Gavi

Gavi

Gavi Eco-Tourism , a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, has caught the attention of tourists for a while now. The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority who visited were nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. A highlight of the Gavi Eco Project is the involvement of the local populace in its activities as guides, gardeners and cooks. This provides livelihood for the locals and also helps to create awareness on the conservation of nature. Gavi, located in Pathanamthitta district offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents and night safaris. The road leading to Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a refreshing experience. En route to Gavi are places of interest like Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi.

Once you reach Gavi the serene eco-lodge 'Green Mansion' awaits you like a mother to embrace you in its protective fold. From the 'Green Mansion', one can savour the spectacular view of the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests. Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion' visitors can also try out the tree houses here and can even pitch tents in the wilderness. Here one can have outstanding trekking experiences, which are overseen by trained local people. Those who would love to be left alone can do so in the tranquil environs of Gavi or may even go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and snacks, which further adds to the eco-friendly ambience of the place.

The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-Tailed Macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the Great Pied Hornbill, Woodpecker and Kingfishers, Gavi is literally a paradise for birdwatchers. Some of the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer a spectacular view of the deep ravine and forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near Green Mansion eco-lodge, one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.

The famous pilgrim destination, Sabarimala is a short trek from Gavi. For those interested in observing nocturnal wildlife, night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa and Pachakanam provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Another unique feature of Gavi is camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy avian life to the fullest. Active involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.

Gavi is bound to cast its magical spell on every visitor and is surely a place that should not be missed in one's lifetime. Gavi is pristine, and it belongs to the wild, which is a reminder that visitors are responsible for their intentions and actions, which will have a bearing on the upkeep of Gavi for a long time to come.

Facilities in Gavi

Accommodation - Green Mansion
Green Mansion, aptly named is a mansion in the lap of nature bounteously blessed with greenery has 11 rooms ranging from 2 bed to 6 beds. From the 'Green Mansion', one can savor the spectacular view of the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests.

Accommodation - Swiss Cottages
KFDC at Gavi has developed a unique concept of swiss cottage by pitching tents under proper shaded roofing. It is a safe haven with more privacy among the woods with facilities of a rented room like a cot, side table, chair and even attached bathroom facility to make your stay kingly.

Accommodation - Camps
Camping at the jungle is a real life adventure. KDFC has two camping sites where you can pitch your tent. As the night falls gather around a bonfire and warm yourself on the chilly night with some songs or chit chats. Nestle in the thick forest listening to the nightlife of the jungle and the chirps of the birds welcoming the dawn. A memory to be treasured!

Restaurant
Restaurant located near the Gavi reservoir is only to be used by the day programme or guests who choose a stay over programme with Gavi. The restaurant serves only limited menu and serves all meals for the day. Savour the exotic cuisine of the local flavour, a taste that is sure to linger on.

Garden
Who on earth would not love to be in a garden. A beautiful garden is created near the pristine Gavi reservoir artistically decorated with plants and flowers. The gazebo at the garden gives the guest to sit and enjoy the evening. The idyllic surrounding is a refreshing haven to forget all stress in life.

Things to do in Gavi

Jeap Safari
Gavi natural environment untouched by modernity is the home to wildlife and birds. Tourist visiting Gavi can enjoy the sight of this wildlife in their natural habitat through Vehicle safaris to take a glimpse of the endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque if you are lucky, Kerala’s favourite elephants among others. Gavi is a home to over 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers. Gavi is a birdwatchers delight.

Boat Ride
Go boating on the crystal clear Gavi reservoir and Kochupamba to take home memory of a lifetime that remains as clear as the Gavi lake. Row boating facility is available at Gavi. Tourist wearing lifejackets is a must. Rowing along the emerald hued natural backdrop is a welcome change from everyday monotony. Get adventurous spirit at Gavi.

Plantation visit
Gavi is a fertile land and the local’s mastery over the land has blessed the land with vegetation. A leisure visit to the nearby cardamom plantationis, coffee plantation and cardamom curing centre a sight to behold.

Sabharimala view point
Gavi gives an amazing view of the Sabarimala amongst the lush green surrounding. Sarbarimala, the Hindu pilgrimage centre visited by millions of devotees from all over India and across the world is located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in world with an estimated 45–50 million devotees visiting every year.

How to reach Gavi

Nearest bus stations: Vandiperiyar, about 28 km away.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km

Location
Latitude: 9.437208, Longitude: 77.166066