Sairandhri (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Sairandhri is a place in Kerala, South India at about 11 5.22 N 76 27.24 E / 11.087 N 76.454 E / 11.087; 76.454. It is the entrance point and visitors center for Silent Valley National Park. Sairandhri is the site of a controversial hydroelectric dam that was proposed in 1958 and finally rejected in 1984. The nearest town is Mannarkad, 32 km. Sairandhri is a 11/2 hour drive along a 23 km steep winding road from Mukkali village that houses a Forest Department office. The road is being paved in 2007. Visiting and hiking in the park requires special permits from the Kerala State Forest Department. Entry is allowed only from 8 AM to about 2 PM. Once in the park, walking is the only way to get around. A forest guard accompanies each group as a guide and ensures that no damage is done to the fragile flora and fauna. Day visitors are permitted only 2 km past Sairandhr