The Silent Valley National Park, in Kerala’s Palakkad district, is a biodiversity haven spanning 237 sq km. It is known for its pristine tropical evergreen forests.
Legend ties it to the Mahabharata, claiming the Pandavas hid here during their secret exile, lending the valley a mythical aura. In 1847, Scottish botanist Robert Wright named it “Silent Valley” due to the striking absence of cicadas—insects known for their loud calls. This absence is attributed to the region’s wet climate, which is unsuitable for cicadas.
Established as a national park in 1984, it protects endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri tahr. Its significance lies in its untouched ecosystem, housing over 1,000 plant species and serving as a critical watershed for the Kuntipuzha River. The park’s conservation battles, notably against a proposed dam in the 1970s, underscore its ecological and cultural value, making it a UNESCO World Heritage contender.
