Skip to content Discover Gavi, Kerala: An Untouched Eco-Tourism Paradise
Gavi, located deep within Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, is a secluded village in the Ranni Reserve Forest, forming a critical part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Recognized by Alistair International as a must-see eco-tourism site, Gavi offers nature lovers and adventure seekers a pristine escape from tourist-heavy destinations like Munnar or Thekkady. With its biodiversity, rare flora and fauna, off-the-grid vibe, and ethical tourism model, Gavi is the quintessential off-the-beaten-path destination.
Location & Geographical Significance
Coordinates: 9°26′25.72″N, 77°9′37.25″E
Elevation: 1,036 meters (3,399 ft) above sea level
District: Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Protected Zones: Ranni Reserve Forest and Periyar Tiger Reserve
Proximity: 14 km from Vandiperiyar, 28 km from Kumily, near Thekkady
Gavi lies amidst undisturbed tropical forest, rich in biodiversity. The area includes lakes, cardamom plantations, and scenic viewpoints like Valley View and Sabarimala Viewpoint. Gavi Lake and Kochupamba River enhance its geographical charm. It is one of few eco-tourism zones in India where forest department-led operations preserve and sustain local ecosystems.
How to Reach Gavi
| Mode | Nearest Point | Distance to Gavi | Travel Time | Notes |
| Air | Cochin Airport (COK) | ~190 km | ~6 hrs | Via Thekkady, jeep preferred |
| Madurai Airport | ~140 km | ~5 hrs | Recommended for Tamil Nadu visitors | |
| Rail | Kottayam Station | ~128 km | ~4.5 hrs | Good connectivity; taxis/buses to Vandiperiyar |
| Chengannur Station | ~120 km | ~4 hrs | Near Pathanamthitta | |
| Road | Vandiperiyar | 28 km | 1 hr | Closest access; bumpy forest roads |
| Thekkady | 51 km | 1.5 hrs | Scenic but rugged terrain |
Forest Entry Point: Vallakkadavu Check Post
Permits Required: Yes (Handled if booked via KFDC)
Private Vehicles: Allowed up to check post; KFDC jeeps recommended inside forest
Bus Option: KSRTC operates buses from Pathanamthitta to Gavi
Climate & Best Time to Visit
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Highlights |
| Jan-Feb | 24-25 | 15-16 | 23-32 | Peak season; dry & cool |
| Mar-May | 27-28 | 17-19 | 56-168 | Warm; fewer tourists |
| Jun-Sep | 24-25 | 17-18 | 250-400 | Monsoon; lush landscapes |
| Oct-Dec | 24-25 | 16-17 | 77-252 | Great for trekking & wildlife |
Recommendations:
- Wildlife & Birding: October to February
- Photography: June to September (post-rain lushness)
- Budget Travel: March and June
- Camping: November to March (tent availability)
Entry Details & Costs
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| Indian Adult | 100 |
| Foreign Visitor | 200 |
| Children < 13 yrs | Free |
| Boating (2 persons) | 300 |
| Boating (4 persons) | 600 |
- Entry Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
- Entry Point: Angamuzhy Forest Range Office
- Vehicle Safari Limit: 25 jeeps/day (advance booking required)
Accommodation Options
Within Gavi (KFDC Managed)
- Green Mansion: Lakeside eco-lodge with 9 rooms; includes safari, boating, trekking.
- Log House: Rustic wooden cabins with attached bathrooms.
- Canvas Cottages: Tent-style lodging with roofs; family-friendly.
- Geodesic Dome Tents: Modern mushroom-shaped tents; ideal for families.
- Jungle Camping: Deep forest tents with bonfires; suited for fit adults.
- Kochupamba Tents: 4 tents beside river; great for birdwatchers.
