gavi kerala

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″EElevation: 1,036 meters (3,399 ft) above sea levelDistrict: Pathanamthitta, KeralaProtected Zones: Ranni Reserve Forest and Periyar Tiger ReserveProximity: 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 PostPermits Required: Yes (Handled if booked via KFDC)Private Vehicles: Allowed up to check post; KFDC jeeps recommended inside forestBus 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: Entry Details & Costs Category Fee (INR) Indian Adult 100 Foreign Visitor 200 Children < 13 yrs Free Boating (2 persons) 300 Boating (4 persons) 600 Accommodation Options Within Gavi (KFDC Managed) Booking: gavi.kfdcecotourism.com Nearby Options (Thekkady/Vandiperiyar) 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 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 Practical Tips (Checklist) Responsible Tourism Guidelines Nearby Places to Visit 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/ Gavi, Kerala Gavi (Malayalam: [ɡɐʋi, ɡeʋi]) is a village in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.The nearest railway station is Chengannur (120 km). It is located