| Encompassed in the Western Ghats in the Kundali | | | | most are native to the Western Ghats,including |
| Hills, the Silent Valley National Park, almost 40 km | | | | about 1000 species of flowering plants, 108 |
| from Mannarkkad, well bordered by Palghat | | | | species of orchids, 100 fern and fern allies, 200 |
| woods from west, Attappadi Reserve forests | | | | liverworts, 75 lichens and about 200 algae. |
| towards east and Nilambur in south, is one of the | | | | Animal Life |
| very few continuous forest strips remaining in the | | | | Apart from the diversified plant life, the Silent |
| Western Ghats, that is untouched by man. Being | | | | Valley National Park features a strong fauna |
| a tropical evergreen forest, just because of its | | | | population, including most of the endangered |
| difficult terrain and remoteness, the extent of its | | | | species residing here. One can find nearly 30 |
| degradation is very much less in comparison with | | | | mammal species, along with the elephant, tiger, |
| other sanctuaries. Spread in an area of 236.74 sq. | | | | lion-tailed macaque, gaur, wild pig, Nilgiri langur, |
| km, the park is a part of the Nilgiri International | | | | Malabar giant squirrel, sambar and panther. Apart |
| Biosphere Reserve, with the UNESCO giving it the | | | | from these, other species of wildlife that have |
| 'Western Ghats World Heritage Site' title. | | | | been identified comprise 11 categories of snakes, |
| Having a great background, the Silent Valley | | | | 19 types of amphibians, 9 varieties of lizards, two |
| National Park was earlier in dispute, due to the | | | | fishes and two amphibians. |
| construction of the Hydel Power Project during | | | | This park is also the home of nearly 150 kinds of |
| 1970's. After the strong protests of nature lovers | | | | birds, including include the rare ones like the Indian |
| and environmentalists, it turned to a National Park | | | | Black Crested Baza, Bonelli's Hawk Eagle, Rufous |
| in 1984. | | | | Bellied Hawk eagle, Shaheen Falcon, Short-Eared |
| Also recognized as Sairandhrivanam locally, the | | | | Owl, Peninsular Scops-owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, |
| Silent Valley National Park with its abundant | | | | Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, house |
| tropical greenery, rolling slopes, hills and rivers, is a | | | | martin, and Malay Bittern etc. Out of these many |
| storehouse of extrinsic plants and wildlife including | | | | families 31 are migrants. The most commonly |
| birds, animals, insects and reptiles. This is one of | | | | found here is the black bulbul. |
| the best places for nature lovers who would | | | | Till date, it is found that the no other human |
| never like to be disturbed. | | | | population apart from the Mudakar tribes living in |
| Plant Life | | | | the nearby valley of Attappady Reserve, is found |
| Being a rain forest at a high altitude, here the | | | | in the Silent Valley. Not many accommodation |
| vegetation can be classified in four types, as | | | | facilities are provided for the tourists, there is a |
| tropical green forests along the hills and valleys | | | | single rest house, where the guest can stay in the |
| filled with extensive dense forests, sub tropical hill | | | | Silent Valley National Park. The nearest township |
| forests at higher points, temperate forests | | | | of Palakkad features numerous hotels, |
| featuring the unrelated evergreen species having | | | | guesthouses and cyber cafes, according to ones |
| enclosed canopy, and lastly the grasslands found | | | | requirement, so that one can enjoy the quiet |
| at the higher slopes and hilltops in the eastern | | | | retreat of Silent Valley, even if they are slightly |
| sector. | | | | away. |
| The valley has a wide variety of flora, of which, | | | | |