If you wish to see nature in its pure form, come to Gavi-A must see place for all nature lovers and a must visit place at least once in your life. Gavi an Eco Tourism spot in Kerala, became popular after the ‘Alistair International’ the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. The Malayalam film ‘Ordinary’ was shot mainly in Gavi and this also made Gavi popular among Keratitis. Since then the visitor to Gavi increased gradually and more people from the western countries are visiting Gavi now.
Location
Gavi is a village in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. It is located 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar, a town in Idukki on N.H 220, the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai. The road to Gavi itself is a refreshing experience as it is covered by tea plantations on both sides. On the way you can also visit Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar.
Gavi-A must see place for all nature lovers
Gavi Ecotourism
Gavi is preserved in its pure form, untouched and unpolluted by the modern society. So you can enjoy nature like never before here. Gavi has all that is needed for an eco-tourism viz, wild animals, scenic beauty, trekking, tree houses, forest camping, rich flora and fauna and much more and one can view the spectacular view of the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests here.
Gavi-A splendid spot to be visited at least once for all those who love nature.
You can also go for canoeing in the placid waters of Gavi and also enjoy a beautiful sunset. And those who wish to be left alone, can do so in the tranquil environs of Gavi. Here visitors are usually provided by vegetarian foods and snacks. Other activities include trekking, wildlife watching, bird watching, Jungle Jeep Safari, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and night safaris.
Read also: Thenmala Eco-Tourism
Some of the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near Green Mansion eco-lodge one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.
Stay
At Gavi you can stay either at ‘Green Mansion Jungle Lodge’ a serene eco-lodge or in permanently pitched cottage tents(Swiss Cottage Tents) in forest with attached bath room or try the tree houses or you can even pitch tents amidst the wilderness.
The Eco Tourism Project
Gavi Eco-Tourism project is managed by Kerala Forest Development Corporation and is an exclusive project in many respect, and hence caught the attention of tourists from all around the world, mainly from the European Countries.
Read also: Silent Valley National Park
One of the major highlight is that the local people of Gavi are part of the Gavi ecotourism project as guides, gardeners, and cooks. The active involvement of these people makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Along with a source of income for the tribal, the traditional knowledge of the forests helps to create awareness on the conservation of nature helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.
The presence of more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers makes Gavi the paradise of birdwatchers.
Flora and fauna
Gavi is especially known for its wild life. The rich in flora and fauna includes hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Several endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. The evergreen forest of Gavi also contain Tiger, elephants, Leopards, Bears, Indian Gaur, sambar, barking and mouse deers, Nilgiri Marten and more. The presence of more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers makes Gavi the paradise of birdwatchers.
Next: Activities in Gavi