Posted 31 August 2023 in Nature beckons

10 things to do in Kerala’s beautiful Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley, located in Palakkad, Kerala is a land of lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. The exceptional sceneries, and diverse range of flora and fauna found here is truly unmatched. The place is known for the Silent Valley National Park, which is spread across an area of 89 sq km. This rainforest is one of the true treasures hiding in Kerala and it is a must-visit place for everyone who is in love with nature and wildlife.

It might interest you to know that the forest has been preserved at its pristine best. In Silent Valley, in addition to the forest, you will also find majestic peaks and rivers with gorgeous views. The gushing sound of the water, the rustling of the leaves, and the frequent call of the animals is all that you hear in this place. So if you are looking for some silence and peace, this is the place to be at.

One of the best things about the Silent Valley National Park is that it is blessed with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The River Kunthi, with crystal clear water,descends from the Nilgiri Hills and passes by the valley.

What might interest you to know is that Silent Valley is a great place for adventure activities. So, if you are someone who seeks adventure, you must head to Silent Valley for some interesting activities like hiking, trekking, camping, and more. Just walking around and exploring the huge forests, wildlife, beautiful lakes, and green landscapes will sweep you off your feet.

So, browse through the list of things to do and be a part of beautiful Silent Valley National Park in Kerala:

1. Virgin Valley

Located at a short distance from the Silent Valley National Park is Virgin Valley. It is a great place for nature lovers as you are literally in the lap of nature at this place. You can hear nothing but the gushing of the river and the rustling of the leaves here.

2. Keralamkundu Waterfall

If you love looking at waterfalls, then you must visit this one for sure. With crystal clear water, this is going to be a treat for your eyes. Take your camera and capture as many beautiful moments and memories as you can of the waterfall.

3. Attappadi Hills

Silent Valley is home to some majestic peaks and hills. One of them is Attapadi Hills. It is a good place to witness the beautiful landscape and scenery around, making it an ideal location for photography lovers.

4. Shanthi Ayurveda Ashram

It is a wellness centre, which specialises in Ayurvedic treatment and cure. This place is great if you want to escape the noise and hustle-bustle of city life. It is a haven for all nature lovers.

5. River Kunthi

Running right through the Silent Valley National Park, the River Kunthi is a must-visit. With its crystal clear water and a slight breeze, this place is perfect for relaxation. Take lots of pictures and come back with many memories.

6. Go for a Wildlife Safari

With many animals at the Silent Valley National Park, do go for wildlife safari. Here, you will find elephants, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaque, gaur, and other animals.

7. Gaze at the landscapes from the Watch Tower

There is nothing better than panoramic views of the forest, mountains, and rivers. So visit the Watch Tower at the Silent Valley National Park and you will come across landscapes that you might never have seen or even imagined of.

8. Trekking

During your trip to Silent Valley, River Kunthi is a must visit. However, it will be even more enjoyable if you get to trek to this place. It is going to be a short walk through the forest but a walk that you will surely remember. So tie your shoelaces and embark on this trip.

9. Camping

There is also an option available for travellers to camp at the Silent Valley National Park. You can plan an overnight stay at this place. Imagine sleeping under the stars and waking up to a gorgeous view of the sunrise. The camping trip also offers a trek through the forest and other activities.

10. Hiking

Silent Valley is a great place to go hiking. All you have to do is pack your things, get your adventure-loving friends along, and explore the beautiful forest and green landscapes to their fullest.

Tips before travelling

Since Silent Valley is an abode of nature, flora, and fauna, make sure that you don’t litter the place. If you are found littering the place, strict action might be taken against you.
Always look out for leeches and other insects while visiting the forest. Keeping table salt to get rid of leeches.
Make sure that you pack some comfortable clothes and shoes for the trip. Pack light but make sure you carry everything you need.
Please follow the instructions of the forest officers when you enter the Silent Valley National Park. Do not go unaccompanied inside the forest.
Before entering the forest, you will be asked to produce an identity proof.
If possible, plan a trip in advance. Silent Valley is a popular location and tends to be visited by tourists almost throughout the year.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Silent Valley is in Coimbatore, located 117 km from Silent Valley. The Coimbatore International Airport has a good network of flights to and from major cities in India.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Silent Valley is Palakkad Junction Railway Station, which is at a distance of 45 km. It is a major railway station, connecting it to many cities in India.
By road: The roads in and near Silent Valley are well-connected to a network of highways and expressways. So, you can easily plan a road trip to Silent Valley be it in your own car, a bus, or a hired cab.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Silent Valley is during the months from December to April. During these months, there is less rainfall, making it easy to explore around and animals can also be spotted in plenty. At other times of the year, Silent Valley is bound to experience heavy rainfall. It is, therefore, not advisable for people to go to Silent Valley that time.

Climate

Summers are generally hot and humid, with temperatures around 23°C to 29°C. April is the hottest month. Winters in Silent Valley are generally cold and dry. Temperatures can dip to about 4°C during this time. January and February are the coldest months.

How to get around?

Getting around in Silent Valley isn’t a problem at all. You can simply walk to wherever you want to go. Alternatively, you can hire taxis or take a bust to take you to your destination.

Conclusion

Silent Valley, as the name suggests, promises you peace and tranquillity. It is a great place to explore the forests, landscapes, wildlife, and rivers. So pack your bags, take your camera and make memories.