Places to Visit in Gavi

GAVI

Is the scorching heat and humidity bothering you? Somehow, Gavi seems to be the best destination choice for travellers who wish to escape the sweaty, sultry heat of the summer.

Gavi is seductive. With its mist enveloped hills, pristine forests, fine tea estates and breathtaking scenery, Gavi is like a piece of heaven on Earth, untouched and still beaming with glory. This picturesque destination lives up to the state tag-“God’s own country” and is ravishing and mesmerising enough to muscle you up to take this trip.

Listed as one among the leading Eco-tourism spots in India, a major quality point about Gavi is that the local inhabitants of the place are actively involved in Eco- tourism activities- helping travellers as guides, providing home stays, etc (which is their main source of livelihood).

Endowed with surreal beauty, the place bustles with activities like bird watching, nature walking, trekking, wildlife safaris, outdoor camping and night safaris. One can camp in the forest at allocated camping sites and experience the presence of wildlife around. Bird watchers can enjoy a great view of avian life from tree houses.

LOCATION:

Gavi is a village in the Pathanamthitta district of kerala, India. It is located 14 Km southwest of Vandiperiyar (A town in Idukki District ) on National Highway 220 (connecting Kollam and Madurai). 28 Km from Kumily( near Thekkady).

Nearest Railway station: Kottayam Railway Station- 114 Km

Distance from Airport:

Madurai Airport(In the state of Tamil Nadu) – 140 Km.

Cochin International Airport- 190 Km.

CLIMATE:

Gavi has a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures never rising above 28 degree Celsius during the daytime in summer and falling to an average of 20 degree Celsius at night.

Main Attractions in Gavi

Canoeing and boating at the reservoir.
Hiking to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View Point
Outdoor camping and night safaris to Kullar, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam and Anathode.

Green Mansion Eco Lodge

The Green Mansion at Gavi is an eco lodge located right in the middle of the reserve overlooking the Gavi Lake and thick forests surrounding it. You can climb up the tree houses or pitch a tent in the wilderness. Trekking is the most pleasurable and is guided by trained locals of the place. Canoe rides along the lake also add to the excitement. Vegetarian food is also provided along with lodging, pushing the term ecotourism a step higher.

LOCATION:

NOTE: Pre-booking at the eco-lodge thorough KFDC site is necessary.

The journey to Gavi itself is beautiful and more surprising than you could expect. Perhaps, it will turn out to be one of life’s most unforgettable experience.

Places to Visit – Enroute Gavi

KUTTIKKANAM

This ethereal beauty never loses its lustre of being pristine. Reserved by a great amount of forest area, Kuttikanam is a gifted natural haven with its diverse flora and fauna.

PEER HILLS OR PEERMADE

Just one Km away from Kuttikanam is the plantation town of Peermade, which is named after the Sufi saint Peer Mohammad who spent his last days here. The hills have been a favourite haunt for soul searching wanderers, trekkers and picnickers. The summer palace of the Travancore royal family (which is now converted into a Govt. Guest house), mausoleum of the saint and the Dewan house are worth a visit.

GRAMPI OR PARUNTHUMPARA

The hill top got the name Parunthumpara (which means eagle rock) due to its vast panoramic view from up high. These hills are layered with unending tea, coffee and cardamom plantations and rocky trekking trails, making it an ideal stop over. Grampi is located 5 km from peermade.

PANCHALIMEDU:

Mythology has it that pandavas along with their spouse Panchali (Draupadi) found shelter here during their one year long exile. Hence, the place got its name[ Panchali (Draupadi), Medu (hills)]. You can also sight makarajyothi or Makaravilakku from the pond, Panchalikkulam during the pilgrimage season at Sabarimala. It is also believed that Pandavaguha ( cave of the Pandavas) beholds the footprints of the mighty Bheema. The hills are located 12 Km away from Kuttikanam.

THEKKADY

Hills upon hills- blowing up like waves from a sea of deep green velvet. Thekkady is one place that never fails to impress its guest. It is simply picture perfect, rejuvenating and romantic. Take a boat ride through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can enjoy close sightings of the Ghat wildlife and scenic beauty.

Reference & Image courtesy