| As we moved a little in dense forest canopy, there | | | | deer, Nilgiri Tahr, tiger, 110 special of butterflies & |
| was silhouette of a primate on a tree top, I was full | | | | 25 species of replies inhabit this tiny biodiversity |
| of joy as it was lion-tailed macula, an endangered | | | | hotspot. Its isolated status has led to unique species. |
| mammal. The joy was not a short-lived one as the | | | | In 1970s, its existence came under threat when a dam |
| silent valley was teeming with wildlife. In less than two | | | | was proposed on kunthi river which was later |
| hours, we came across a herd of elephants, a giant | | | | abandoned due to protests by environmentalists .It is |
| squirrel, great Indian hornbill, nilgiri tahr, numerous insects- | | | | rightly said by someone that salient valley |
| amazing wildlife if we compare with other national | | | | is“richest expression of life on earth”.The best |
| parks of the country. | | | | time to visit the part is September to March. |
| Silent valley was discovered by British explores in 1847 | | | | November is best time to see wildlife. A must visit |
| & so named by them. The valley is very unique | | | | place for true wildlife lovers. |
| & isolated as cliffs of Nilgiri mountains surrounded | | | | How to reach:- |
| it on all sides cutting it off the rest of world. This valley | | | | By Air – Delhi – coimbatore. Hire a taxi to reach |
| was made national part in 1984 & became part of | | | | Mukkali. |
| Nilgiri Biosphere reserve in 1986. It is a small national | | | | By Rail – Delhi-Bangalore- Palakkad- take road |
| part covering just 89.52KM but it biodiversity value can | | | | route to Mukkali. |
| be understood from the fact that more than 200 | | | | By Road – Delhi-Chennai , Chennai- Mukkali |
| spices of birds, 15 of these are endemic, primates like | | | | CONTACT: - WILDLIFE WARDEN :- |
| rare Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, gaurs, barking | | | | PALAKKAD – 04924-222056. |