Kerala

Silent Valley National Park is protected area of Western Ghats at Nilgiri Hills, rich in variety of flora and fauna. The area was first explored by Robert Wight, a botanist.

Silent Valley attracted international attention in 1970s, when activists lined against a proposed hydroelectric project, which would affect the biodiversity of this region.

The park was created in 1980 and visitors now enjoy a glimpse of several rare species of orchids, lion-tailed macaque, etc.

There are as much as 16 bird species classified as threatened – Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Wynad Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, and a few other birds are almost exclusive to this area.

Several butterflies found here are also protected species.