What is the Silent Valley National Park and why is it significant?

The Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. It is spread across an area of 237.52 square kilometers and is known for its unique biodiversity. The park is named after the absence of the chirping sound of cicadas, which is believed to be due to the high humidity in the valley. The park is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.

The Silent Valley National Park is significant for several reasons. It is one of the last remaining tracts of tropical evergreen forest in India and is home to a number of endemic and endangered species, such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The park is also home to several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles. The Silent Valley National Park is a critical watershed for the surrounding regions, as it is the origin of the Kunthipuzha River, which is a major tributary of the Bharathapuzha River.

The Silent Valley National Park is also significant because of the conservation efforts that have been undertaken to protect the park. In the 1970s, the park was threatened by a proposed hydroelectric project. However, a campaign led by environmentalists and scientists, including the renowned botanist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, led to the cancellation of the project and the establishment of the national park.

Today, the Silent Valley National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers several trekking routes and is open to visitors from November to June. However, visitors are required to obtain permission from the forest department before entering the park.