Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park protects around 90 square kilometers of virgin tropical rainforest in the Nilgiri hills and forms the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Saved from a hydroelectric project in the 1970s and 80s after one of India's landmark environmental movements, it now shelters the lion tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, and elephant among a rich range of endemic flora. Entry is through Mukkali, well beyond the city but included here for its national significance, and visits are limited to guided treks and controlled forest access.