If you are looking for a serene and scenic destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Gavi is the place for you. Gavi is an eco tourism project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) located in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, who can enjoy activities like trekking, wildlife watching, camping, and night safaris in the pristine forests of the Western Ghats.

How to Reach Gavi

Gavi is about 175 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, and about 150 km from Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 190 km from Gavi. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is about 120 km from Gavi.

The road to Gavi is a scenic one, passing through green hills, tea plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls. The route from Kottayam is via Mundakayam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu, and Vandiperiyar. The route from Kochi is via Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, Kattappana, Kumily, and Vandiperiyar. From Vandiperiyar, a 28 km stretch of forest road leads to Gavi.

To enter Gavi forest from Angamoozhi in Pathanamthitta, you can approach it from the southern side via Angamoozhy village. Gavi is about 55KM from Angamoozhy. Visitors will be permitted entry to the hill station through the Angamoozhi-Kochandi check-post.

The forest road is open from 6 am to 6 pm and requires prior permission from the forest department. The permission can be obtained from the check post at Vallakkadavu near Vandiperiyar or from the KFDC office at Kumily. If you are coming from Pathanamthitta, permission can be obtained from Angamoozhy forest station. The entry fee is Rs. 70 for a person. The road is narrow and winding and passes through dense forests and wildlife habitats. One can spot elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, and birds along the way.

• Checkout time: Vehicles entering through Kochandi Check post should leave only through Vallakkadavu Check post before 6 pm

What to See and Do in Gavi

Gavi offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature. Some of the main attractions and activities are:

• The Green Mansion: This is the eco lodge run by KFDC that provides accommodation and food for visitors. It has 20 rooms with basic amenities and a restaurant that serves vegetarian food. The lodge overlooks the Gavi Lake and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forests.
• The Gavi Lake: This is a man-made lake that was created by the construction of the Kakki Dam in 1976. The lake is home to various aquatic animals and birds and offers boating facilities for visitors. One can also go canoeing or kayaking on the lake or enjoy fishing with a permit from KFDC.
• The Cardamom Factory: This is a factory run by KFDC that processes cardamom grown in the nearby plantations. Visitors can learn about the cultivation and processing of cardamom and buy fresh or dried cardamom at reasonable rates.
• The Museum: This is a small museum that displays various artifacts and information related to the history and culture of Gavi and its people. It also showcases some of the wildlife specimens found in the region.
• The Trekking Trails: There are several trekking trails in Gavi that offer different levels of difficulty and duration. Some of the popular trails are:
  • The Valley View Trail: This is a 2 km trail that starts from the Green Mansion and leads to a viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the valley below.
  • The Kochu Pampa Trail: This is a 3 km trail that starts from the Green Mansion and leads to a grassland where one can spot Nilgiri Tahrs grazing on the slopes.
  • The Sabarimala Trail: This is a 5 km trail that starts from Kochu Pampa and leads to Sabarimala, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Kerala dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
  • The Pachakanam Trail: This is a 7 km trail that starts from Kochu Pampa and leads to Pachakanam, where one can see a waterfall and a cave.
  • The Pullumedu Trail: This is a 10 km trail that starts from Kochu Pampa and leads to Pullumedu, where one can see a panoramic view of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• The Wildlife Safari: This is an activity that allows visitors to explore the wildlife of Gavi in an open jeep or bus. The safari starts from Vallakkadavu check post at 6 am or 2 pm and lasts for about three hours. One can spot animals like elephants, bison, deer, wild boar, monkeys, leopards, bears, etc. along with various birds and butterflies.
• The Camping: This is an activity that allows visitors to experience the thrill of staying in tents in the wilderness. There are two camping sites in Gavi: one near the Green Mansion and another near Kochu Pampa. The tents are provided by KFDC along with sleeping bags, mats, pillows, etc. There are also toilets and showers available at both sites. One can also enjoy campfire and barbecue at night.

Tips for Visiting Gavi

• Book your accommodation and activities in advance through KFDC website (https://kfdc.kerala.gov.in/) or office as there are limited facilities available in Gavi.
• Carry your identity proof as you need to show it at various check posts along the way.
• Carry enough cash as there are no ATMs or UPI payments in Gavi.
• Carry warm clothes as it can get cold at night especially during winter.
• Carry insect repellent as there are many mosquitoes and leeches in Gavi.
• Carry binoculars and camera as there are many opportunities for wildlife watching and photography in Gavi.
• Follow the instructions of your guide or forest staff as they know the best routes and spots for sightseeing.
• Respect the nature and wildlife of Gavi by not littering or making noise or feeding or disturbing the animals.

Gavi is a hidden gem of eco tourism in Kerala that offers a unique experience of nature’s bounty and beauty. It is an ideal destination for those who love adventure, wildlife, and tranquility. It is also a place where one can learn about the culture and history of the local people and their relationship with the forest and its resources. If you are looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway from the chaos and stress of urban life, then Gavi is the place for you.