Silent Valley National Park in Kerala

District - Palakkad


Location - 20 km from Mannarkkad


Altitude - 3600 feet


Famous for - Being the only representative virgin tract of the tropical evergreen forests in India


Serves as - National Park, forest safari, trek, Picnic spot

About Silent Valley National Park 

Head on to the lush green environs of Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad if you wish to witness the virgin beauty of nature. Located within the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats, Silent Valley National Park is part of the dense rainforests of Nilgiri Forests and Nilambur Forests. It settles within 237.52 square kilometers of core area in the murky rainforest and is home to one of the rarest species of flora and fauna. Located within the Palakkad districts of Kerala, the rich pristine environs of the park beckon you for a visit of your lifetime. It is one of the best eco-friendly forest one would visit in India.

A visit to the Silent Valley National Park could be one of the most colorful trip of your life! Being the one and only representative virgin tract of the tropical evergreen forests in India, visit to the Silent Valley National Park is an experience of the lifetime. Consider yourself lucky enough if you get to witness rain during your visit. The whole area of Silent Valley National Park livens up with the arrival of monsoon. Perched amidst lush green peaks and rivers, the whole vicinity of Silent Valley National Park amazes you with its unpolluted and cleaner environs. The whole credit goes to the forest department of Kerala, including the guides and staff of the park who maintain and take care of the cleanliness as well the flora and fauna. Strict rules are maintained when it comes to preserving the beauty and cleanliness of the park. One would find no litter around.

The Silent Valley National Park is the best destination for visiting forest and wildlife safari. Wildlife safaris are carried out in a mini bus and jeeps. Maximum 6 people are placed in the jeep. One has to hire a local guide before commencing the safari. The local guides have excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna within the forest. Only reserved portion of the forest is open to visitors, but it is quite enough as it takes a couple of hours to visit the entire reserved area. There is a watch tower in the middle of the park from where you get to enjoy the aerial view of the lush green forest. One can enjoy a walk on the Hanging bridge and also walkover to the nearby Kunthi River. One of the luckiest glimpses are of tiger strolling around or venturing the waterhole.

The place was named so by the British during their exploration due to the eerie silence one feels around and also because of the absence of the noisy cicadas. The valley promises complete silence and serenity. The Kanjirapuzha Dam perched amidst the scenic surroundings of Silent Valley National Park is the best place to shoot pictures and take selfies. Then there is the famous Kerala Kundu Waterfall right in the middle of the Silent Valley National Park, where the water cascades down over 150 feet from a high rocky cliff into a huge stone pit.

One of the main attractions is the variety of butterflies in the park. There are more than 200 species of butterflies amidst the 1000 flowering species and 108 species of orchids, within the Silent Valley National Park. Some birds that can be seen here include the rare and endangered Indian Hornbill,  Nilgiri wood pigeon, grey headed bulbul, rufous blabber, white-bellied shorting, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Wynaad laughing thrush and Nilgiri pipit among many others. Some of the animals and reptiles that can be spotted and make their presence feel in the forest and the Silent Valley National Park include tiger, leopard, lioned tailed macaque, giant squirrels, the rare simhavelen monkey, king cobra, Nilgiri langur, jungle cat, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian pangolin, elephants and panthers among others. Completely enriched with wild flora and fauna, the Silent Valley National Park is indeed blessed by the mother earth and promises you untouched and unperturbed natural beauty.

The watch tower

Things to do at Silent Valley National Park

Jungle Safari

Forest trek

Shooting pictures

Kanjirapuzha Dam - This massive earth dam built on the Kanjirapuzha river near the Silent Valley National Park is one of the best places to visit.  Perched amidst the scenic surroundings of Silent Valley National Park, this is the best place to shoot pictures and take selfies.

Kerala Kundu Waterfall - The famous Kerala Kundu Waterfall right in the middle of the Silent Valley National Park, where the water cascades down over 150 feet from a high rocky cliff into a huge stone pit. There is minimal entry fee of INR 20 for visiting this place.

