Gavi-Kakki

Gavi is a must-visit, tranquil tourist spot in Kerala that is an eco-tourist spot wrapping up unique flora and fauna in a picturesque landscape. This not-so-known tourist destination is a pristine wilderness area that belongs to nature. One can choose this stunning tourist location for both day and night trips as both day& night stays are available here. It appeared in the spotlight after ‘Alistair International’, the world-famous tourism journal listed it as one of the top eco-tourism centers in the world. Gavi is popular because of the unique wildlife it boasts as well as the scenic locations that are a delight for all nature and bird lovers, research students, and tourists alike. Apart from sightseeing, Gavi offers trekking options to Pullumedu Peak as well as a visit to the beautiful tea plantation on the way to Gavi. The path to Gavi is a visual treat for one’s eyes with mind-refreshing panoramic views of the green tea plantations. Gavi is accessible from places like Mundakayyam, Peermedu, Kuttikanam, and Vandiperiyar from where the road diverges to Gavi. If you are not an ambitious trekker but a devotee of Lord Ayyappa, you can try short trekking on this hill as the peak offers a spectacular view of the holy temple of Sabarimala.

A 2-hour Jeep drive may be the easiest sightseeing option if you want the trip to end in a small amount of time. With that, you can have a quick tour of Gavi watching rolling hills, lush forests, meadows, waterfalls, and plantations. Along with that, boating in the unruffled waters of the reservoir will add more pleasure to your trip. The Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque are a few of Gavi’s wildlife attractions. Elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, and a huge variety of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfishers, and many more animals find this place home. Located at the eastern extremity of Pathanamthitta, this silent green heaven is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. One important specialty of Gavi is that one can witness the rare flora which includes a highly endemic species of the Gymnosperm family called Nageia Wallichinia (Podocarpus Wallichinia). The species is only found around Gavi in the entire Western Ghats. If one wants to experience Gavi fully, then there are a lot more activities to indulge in. Visitors can explore the adventurous trekking trails with or without the help of local guides and trained elephant chasers as the chances of encountering dangerous wild animals living here are high. Hiking Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka, Pullumedu, and Valley View will leave one with spectacular views of the lush green valleys of Gavi. Also, Gavi is unique because one can camp in the woods at night, an uncommon option in Indian forests. Once the daylight dims and night enters in, the breathtaking outdoor camping and night safaris are organized to Pullumedu, Kochu Pamba, Kullar, Pachakanam, and Anathodu at regular intervals from November through March. Treehouses are also available where one can experience wildlife to the fullest.

Entrance fee

25 rupees per person & 50 rupees per vehicle

Camera fee 25 rupees & video cameras fee 100 rupees.

Entry passes are available from the Forest Check Post on the way to Vallakkadavu.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 190 km