Gavi – Savor the beauty of nature
Boating is a popular activity at Gavi
Nature at its splendid best – that is how I would describe Gavi. This picturesque village has been attracting a lot of attention recently. Alistair International recently listed Gavi as one of the leading eco-tourism centers and must-see places in India. Some super hit Malayalam films have also been shot here.
Gavi now attracts a large number of visitors. Last year, over 200,000 visitors came to savor its untainted beauty. The influx of tourists, however, hasn’t had any negative impact on Gavi.
What to see?
Gavi is famous for its wildlife. It is home to several endangered species of animals like Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr. For tourists, especially those coming from the west, elephants are the biggest attraction. There are plenty of them. Bird watching is another popular activity with the tourists. Over 260 species of birds are found here.
Popular activities
- Trekking
- Bird watching
- Wildlife watching
- Stay at tree houses
- Outdoor camping
- Safaris through the jungle
- Boating in the Gavi & Kochupampa lakes
- Visit to paradise cove at Ninnumulli
- Walks through the spice gardens
- Visit to cardamom factory
Where to stay?
KTDC has arranged several accommodation options.
Green Mansion
It has 11 rooms with 2 to 6 beds. The rooms overlook the Gavi Lake and the forests so the view is simply spectacular.
Swiss Cottages
Swiss Cottages are basically tents with proper shaded roofing. They provide all the facilities you would typically find in a rented room. There is a cot, side table, chair and attached bathroom to make your stay comfortable.
Camps
If you are an adventure junkie, camping may be your thing. KDFC runs two camping sites in Gavi. Pitch your tent and gather around a fire at night. Gavi can be quite chilly at night, so don’t forget to bring your woolen clothes. Camping at Gavi is an unforgettable experience. You can fall asleep listening to the soothing sounds of the night life and in the morning the chirping of birds will wake you up.
How to reach?
Gavi is 28 kms from Vandiperiyar which is a small town on NH- 212. Thekkady is just 51 kms away. The Thiruvalla railway station is 120 kms away and the Theni railway station is 100 kms away. The nearest airport is the Nedumbassery Airport at Ernakulam.
Gavi is inside the Ranni Reserve forest and part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Traveling to Gavi from Pathanamthitta is the best way to enjoy its scenic beauty. The journey is rough and you will need a sturdy vehicle. You can hire a jeep from Vandiperiyar or Kumily. Entry passes need to be obtained enroute from the forest check post at Vallakkadavu. If you book your stay in advance with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd, they will take care of all the formalities.