Buy natural forest produce such as wild honey at nominal prices at forest department's own store.

Plan a trip to Coonoor which is closeby

Trekking at Silent Valley National Park

Trekking is one of the best ways to explore the real beauty of Silent Valley National Park. But one has to book the trekking option with the forest department at least one week prior to their trek plan. Also the trekking entry is limited to only 100 to 150 people per day. But mind you, all these efforts won't go wasted once you venture into the forest and trek through the dense forestation. It would indeed be an mesmerizing event in itself. The difficulty level of this trek is medium. One spots wild variety of flowers, butterflies and animals during their trek.

Entry Fees and Other Details of Silent Valley National Park

Entry Fee for Indian Tourists - INR 50 per person

Entry Fee for Foreign Tourists - INR 210 per person

Jeep Safari Rent Charges - INR 650 per jeep

Vehicle Entry Fees - INR 250 per jeep

Guide Hire Charges - INR 250

Charges for Video Camera - INR 200 per person

Charges for Still Camera - INR 25 per person

Timings for booking office - 8 am to 1 pm

Please note

1. It is important to call and book your visit in advance, at least before one week for hassle-free safari arrangements.

2. Try to reach early and book your seat for safari at the Forest office at Mukkali

3. Hiring a guide for your trip to Silent Valley National Park is a must.

4. Book a early morning safari trek. It is only during this early period that you get to sight some rare wild birds and animals.

5. Use of plastic is strictly prohibited in this area. Hence be careful with that.

6. Do not litter.

7. Beware of leeches. Be careful when you visit or venture into the rivers. Trick is to carry common salt with you.

8. There is a tea shop within the park, that offers tea and snacks at minimal cost. Other than that no food is available in the vicinity of the park. Hence it is advisable to carry your own food during safari.

9. Do not wander around alone with your camera.

10. Private vehicles need to be parked outside the booking office.

11. Don't carry flammable items like matchbox or lighters with you.

12. There are very few buses from Mukkali to Palakkad, so it is advisable to check and confirm the timings for hassle-free departure.

How to Reach Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park is easily accessible by road from major towns of Kerala and Tamilnadu. One has to reach Mukkali where the booking office of Silent Valley is placed. The nearest airport for Silent Valley National Park is Coimbatore International airport which is 91 km away from Mukkali. From here you can hire private cabs to reach further to the national park. The nearest railway station for Silent valley national park is Palakkad which is 80 km away. From here you can either get a bus to Mannarkkad or Kozhikode. It takes almost an hour to reach Mannarkkad from here and then you have to take another bus to Anaketty which takes you to Mukkali. From Mukkali the distance of Silent Valley National Park is roughly 25 km.

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Mannarkkad - 20km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Palakkad - 55 km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Kozikode - 114 km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Coimbatore - 63 km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Coonoor - 104 km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Kuttanad - 260 km

Distance of Silent Valley National Park from Munnar - 213 km

Contact details for bookings and Inquiry at Silent Valley National Park

The Wildlife Warden
Silent Valley Division
MannarkkadP.O.,
Palakkad
Kerala,
India - 678582

Telephone Number: +91- 4924 222056

Email: ww-svnp@forest.kerala.gov.in

For more information please contact,

Information Centre: 8589895652

Website: www.silentvalley.gov.in

Asst. Wildlife Warden
Silent Valley National Park
Mukkali,
Palakkad - 678582

Telephone Number: +91 4924 253225

Email: ro-mukkali@forest.kerala.gov.in

Dzukou Valley of Nagaland

State - Nagaland

Location - 25 km from Kohima (Capital of Nagaland)

Altitude - 8044 feet

Famous for - 'Valley of Flowers of North East'

Serves as - Picnic spot, Trek, Landscapes, flower valley

About Dzükou Valley of Nagaland

If you are an avid nature lover and would love to witness and be part of the true natural beauty, head to the Dzükou Valley that is located at the borders of Nagaland and Manipur! Nature has instored for you all the vibrant colors you could think of in the form of fragrant blooms, lush greenery and captivating flora. Situated at a height of 8044 feet behind the majestic Japfu Peak, Dzükou Valley is home to one of the rarest Dzükou Lily among the other sparkling, breezy flowers. The Dzükou Valley falls in the Nagaland region and is one of the most popular and scenic tourist destinations in India.

