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Trip to Gavi, Ecotourism at its best |
Located at Pathanamthitta district in
Kerala, a small village Gavi is ideally placed approximately 14 km away from Kumily in Thekkady and 28
km from Vandiperiyar, a small town in Idukki district. Gavi is one of the major
eco-tourism centres in Kerala, which has been listed as one of the must see
places in India by world acclaimed tourism major, Alistair International.
The journey to Gavi is itself an exciting and rejuvenating experience. During
the drive, you will be able sight the beautiful Gavi, covered with tea
plantations. Get thrilled with the sights of hills and valleys, tropical
forests, grasslands, spectacular waterfalls, cardamom plantations etc. Gavi is a
part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Planning a trip to Gavi is planning to delve deep into the life of wild flora
and fauna. Gavi is very famous for its wildlife. You can sight here endangered
species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque along with Elephants. Gavi is
considered to be a heaven for bird lovers and bird watchers. More than 260
species of birds like pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher etc are abundant
here. Endless activities await you here like trekking, wildlife watching,
outdoor camping and night safaris.
One of the unique features of Gavi is that you will be getting a chance to
camp inside the forest. You can also put up a tent in the
camping site, a very rare opportunity usually not allowed in many Indian
forests. Just feel the silence and wildness of the forest at night. You can also
make use of the tree houses available here.
Being at Gavi, you will be able to find the local people here as tourists
guides, gardeners and cook. This unique concept was initiated as a part of the
Gavi Eco Tourism Project commenced by Kerala Forest Development Corporation.
This project aimed to attract the tourists especially those from European
countries. The project,Gavi tour which targeted nature lovers and adventure
tourists, become popular by giving a chance for the local people here to earn
their bread through tourism and also creating awareness on conservation of
nature among them.
The best time to visit Gavi is from September to February. You will be getting a
chilling experience during this period at Gavi. If you want to enjoy the heavy
monsoon at Gavi, plan your trip from June to September. The summer period (from
March to May) is usually not preferable. But if you want to visit, there are no
restrictions. You can also explore places near Gavi like Mundakayam, Kuttikanam,
Peerumedu and Vandiperiyar.
The nearest railway station is Kottayam railway station (128 km) and the nearest
airport is Nedumbassery airport, Ernakulam (160 km). From Kumily you can hire a
jeep to reach Gavi. Entry passes are available at the Forest checkpost,
Vallakadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation is
recommended to make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
By Rajan Nambiar
India Mirror Holidays
www.indiamirror.in
9895777547
info@indiamirror.in
TAGS:
Gavi travel,
Gavi tour,
Ecotourism,
Gavi Eco Tourism Project,
KErala eecotourism destinations,