An Untouched Nature : Gavi, Kerala:

Gavi, Kerala :

* To live in harmony with the quintessence of nature is something that we all crave for. If same is the case with you, then don't hesitate to spare a few days at Gavi where nature is at its unadulterated best.

Location :

* Listed as one of the must-see places in India and one among the leading eco-tourism centres by the renowned tourism major 'Alistair International' Gavi, a tranquil, beautiful and pristine forest is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. 

* The affluence of flora and fauna in Gavi makes it an extraordinary experience for travellers from all over the world. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations.

* For deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, research students and the like Gavi often serves as a base camp. If you are seeking solitude then you can loiter in the tranquil environs of Gavi. Otherwise you can go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Valley View one of the viewpoints at Gavi, gives you a spectacular view of the deep ravine and the forest below.

* Planning a trip to Gavi is planning to delve deep into the life of wild flora and fauna. Gavi is very famous for its wildlife. None would like to miss a chance to see the endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque that are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. The 320 species of birds makes Gavi a fairytale world for twitchers. Gavi is considered to be a heaven for bird lovers and bird watchers. More than 260 species of birds like pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher etc are abundant here. Endless activities await you here like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping and night safaris. Not just this you will be also welcomed by animals like tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, Mouse deers, different species of monkeys and many more.

* Kerala Forest Development Corporation has recently initiated Gavi Eco-Tourism, a project that has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is designed in such a way as to cater to people with a quest for adventure eco-tourism. Currently Gavi Eco Tourism hosts memorable wildlife and Jungle experiences in the most remote and virgin areas.

* The involvement of the local populace in the project as guides and cooks not only provides a livelihood for these people but it creates a sense of awareness among the people on conservation of nature. In order to maintain the beauty of the wilderness, visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and snacks, which further adds to the eco-friendly ambiance of the place. The project aims to reconnect the people with primeval nature.

* A small village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Gavi is ideally placed around 14 km away from Kumily in Thekkady and 28 km from Vandiperiyar, a small town in Idukki district. Gavi is one of the major eco-tourism centres in Kerala, which has been listed as one of the must see places in India by world acclaimed tourism major, Alistair International.

* The journey to Gavi is itself an exciting and rejuvenating experience. During the drive, you will be able sight the beautiful Gavi, covered with tea plantations. Get thrilled with the sights of hills and valleys, tropical forests, grasslands, spectacular waterfalls, cardamom plantations etc. Gavi is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

* One of the unique features of Gavi is that you will be getting a chance to camp inside the forest. You can also put up a tent in the camping site, a very rare opportunity usually not allowed in many Indian forests. Just feel the silence and wildness of the forest at night. You can also make use of the tree houses available here.

* Being at Gavi, you will be able to find the local people here as tourists guides, gardeners and cook. This unique concept was initiated as a part of the Gavi Eco Tourism Project commenced by Kerala Forest Development Corporation. This project aimed to attract the tourists especially those from European countries. The project, GAVI TOUR which targeted nature lovers and adventure tourists, become popular by giving a chance for the local people here to earn their bread through tourism and also creating awareness on conservation of nature among them.

KFDC Day Trip to Gavi Forest :

* KFDC also organizes Gavi Day Trip. 

* An ideal day trip starts with breakfast at 8 am after which you visit the beautiful plantations with a trained forest guide. About half-an-hour post noon, you return from your plantation visit to have a sumptuous Kerala style vegetarian lunch. 

* A relaxing boat ride after the lunch will take you deeper inside the forests where you’ll see the cardamom plantations and the curing house. Then you’ll be taken to the viewpoint where you get a panoramic glimpse of the famous Sabrimala temple. 

* After that, you’ll visit a Museum where skeletons of animals are preserved. After such rich flora and fauna experience, you’d come back to the registration point to have a refreshing evening tea and the tour ends at 4:30 pm. 

* This trip is ideally suited for those who have a very short time at hand and interested in daily adventures. 

* The package is affordably priced at INR 1659 per adult and INR 830 per child. 

* You need to book for this Day trip only through the government’s official website – https://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com/  (which is temporarily down for now).

Gavi Car Entry Pass to Gavi

* If you plan to visit Gavi on your own vehicle, you need to get a Car Entry Pass. You can also purchase one online here and show the same at the Ticket Counter at the Angamuzhy Forest Range Office. 

* The Entry time is from 08:30 am to 11:00 am only. Also, you can get it changed from the counter to enter via the Pathanamthitta side if you wish too. But do remember that vehicles entering through Kochandi check post should leave only through Vallakkadavu Check post before cut off time of 6:00 pm.

