SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

A quaint small space that gained significance because of its evergreen rainforests, and probably the only ones remaining in the country today, Silent Valley gets its name from missing Cicadas that emphasize their presence in the valley. Many centuries ago, it is believed that, this forest served as a shelter to Sairandhiri (known as Draupadi in Hindu Mythology) and her five husbands (the Pandavas) while escaping from the cruel clutches of their cousins - the Kauravas, in the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that they hid in the realms of this expansive forest where Draupadi disguised herself as Sairandhiri, becoming the maid to a queen named Sudeshna, while living in exile with her family. Hence, it got the name Sairandhrivanam. It is also believed that the Kunthipuzzha River was named after Kunthi, the mother of the Pandavas. It provides water to the entire forest area. The nearest railway station to Silent Valley is Palakkad Junction railway station which is located at a distance of 45 kms from the park.The International Airport of Coimbatore is located around 117 kms from the park. The park maintains a well-connected network of roadways that make it easier to reach the park, if you happen to take a road trip too. Coimbatore to Silent Valley – 100 kms Mannarkkad to Silent Valley- 12 kms Ooty to Silent Valley- 160 kms Mysore to Silent Valley- 218 kms Chennai to Silent Valley- 600 kms Bangalore to Silent Valley- 460 kms