Which River Is Known As The Silent River Of India?

Silent River of India: India has more than 400 rivers and 20 major river basins. The Ganges is the country's longest river, and the Brahmaputra is the widest. These rivers are vital to India and are often given special names, such as the "Sorrow of Bihar" or the "Dakshina Ganga”. But do you know which river is called the Silent River of India? This mysterious river runs through an old, thick forest where you can barely hear any birds or insects. In this article, we will explore its history, beauty, and secrets.

ALSO READ| Which River is known as the Moon River of India?

Which River Is Known As The Silent River Of India?

The Kunthipuzha River is famously known as the Silent River of India. It flows through the heart of the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. The river got this name because the forest it flows through is so dense that even the chirping of cicadas is often absent, making the area unusually quiet.

Source and Path

The river begins its journey in the high hills of the Nilgiris, at an altitude of about 2,000 metres. From there, it flows entirely through the state of Kerala.

Unlike many other rivers that pass through towns and cities, the Kunthipuzha flows almost entirely through thick, protected evergreen forests. This keeps its water crystal clear and free from pollution.

Where it Empties

After travelling through the Silent Valley, the Kunthipuzha joins the Thoothapuzha River. Eventually, these waters merge with the Bharathapuzha, which is the second-longest river in Kerala. From there, the water finally empties into the Arabian Sea.

10 Lesser-Known Facts About the Kunthipuzha River

1. This river is perennial, meaning it never dries up and flows year-round.
2. It is one of the few rivers in India that remains almost entirely unpolluted, protected by the national park.
3. The water is so clear that the riverbed is visible even in deeper sections of the flow.
4. The river basin is famous for the absence of cicadas, the noisy insects usually found in tropical forests.
5. It provides a vital water source for the Lion-Tailed Macaque, one of the world's most endangered primates.
6. The river basin receives some of the highest rainfall in India during the monsoon season.
7. The rocks along riverbanks are among the oldest geological formations in the Indian subcontinent.
8. Steep Gradient: The river drops rapidly from high altitudes, creating several small, hidden waterfalls and rapids.
9. Because it is located in a core protected area, there are no human settlements along its immediate banks.
10. Scientists consider this river basin a "living museum" because many plant species found here date back millions of years.

Which Is The Most Silent River In India?

The Kunthipuzha River runs through Kerala's Silent Valley National Park and is known for its quietness. It passes through thick evergreen forest, but unlike most places, you won't hear the usual sound of cicadas. This unusual, peaceful silence is why both the valley and the river are called "Silent".

Which River Is Known As The Sky River Of India?

The Brahmaputra is sometimes called the "Sky River" or "Roof of the World River" because it starts at a very high altitude in the Himalayas. In Tibet, it is called the Yarlung Tsangpo, and it flows at almost 4,000 metres above sea level before reaching the plains of India.

Which City Is Called Silent City?

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is often called India’s "Silent City". This nickname comes from the city’s remarkable traffic discipline. Even though the roads are narrow and crowded, drivers rarely use their horns. As a result, the city stays calm and quiet, which is unusual for India.

Which Is The Dirtiest River In India?

Although the Yamuna is better known for being polluted, the Cooum River in Chennai is now considered the dirtiest. People often call it a "stinking cesspool" because it has so much untreated sewage and industrial waste, and there is almost no dissolved oxygen left to support aquatic life.

WHAT'S NEXT| Which River is known as the Amazon of India?