rivers together make this national park unique.
The numerous animal species and plants found in Silent Valley are worth noting. The national park is known to have a strong floral and fauna population, with various endangered species inhabiting the park. Some of the most common species found here are the tiger, elephant, gaur, panther, wild pig, sambar, and the macaque. The vegetation available at the park is evergreen and tropical, and it’s almost impossible to ignore the Kunthi River that beautifully flows down from the Nilgiri Hills, passing through the park, leaving visitors mesmerised.
If you’re planning to visit the national park, here’s everything you need to know about the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala.

Best Time to Visit Silent Valley National Park

Although Silent Valley can be visited throughout the year, it’s best to visit the park between the months of December and April. During this time, the weather is pleasant and there’s also a higher chance of spotting some wildlife species. Silent Valley has an average temperature of around 21°C (69.8 °F).
One should also understand that Silent Valley will not be the same throughout the year; it will change with the seasons. So, what you will experience in the summers will be different from what you may encounter in the monsoons. So, if you’re planning a trip to Silent Valley National Park, always make sure to plan and pack according to the seasons.

Summers in Silent Valley National Park

The summers begin in April and last till May. During this time, Silent Valley is warm and dry, with the afternoons getting extremely hot. Also, plenty of animals can be spotted in the open, especially close to the water resources for a quick drink. Summers are an ideal time to visit the national park to get a glimpse of the wild in the open. Various rare bird species can also be spotted in the park during this time. The average temperature in summers is 39°C (102.2°F).

Winters in Silent Valley National Park

The winter months in Silent Valley National Park are January and February. Misty peaks, muddy trails, thick grasses, and a dry and cool climate mark the region’s winter months. You can spot larger animals like elephants during this time. If animal safaris are not your thing, you can relax at your resort and enjoy the cosy climate. The average temperature during this time is 20°C (68 °F).

Monsoons in Silent Valley National Park

Due to the southwest monsoon winds, the climate of the region is predominated by relatively high rainfall. Monsoons in Silent Valley begin in June and last till December. The average rainfall in the region is between 2,800 mm to 3,400 mm. During this time, the trails turn slushy, making it difficult to drive on the path. Also, animal sightings become limited during this time. However, the monsoons bring along green foliage, fresh surroundings, and a pleasant climate, making it a perfect place to visit for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The average temperature during the monsoon months is 25°C (75°F).

How to Reach Silent Valley National Park

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport is the closest airport to the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. It’s located about 117 km away and well-connected to all major cities like Chennai, Delhi, Bangkok, Pune, and Singapore, including overseas destinations. Taxi, cab, and bus services are available from the airport to reach Silent Valley Park.
By Rail: Palakkad Junction Railway Station is the closest railway station to the national park. It’s located about 45 km from Silent Valley and well-connected to all major cities in the country like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Jaipur. Cab and bus facilities are available at the station to reach your destination.
By Road: Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is well-connected by road to all nearby cities. If you’re coming from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore, then taking a road trip to the national park would be an exciting experience. You can either reach the park by personal vehicle, bus or cab.

Silent Valley National Park Timings

The Silent Valley National Park is open for visitors on all days except Fridays. The park opens for tourists at 6:45 am and closes around 2:34 pm.

Silent Valley National Park Safari Timings

The safari timings at the national park start from 8 am to 5 pm. However, all safari vehicles must get back latest by 5 pm. You can decide to venture inside the Silent Valley Park in a time slot that you prefer, however, ensure that you’re keeping the park timings in mind.
Silent Valley National Park Entry Fee
The entry fee for Silent Valley National Park is as follows:

• INR 50 per person
• INR 1,600 per jeep/vehicle (5 passengers)
• INR 150 guide charges
• INR 200 video camera
• INR 25 still camera

Things To Do at Silent Valley National Park
There is a wide range of activities that you can indulge in at the Silent Valley National Park. Here are some of the most important things to do at the park.

1.Set Out on An Exciting Wildlife Safari

This is one of the best things you could do at the Silent Valley National Park, especially if you are a nature lover. Here, you can witness the rarest birds and animals. However, to get a glimpse of the wildlife at the park, you must be there at the right time, which is why taking an expert guide is highly recommended with you inside the park. You will also learn about the sanctuary, including where you are most likely to spot the birds and animals.

2.Enjoy Stunning Views from the Watchtower

This is one of the most popular stopovers while enjoying a safari ride. The watchtower gives you beautiful views of the entire national park. Dense forest, lush greenery, and the pleasant climate from atop will leave you spellbound. From the top of the watchtower, you can easily spot different birds on the trees and also hear the calling of the Racket Tailed Drongo, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Peacocks, Rufous, Treepie, and more.

3.Trek to Kunthi River

Another interesting thing to do at Silent Valley National Park in Kerala after the visit to the watchtower is to embark on an enjoyable trek to the Kunthi River. It’s an exciting, short walk through the forest that leads you to the pristine river. The Silent Valley trek will allow you to experience the region’s rich biodiversity, leaving you satisfied.
This is everything you need to know about the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. If you’re looking out for Kerala tour packages, make sure to check out Thomas Cook, your number one travel partner for the best deals and discounts.

FAQs

What is the ideal duration of a trip to Silent Valley National Park?
A duration of one night and two days is enough for an exciting trip to Silent Valley National Park.

What are some of the plants that can be found in Silent Valley National Park?
Algae, Legumes, Orchids, Ferns, Grasses, Rubiaceae, Cardamon, Liverworts, Black Pepper, Rice, Beans, and around 110 different plant species that are used in Ayurvedic medicine are found in Silent Valley.

What are some of the animals that can be spotted at the Silent Valley
Park?
Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Langur, Peshwa’s Bat, Nilgiri Tahr, Hanuman Langur, Panther, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, and Common Palm Civet are some of the animals that are spotted here.

What are some of the accommodations available at the park?
Planters Retreat, Silent Valley Resort, and Tree Top Resort are some available accommodations.

Can video cameras be taken inside the Silent Valley Park?
Yes, video cameras can be taken inside the park. The charge for carrying a video camera is INR 200.