Gavi

Touted as one of the must see eco tourist spots in India, Gavi Kerala has been grabbing headlines in tourist circuits for all the good reasons. A 40 kilometers drive from Kumily through the breathtakingly beautiful roads across the lush green tea plantations will take you to Gavi. A jeep ride is the best way to reach and explore Gavi, which is famous for its pristine natural charm still untouched by the mass tourism trails. The verdant forests, rolling grass lands and waterfalls give Gavi a dramatic appeal and surreal beauty. Gavi is home to over 260 avian species making it a haven for bird watchers.

The Gavi ecotourism program is being sponsored by The Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd, to promote sustainable tourism without spoiling the tranquility of the tropical forest of the Western Ghats. Gavi is popular not only among nature enthusiasts but also among adventure tourists and research students who drop down to explore the rich flora and fauna of Gavi.

Gavi Eco Tourism offers a memorable wildlife experience in the most remote areas along the fringes of the Periyar Tiger Reserve .Gavi is located in Pathanmathitta district, which is famous for its Pamba Reservoir and vast expanses of reserve forests. You can sight various animals like the Nilgiri tahr and lion tailed macaque in these tracts. The eco tourism project of Gavi is well known for the active involvement of tribals, making it one of its kind in the whole country.

There is a bevy of exiting tourist activities like trekking, canoeing, wild life trails and bird watching in Gavi. The Trekking trails to Pulmedu Peak offers a great view of the fabled hill top shrine of Sabarimala.Set out on a guided tour to spot herds of wild elephants or plan a challenging yet exciting hiking trip to  Meenar, Kokka and Valley View to enjoy the spectacular views of the forests below. There are outdoor camping and night safari options too. Probably the biggest attraction of Gavi is the night camping facility, which is not something that you get in any other tourist destination in India. Enjoy a serene night out in a camp to be in sync with nature and its rhythm.

There are many places worth visiting near Gavi. A trip to the Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is one of the top priorities for all nature lovers. A visit to a cardamom factory will be a good idea to get first hand information of the collection and processing of this highly valued spice. A leisurely stroll along the spice gardens set amidst the forests is the best way to relax your tired body and mind after a busy day of activities and sightseeing.

There are eco lodges that overlook the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests. Tree top houses are great options to enjoy the fine natural spectacles around and to see wildlife. Located at an altitude of 3400 ft above sea level, Gavi is famous for its unique flora and fauna. Gavi makes a handy base camp for deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.

Walk around, mingle and feel the oneness with nature. Outskirts of Gavi will give you glimpses of certain rare species of animals like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque, and birds like great pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfishers, etc.

A short trek along the hill will take you to Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, one of the most-visited Hindu pilgrimage centers of India.

Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is something nature lovers cannot afford to miss.

Other such places of interest near Gavi include Kuttikanam, Peermedu, Vandiperiyar and cardamom factory visits.

Activities in Gavi are not restricted to avian enthusiasts alone, instead the place appeals to a birder and a deep jungle trekker alike. For hard-core trekkers Gavi offers the best trekking trail - deep jungle trekking through Pullumedu Peak (the way to Shabarimala shrine) being the much-preferred. The placid waters of Gavi and Kochupamba lakes can engage you in boating and canoeing. For those who crave for an extra adrenaline pump, a nights stay at the tree top huts, night safaris through jungle roads and night camping in intense forest are some of the recommended choices.

Summer is the best time to visit Gavi, although, tourists haunt the place in monsoon too.

By Flight :

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from the destination, while opting for Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu), the distance is cut down to 140 km.

By Rail :

The nearest railhead is in Kottayam, near Ernakulam, about 114 km away.

By Road :

Government and private operated buses run to Vandiperiyar from Kochi & Trivandrum, from where the destination is about 28 km drive.