The rolling hills and the spectacular flower galore within the Dzükou Valley of Nagaland captivates you! It is also referred as the Valley of Flowers of North East. It is because of the beautiful, multi-colored fragrant flowers that dot the pristine valleys. The whole picture of the Dzukou Valley with its dotted carpet of flowers, tall grass, dense forests, cooing birds and the meandering streams of crystal clear water is more like a picture perfect. The two gurgling streams that flow through the valley - viz. the Dzukou river and the Japfu river are mostly frozen during winters. There are times when one can see nothing of the valley but only a rich carpet of flowers comprising of multicolored lilies, wild rhododendron and other wild varieties.

Dzukou Lily found only in Dzukou Valley

One thing about traveling to this place blows out your mind is - you can just visit it anytime of the year and it still never manages to disappoint you. It would be rarest of rare occasion when you miss the flower carpets on the Dzükou Valley. The prolific natural bliss of the Dzukou Valey manages to enchant you throughout the year. The peaks of the Dzükou Valley are always a flower meadow, come summer, monsoon or winter. Though the peak flower season here is post June, yet one can find rows of Dzukou lily among tall grass blanketed over the rolling hills during summer. New blooms emerge in monsoon and soon one witnesses the multicolored flower meadows in the valley. In winters the hills are snowclad, yet one won't be disappointed with the scenic sight of the valley. And even in winters the Dzükou Valley promises floral beauty creeping through the snow to make its presence.

One comes across the Kachari Ruins while the Dzukou Valley Trek

 It is sad that the tourism in Nagaland and Manipur is yet in it's discovery stage and not yet largely known to tourists - especially foreign tourists, but in the coming years the Nagaland tourism is about to boom and surely there will be promising endeavors from the Nagaland Tourism Ministry to showcase and promote their tourism opportunities.

Well, sometimes it is good to be undiscovered! Why? Because the nature of Dzukou Valley is left unadulterated, unpolluted and untouched. The magical beauty of Dzukou Valley is far away from the modern technology, no network range ;) and far away from crowd. Scream your lungs out and no one bothers you! Enjoy the magical sunrise that would be something utterly out of this world experience.

Early mornings in Dzukou Valley

To witness the best traveling experience to Dzukou Valley, enjoy an overnight camping within the valley amidst the serene surroundings. There are caves within the valley where one can stay overnight, provided you carry some warm clothing. The calmness and the tranquility will blow your mind away. Do not worry about carrying the camping luggage to the camping site. There are many porters who would gladly carry your luggage.

What to Do at Dzukou Valley

Relax

Enjoy the scenic beauty and lush landscapes

Wander

Meditate

Blend into the calmness of the surroundings

Camp overnight for an relaxing experience

Enjoy the Dzukou Valley and Japfu Trek

Hike

Rock climb

Best Time to Visit Dzukou Valley

As I mentioned earlier, Dzukou Valley never fails to enchant you, which ever the season. The peak flower season starts from June to September. This is when one gets to witness the lush bloom of lilies and rhododendrons. During winter, the temperature drops pretty low and hence one should carry warm clothing. Winters at times are frozen and hence should be avoided. Summers are pleasant and enjoyable. But if you wish to witness the best Dzukou experience, then the best time to visit would be from June to late October.

The Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek

Trekking in the Dzükou Valley is one of the most exhilarating experience in itself. There are many trekking opportunities in the Dzükou Valley and one would never be disappointed with the result. The best way to explore the Dzukou Valley is through trek. There are many hiking and rock climbing opportunities that the valley has to offer. And who knows! you may just find one of your own beautiful spots and explore the unexplored within the valley - flowers or not! Trekking through the pristine valleys of Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak is an amazing experience. The difficulty level of the Dzukou Valley Trek is moderate which is carried on through dense and lush green forest trails amidst steep descents. The approach road from Visvema Road is much safe and preferable other than Zakhama village.

Where to Stay in the Dzukou Valley

Apart from overnight camping within the valley or staying within the caves, there are some accommodation options available en route to Dzukou Valley. There are dormitories and guesthouse options on the Zakhama road where decent accommodation facilities are available. But if you are planning to stay for more than a few days and explore the valley, then Kohima is the ideal city to seek accommodation. There are couple of hotels such as the Pine Hotel or homestays that can offer some comfortable accommodation facilities.

Entry fee and other Details for visiting Dzukou Valley

Entry Fee for Indian tourists - INR 50 per person

Entry Fee for foreign tourists - INR 100 per person

Please note that this entry fee is to be paid only once and not per day. So if you plan to stay and explore the valley for a couple of days, only one entry fee pass is enough for all the days.

Travel Permissions to Dzukou Valley

Visitors need permission(Inner Line Permit) to visit the Dzukou Valley. Both Indian as well as foreign tourists should obtain permission from the Nagaland House in Kolkata, Guwahati or Dimapur to visit Nagaland. Foreign tourists need to register themselves at the local state government office which is located either in Dimapur or Kohima for the entry .

How to Reach Dzukou Valley 

Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland. It is the only city of Nagaland that is connected by flight and trains with rest of Indian cities. The domestic airport of Dimapur receives regular flight from Kolkata and Delhi. Trains ply regularly to Dimapur from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi. Once you reach Dimapur, you need to travel further to Kohima. Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. To reach Kohima, you can take a bus or taxi. The journey duration from Dimapur to Kohima is roughly two hours as the distance between the two cities is 74 km. Once in Kohima, hire a private taxi and drive down to either of the two base villages to Dzukou Valley - Visvema village or Zakhama village. Visvema Village is 25 km away from Kohima and Zakhama Village is 20 km from Kohima. Both these village are ideal bases for one to start their trek to Dzukou Valley. The shared taxi charges are roughly INR40 per person to Jakhama village and INR50 per person to Visvema village from Kohima.

The Neelakurinji Flowers Blooming Season 2018 in Munnar

State - Kerala

District - Idukki

City - Munnar

Flower Name - Neelakurinji

Botanical Name - Strobilanthes kunthianus

Blooming Season - July to October

About The Neelakurinji Flowers Blooming Season in Munnar

Munnar - one of the most traveled places in India is awaiting a magic of the decade! Munnar is popular among travelers and tourists from all across the globe for its breathtaking tea plantations, lush valleys, dense vegetation, roaring waterfalls, spices, hair-pin roads and captivating beauty. No one is disappointed by their trip to Munnar. As if this all was not enough, this year there would be an added attraction that would attract nature lovers from all over the globe to Munnar to witness the bloom of Neelakurinji flowers. The bloom of Neelakurinji flowers is one of the most anticipated event of Kerala. The Neelakurinji flower is popularly called so, because in Malayalam, which is the main language spoken in Kerala, 'Neelakurinji' means 'blue flower'. Nilgiri Mountains get it's name only because of these flowers as 'Nil' means 'blue' and 'gir' means 'mountain'.This bloom of Neelakurinji Flowers would blanket the hills of Munnar and present the most spell-binding experience.