Accommodation at Gavi :

* If you want to stay inside the jungle you need to book accommodation with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC’s) Gavi Eco-Tourism Rooms. 

* There are three types of accommodations available. 

i). You can choose for Jungle Camping in which you’ll stay in a tent in one of KFDC’s two camping sites, situated in the deep forest. This experience is rawer as it includes a boat ride, a visit to cardamom plantations, cardamom curing house, Sabrimala view-point and a bonfire at night. The meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Evening Tea, and guide charges are also included in the package. Also, do note, this camping is not desirable for Ladies and Kids, who are recommended to choose any of the other two accommodation options.

ii). The Swiss Cottage Tent provides more comfort and privacy amongst the woods and is more suited for families. A pitched tent with proper shaded roofing and with room-like facilities which include a cot, side table, chair and an attached bathroom. The stays are extremely comfortable and the package includes full meals, rowboat, vehicle safari, a visit to cardamom hills and Sabrimala view-point.

iii). For an up-level experience, you can choose KFDC’s Green Mansion, which has the most captivating views of the Gavi Lake and surrounding nature. This is a more immersive experience and you’d feel pampered by KFDC’s top-notch hospitality. Like the other two packages, this one also included boating experience, a visit to cardamom hills, curing house, Sabrimala view-point, vehicle safari and full meals.

* The check-in time for these accommodations is 2 pm (although flexible) and check-out time is 2 pm next day or 24 hours after check-in time, whichever occurs earlier. 

* Children up to 6 years of age can enjoy free entry while those between 6 to 12 years will be charges half tariff. 

* Do note the meals are fully vegetarian only. 

* To book these accommodations inside the forest premises, you need to book only through KFDC’s online website - https://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com/  (which is temporarily down for now).

Travel tips for Gavi :

* Try to avoid taking Alcohol, as the same is banned in most of the forest areas.

* Leeches are present in abundance and may cause minor injuries. Carry a small quantity of salt with you. You can pour it over them to eject them out of the skin. 

* Nights can be really chilly during the winters, carry some woollen clothing.

* Exercise deep caution when inside the forest reserve, you may not watch, but wild animals might be watching you from behind the bushes.

* Always travel in a group and stay inside between 6 am to 6 pm.

* The terrain is pretty rugged, so carry your trekking shoes. It is also recommended to carry an extra pair of footwear with you, just to be prepared.

* In case you get the golden opportunity to come face to face with a wild animal, do not panic or try to provoke the animal. Stay calm and composed and don’t make them feel threatened by your presence, and you shall have your way.

* Don’t forget to collect your Entry Pass from the Forest check post at Vallakadadavu.

* Try not to make noise while inside the forest and especially during the night time. Instead, enjoy the surround sound of the forest animals.

Best Time To Visit :

* The best time to visit Gavi is from September to February. You will be getting a chilling experience during this period at Gavi. 

* If you want to enjoy the heavy monsoon at Gavi, plan your trip from June to September. 

* The summer period (from March to May) is usually not preferable. But if you want to visit, there are no restrictions. 

* You can also explore places nearby Gavi like Mundakayam, Kuttikanam, Peerumedu and Vandiperiyar.

For more details please contact

Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd.,

Gavi Via Vandiperiyar,

Kerala, India

Ph: +91 4869 223270, +91 481 2582640

Email: gavi@kfdcecotourism.com

How To Reach :

By Air

* Nearby airports are Cochin airport (COK) and Trivandrumnm (TRV) Airport.

By Train

* 128kms from Kottayam Railway Station.

* 133 Kms from Chengannur Railway Staion.

By Road

* 28 Kms from Vandiperiyar ( a town on NH- 212) 51 Kms from Thekkady. 109 km from Pathanamthitta District Head quarter KSRTC Bus is running an Ordinary bus service from Pathanamthitta To Kumaly Via the hilly forest tracts of Moozhiyar, Kochu-Pampa, Pachakkanam and Gavi.

* From Kumily you can hire a jeep to reach Gavi. Entry passes are available at the Forest checkpost, Vallakadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation is recommended to make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. 

Nearby Attractions :

1. Ramakkalmedu
2. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mangaladevi Temple
4. Peerumedu
5. Paruthumpara
6. Chellarkovil
7. Pullumedu
8. Pandikuzhi
9. Vandanmedu

Conclusion :

* Gavi, an extension of the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve, is also well-preserved scenic beauty and also home to some endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. It plays hosts to more than 260 bird species. 

* Gavi’s pristine and untouched forests are sure to provide a rejuvenating experience. 

* So why waiting?? Head Towards Gavi And Enjoy Your Weekend!!