Booking: gavi.kfdcecotourism.com
Nearby Options (Thekkady/Vandiperiyar)
- Periyar Bungalows: ~9 km; closest budget-friendly stay
- Springdale Heritage: 17 km; scenic and service-oriented
- Hotel Tigers Roare’, Jungle Palace, Hotel Treetop: 18 km; mixed options
- Spice Village (CGH Earth): 18.5 km; luxury eco-resort
Activities & Attractions
| Activity | Duration | Approx. Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Jeep Safari | 2.5 hrs | Part of package | Limited to 25 vehicles/day |
| Boating | 30 mins | 300-600 | Kochupamba Lake |
| Trekking | 1-3 hrs | Included | Leech precautions needed |
| Bird Watching | Ongoing | Included | 260+ species |
| Cardamom Tour | 1 hr | Included | Visit curing center |
| Sabarimala Viewpoint | 30 mins | Included | Binoculars recommended |
| Animal Museum | 30 mins | Included | Skeletons & bones display |
Flora & Fauna
- Fauna: Elephants, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, sambar deer, Indian gaur, leopards.
- Birds: Great Pied Hornbill, woodpeckers, kingfishers, cuckoos, sunbirds (260+ species).
- Flora: Rare gopher tree (Nirampalli), cardamom, tea plantations, endemic orchids.
KFDC Eco-tourism Packages
| Package Type | Inclusions | Cost (INR) |
| Full-Day | Plantation walk, boating, vehicle safari, lunch | 1,500/adult |
| 625/child | ||
| Boating Only | Kochupamba Lake rowing (2 or 4 persons) | 300-600 |
| Overnight (any stay) | Stay + all activities (trek, boating, safari, meals) | ~3,000/person |
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 2 PM next day
- Booking Contact: +91 481-2582640 / info@kfdcecotourism.com
Practical Tips (Checklist)
- Leech socks or repellent
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Lightweight, full-sleeve clothing
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Water bottles & snacks
- Binoculars & camera with spare batteries
- Basic first-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Booking confirmation (printed)
Responsible Tourism Guidelines
- Do not litter; carry waste back
- Respect wildlife; maintain silence
- Avoid plastic & use reusable bottles
- No loud music or alcohol
- Do not feed or provoke animals
- Follow forest guides at all times
Nearby Places to Visit
- Thekkady (51 km): Periyar Lake boating, spice tours, cultural shows
- Kumily (28 km): Spice markets and eco-shops
- Pathanamthitta (109 km): Cultural experiences and pilgrim routes
FAQ’s
Why is Gavi famous? It is known for eco-tourism, rare wildlife, and its role in Periyar Tiger Reserve.Is
Gavi worth visiting? Yes, it offers unique offbeat nature experiences, unlike mainstream Kerala destinations.
What is Gavi good at? Adventure, wildlife safaris, trekking, birding, and responsible tourism.
Is Gavi a hill station? No, but it is at an elevation of 1,036 m and has a cool climate.
What animals are in Gavi? Elephants, deer, macaques, Nilgiri tahr, leopards.
What is the climate of Gavi? Pleasant year-round; winters are best for tourism.
What is the entry time for Gavi? 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
What is there to do in Gavi? Safaris, treks, boating, plantation visits, viewpoints.
What are the features of Gavi? Protected forests, eco-accommodations, rare biodiversity.
Is one day enough for Gavi? Ideal to stay overnight; a single day may feel rushed.
How to plan a trip to Gavi? Book via KFDC, arrange transport to Vandiperiyar, get permits.
How to get to Gavi from Trivandrum? Travel via Kottayam or Thekkady by road; taxi or KSRTC bus.
Which is the best month to visit Gavi? October to February for most activities.
Is car allowed in Gavi? Yes, up to the check post; forest travel requires permits or KFDC vehicles.
What is Gavi Safari? A 2.5-hour guided jeep safari in Periyar Reserve.
What is special in Gavi? Rich biodiversity, gopher tree, eco-model tourism.
What is the ticket price of Gavi? ₹100 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners), free for children.
What is the bus timing from Vandiperiyar to Gavi? KSRTC buses operate daily; confirm locally.
What is Gavi’s age? Official tourism began around 2006 under KFDC.
Conclusion
Gavi is Kerala’s answer to sustainable wilderness tourism. From jeep safaris and jungle camping to birdwatching and misty viewpoints, it blends adventure with conservation. Gavi welcomes mindful travelers who respect nature and contribute to its preservation.
Plan your next eco-adventure at Gavi Kerala. Book directly through KFDC Ecotourism, share this guide with fellow travelers, and leave your questions or experiences in the comments!
For more articles and updates go to: https://xploreheaven.com/blogs-updates/
