Gavi Tourist Attractions

Gavi - The ecotourism experience

It is a thick forest in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It lies 40 km from Thekkady. From Kumily, it takes two hours by jeep to reach the picturesque tea plantations of Gavi. To entice more nature lovers and adventure tourists to the site, the recently introduced ecotourism project by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation provides incredible wildlife and jungle experience. Among the visitors to the place are deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, researchers, and those seeking a break from their daily routines.

During the two-hour jeep ride to Gavi, one has to drive past hills, valleys, tropical forests, grasslands, shoals, gushing waterfalls, and cardamom plantations, where one can enjoy nature at its best.

Gavi visitors must pass a large area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The major highlight of the journey is the spectacular view of greenery and wildlife. Pamba Reservoir and Pullumedu peak are on the way. 

In Gavi

Taking a dip in bubbling brooks among thick greenery and breathing fresh air scented with cardamom is a magical experience found only in Gavi. Known for its wild animals and its diverse avian fauna, the region is ultra beautiful. 

Packages 

KFDC offers three different tour packages at Gavi. 

The first is a daytime package from 8 am to 4.30 pm. 

The overnight package includes accommodation at Green Mansions, an ecotourism center near the lake. 

Another package includes an overnight stay at a jungle campsite, where guests will go in jeeps.

Activities involved in the project

The ecotourism project has come up with various activities including

• Treks through thick jungles

• Night safaris, outdoor camping

• Elephant safaris

• Wildlife watching

• Birdwatching

• Stays atop tree-huts

• Visits to Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli

• Boating in Gavi and Kochupampa lakes

• Lodgings at the eco-lodge overlooking Gavi Lake

• A leisurely walk through spice gardens

• Visits to cardamom factories and so on. 

A team of KFDC men supervises several tour packages available to visitors. On treks and jungle expeditions, visitors are guided by trained guides capable of protecting them in any situation. 
One can trek to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka, and Valley View from Gavi. Treks through patches of dense forest is part of the course. Besides guides, a local 'elephant chaser' will accompany visitors on treks into the dense jungle. They use their ingenious noise-making device to protect the team from dangerous encounters with wildlife. 
The Meenar offers tranquility and pristine natural beauty, while Chenthamara Kokka gives a panoramic view of the deep ravine with dense forest below.
Ninnumulli's Paradise Cove boat ride is another impressive experience. There are many beautiful wildflowers in the Cove, and one can also hear the chirpings of birds in the background. At Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, and Pachakanam, the KFDC offers outdoor camping and night safaris. During these safaris and camps, visitors can experience the nightlife in the jungle and the dark beauty of the tropical rain forests. If you are very adventurous, you could also try night camping in the woods, an unforgettable experience. There are also treehouses available for campers to use. There is also a spice garden near Gavi and a cardamom factory that guests can visit.

Accommodation

The KFDC at Gavi has built an eco-lodge, Green Mansion, in addition to treehouses and tents in the jungle. A stay at the Green Mansion is an unforgettable experience. The surrounding forest and Lake Gavi are a sight to behold. From Green Mansion, you can trek to Kochu Pampa, where you can see endangered Nilgiri Tahrs.

Conservation efforts 

The ecotourism project is planned in such a way that it supports the KFDC's conservation efforts. This project avoids any disturbance to the ecosystem and creates awareness among visitors about the importance of protecting the forest and wildlife. This eco-friendly, exploratory, and educational experience is commendable for its eco-friendly measures.

Involvement of local populace

At Gavi, the ecotourism project involves the local community. In addition to serving as guides, cooks, and gardeners, tribal inhabitants actively participate in tourism projects. That helps them earn more money and support their families. Since they have profound knowledge of the forest, they can guide visitors through its nature trails while imparting their knowledge of flora and fauna.