Gavi - a village in Pathanamthitta

Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala which has widely become popular 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 must visit place for all nature lovers as Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untainted by the mighty hands of modernity.

Gavi is 14 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 28 km from Kumily, near Thekkady. Gavi is inside the Ranni reserve forest. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the route can be covered by car from Vandiperiyar. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Both day and night stays are available. Forest tent camping is available from November through March.

It has been said that most enjoyable route to Gavi is the way from Pathanamthitta. The rough journey to Gavi may better be made on a sturdy vehicle like a jeep which are available on hire either from Vandiperiyar or from Kumily. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post en route at Vallakkadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd. is highly appreciable wherein such formalities will be taken care of by the company itself.
Gavi's evergreen forests are abundant with wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking and mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri marten and more than 250 species of birds.

Activities or Things to do in Gavi

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Trekking

6. Wildlife watching

7. Bird watching

8. Stay at top tree huts

9. Outdoor camping in forest around

10. Safaris through jungle roads

11. Visit to paradise cove at Ninnumulli

12. Walks through spice gardens

13. Massages

How to reach Gavi:

1. Air

   Trivandrum [TRV] (185 km) Cochin [COK] (190 km)and Madurai [IXM] (186 km) are the nearest airports.

2. Rail
   

   The nearest railway stations is Chengannur Railway Station (115 km through keekozhoor- mannamaruthi-koottickal-azhutha-vandiperiyar-gavi) and Thiruvalla (120 km) and Theni(99 km) under BG conversion.

3. Road

   Gavi is situated around 180 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Popular route is through the Main Central Road(MC Road) till Valakom, and then to Pathanapuram, Konni, Seethathode, Angamoozhy to Gavi.
   
   Other routes from Gavi are as below: - Chittar - Seethathodu - Angamoozhy - Moozhiyar - Kakki Reservoir - Anathode Dam - Pamba Reservoir - Kochu Pamba - Gavi - Pachakanam - Periyar National Park - Kozhikanam - Vandiperiyar.
   
   There is a demand for another road connecting Gavi with Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikara,Perunad, Laha Plappally, (near Sabarimala), Angamoozhy, Moozhiyar,Kochu Pamba - Gavi.
   
   Regular buses are available to Vandiperiyar from Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram. A small bus rattles even up to Gavi from Vandiperiyar. KSRTC service is available both from Kumaly and Pathanamthitta (Pathanamthitta-Perunad-Muzhiyar-Kakki-Gavi-Kumily bus route from chengannur-pathanamthitta-Perunad-Muzhiyar-Kakki-Gavi) (direct buses not available) KSRTC is operating an Ordinary Bus from Pathanamthitta to Kumali via Gavi and vice versa.
   

Contact details: 
Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Eco-Tourism Project Periyar

For more details please contact: 
Tourist Information Office
Department of Tourism, Thekkady
Phone: +91 4869 222620

Route Map:

Image Gallery - Gavi:

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