It is said that the bloom of Neelakurinji Flowers happen once in twelve years. Not just one but around 40 odd varieties of Neelakurinji flowers would bloom all over on the Nilgiri Hills. And it is said that 2018 is the year that is to witness this beautiful bloom again.The blanket of dreamy shade of purplish blue flowers will be finally making its appearance from July 2018 to October 2018 and thus the long wait would be over.  This natural wonder can be enjoyed this year 2018 in Munnar from early July to October. The natural blooming flower show of Neelakurinji flaunts it's beauty over the Nilgiri Hills. The best part of this bloom is the eye-soothing colour of the Neelakurinji flower, which as ages turns into bluish purple which serves as a pleasant backdrop among the green hills. These flowers could be widely seen in Munnar around the areas of Eravikulam National Park. If you are lucky enough you may just witness a Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat, strolling lazily down the hills amidst the beautiful flower spread.

These shrubs of Neelakurinji flowers grow on the altitude of around 4265 ft to 7800 feet. The height of this plant is only 30 to 60 cm and hence is counted to be a shrub. The peak season for the bloom is September and October, and that is when Munnar is thronged with tourists, biologists and nature lovers from all around the world. But one can start visiting Munnar right from June or July to witness the mass flowering of Neelakurinji Flowers. The time when the flowers bloom fully is  a peak season in Munnar - pretty crowded.

Tips for Traveler Who are Planning a Visit for the Neelakurinji Flowers Bloom 2018

- If you are planning to witness this awesome sight, make sure you carry on the booking in advance. Many tour operators have already opened the booking schedule.

- Book travel arrangements in advance too, unless you are traveling on your own.

- Visit the place early, preferably early morning. A walk amidst the flower spread is one of the most amazing experience.

Kaas Pathar near Pune - Ideal Monsoon Getaway

Sources: Google

Name: Kaas Pathar / Kaas Plateau / Kas Pathar / Valley of flowers

State: Maharashtra

Location: 25 km from Satara / 125 km from Pune

Famous for: Wild floral beauty, dense forestation, scenic beauty, valleys and lake

Serves as: Ideal weekend destination, picnic spot, monsoon retreat

About Kaas Pathar

Around 25 km from Satara, one finds a beautiful valley spread over ten square km area of wild flowers (a beauty of it's own) known as Kas Pathar (Valley of flowers). Kas Pathar means Plateau of Flowers. This Kas Plateau now finds it's place in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. What we find here is hundreds of species of wildflowers blossoming at a specific period of time annually. And that's not all! The Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar located on high hill plateau is home to various different species of butterflies.

Kas Pathar is a must visit place between late July to early October. The biodiversity that one finds during this season is miraculous. The plateau is formed of basalt rock. These basalt is exposed to erosion and atmospheric changes, which allows thin layer of soil to accumulate on the rocks. Neither black nor laterite, this soil suits the floral shrubberies that grow over endlessly throughout the plateau.  Largely formed of basalt rock, this plateau has certain uneven surfaces which allows formation of small puddles. These puddles form home to beautiful marshy flora. Various shrubs, small trees, grassland, around 850 species of flowers (many of those endangered) and most of them native to this particular region along with native, beautiful butterflies is what one should expect to catch a glimpse here. Out of the 850 listed floral species, 624 species are listed to be part of red data species.

The climate overall at Kaas Pathar is cool and peaceful. What one gets to see is a large, thick carpet of flowers and grass of different colours and sizes. Kaas Pathar near Pune is a ideal visiting place for picnic lovers, trekkers and nature lovers. Being surrounded by dense forestation, this picturesque beauty is a must visit. Kaas Pathar is indeed an ideal monsoon getaway!

Best Time To Visit Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau can be visited throughout the year, but ideally the best time to visit Kas Pathar is from late July to early October, i.e. during monsoon, when the beauty of Kaas Pathar is at it's best. We get to enjoy the annual flowers, small puddles with it's beautiful floral marsh and dense green forestation.

What to do at Kaas Pathar

Just relax

Enjoy the picturesque view

Let the magical spell of floral vegetation enchant you.

Visit the Kaas Lake.

Enjoy the floral species - few endangered and few endemic.

