Gavi

Tourists have been drawn to the Kerala Forest Development Corporation’s Gavi Eco-Tourism project for a long now. The project is exclusive in many ways, and adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts made up the majority of visitors. Visitors to Gavi steadily grew over a short period of time, especially after the renowned travel company “Alistair International” recognised it as one of India’s top eco-tourism destinations.

The local population’s participation in the Gavi Eco Project’s activities as guides, gardeners, and cooks is one of its highlights. The villagers can make a living off of this, and it also promotes environmental preservation. The Pathanamthitta district neighbourhood of Gavi provides its guests night safaris, outdoor camping in specially designed tents, hiking, and wildlife watching.

It is soothing to drive through the tea plantations that line the road leading to Gavi. Along the way to Gavi, the road takes a diversion through Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu, and Vandiperiyar.

As soon as you arrive in Gavi, the tranquil eco-lodge “Green Mansion” is waiting to welcome you into its maternal arms. One can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Gavi Lake and the surrounding trees from the “Green Mansion.” In addition to the lodging offered in the “Green Mansion,” guests can also stay in tree huts or set up camp nearby. Here, one can have fantastic hiking adventures that are guided by skilled locals. Those who want solitude can do so in the serene surroundings of Gavi, or they can go canoeing on the lake’s calm waters or take in a spectacular sunset. Vegetarian meals and snacks are frequently offered to visitors, which enhances the environment-friendly ambiance of the establishment.

The area is abundant in both plant and fauna. In addition to hills and valleys, there are cardamom plantations, tropical woods, vast meadows, sholas, and flowing waterfalls. On the outskirts of Gavi, endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-Tailed Macaque are frequently seen. Gavi is a veritable birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 260 kinds of birds, including the Great Pied Hornbill, Woodpecker, and Kingfishers.

The Valley View, one of Gavi’s breath-taking vantage points, provides a magnificent view of the forest and deep valley below. One can follow the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs from Kochu Pampa, a location near the Green Mansion eco-lodge.

Sabarimala, a well-known pilgrimage site, is only a short walk from Gavi. Night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, and Pachakanam offer plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing for individuals who are interested in seeing nocturnal animals.

Camping in the trees is another distinctive aspect of Gavi. The camping area allows tent camping, which is uncommon in many Indian woods. It is impossible to put into words the sense of sensing the presence of nature in the middle of nowhere as sunset extends into the stillness of the night. There are also tree-top residences where one can fully appreciate avian life.

Gavi is a pioneering project of its sort in the nation due to the active participation of tribal people. Gavi is able to preserve its surroundings in their natural state because to traditional knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants.

Every visitor to Gavi is guaranteed to fall under its enchantment, making it a destination that shouldn’t be missed once in a lifetime. The fact that Gavi is pristine and naturally belongs in the wild serves as a reminder that visitors are accountable for their intents and deeds, since these will have an impact on the preservation of Gavi for a very long time.

Getting there

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