Bird watching

Watch the numerous species of butterflies.

Go trekking.

Entry Fees and Timings of Kaas Pathar

Timings of Kaas Pathar: 6 am to 6 pm

On Saturdays, Sundays and during government holidays: INR 100 per person for 3 hours

Rest of the week: INR 50 per person for three hours.

Parking charges extra

Places of Interest near Kaas Pathar

Other than enjoying the scenic beauty of Kaas Pathar, one can visit Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vajrai Waterfalls, Kanher Dam, Sajjangad Fort and Thoseghar Waterfalls . There are few temples too in the vicinity such as the Yevteshwar Temple and the Ghatai Devi Temple.

How to reach Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Reaching Kaas Pathar by road: Located around 25 km from Satara and 280 kms from Mumbai, Kaas Pathar can be visited either by motorable road via Satara or also from motorable road via Tapola.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by train: One can also visit Kaas Pathar by train from Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Satara by train and 4 hours approximately from Pune. Once you reach Satara station, you have options of buses and auto-rickshaws. Cars can also be rented from Satara. ST buses run from Satara to Bamnoli Village at regular intervals. It takes around an hour to reach Bamnoli and charges are not more than INR 50. Koyna Express, Sahyadri Express and Mahalaxmi Express ply 7 days a week between Mumbai to Satara.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by air:  Karad airport is located 65 km from Satara. Mumbai and Pune are the other nearest airports. Then one can follow the road route or the train route mentioned above.

Where to Stay in Kaas Pathar

Accommodation options ranging from good hotels to cheap lodges are available for stay when you plan to stay overnight in and around Kaas Pathar.

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort - Around 11 km from Kaas Pathar

Motel Swagath Plaza - Around 37 km from Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace in Satara

Hotel Radhika Palace offers comfortable accommodation along with other facilities such as free wifi zone, hot water, TV, travel help desk, laundry service, room service etc. One gets standard room in price range of INR 1200 to INR 2000.

Contact details of Hotel Radhika Palace near Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace
New Radhika Road
Karanje
Satara
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Hotel Radhika Palace - 021632 233133

Kaas Pathar Village Resort near Kaas Pathar

Just 10 minutes away from Kaas Pathar this resort allows its visitors to enjoy and experience village life. A perfect holiday getaway, Kaas Pathar Village serves organic food other than offering best facilities.

Contact details of Kaas Pathar Village Resort

Kaas Pathar Village Resort
At Kaas - Bamnoli Village
Jawali Taluka
Satara District
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Kaas Pathar Village Resort - 08291008666

Tips to remember while visiting Kaas Pathar

1. For maintaining the sanctity and beauty of Kaas Pathar, only 3000 visitors are allowed per day to visit.

2, Please try and avoid walking on flowerbeds and plants.

3. Don't pluck flowers or any plants. Just watch and enjoy the beauty.

4. It is advisable, basically common sense to pick up litter. Don't throw plastic bottles, paper or any other litter on Kaas.

5. Don't take your vehicle inside but park it at the destined parking area. A good walk will do you good!

6. Don't consume alcohol and avoid smoking  on the Kaas Plateau.

7. No chewing gum and throwing it on Kaas. It can be harmful for pollinating bees and other small fauna.

8. Make sure you start and finish your visit by 6 am to 6 pm. Allow the wildlife it's privacy and space.

9. If you find anyone plucking flowers or littering on Kaas Pathar, be frank and try to stop him/her in kind, gentle words.

10. Please act as responsible tourist or citizen and help preserve the beauty of Kaas by following the instructions. By doing so, you are allowing this beauty to stay so for years and years to come.

Kas Pathar Online Booking

If you wish to visit Kaas Pathar, it is advisable to do Kas Pathar online booking. One just has to fill the online reservation form where you need to fill in the details  of your arrival date, contact information, number of people visiting and date of departure. This can be done from their official website, just click on Reservation and submit the details.