Gavi, an eco-tourism destination in Kerala, has gained popularity as one of India’s premier eco-tourism centers and a must-visit location. A haven for nature enthusiasts, Gavi remains untouched by modernity, preserving its natural scenic beauty. The area is renowned for its wildlife, with endangered species such as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque frequently spotted on its outskirts. Elephants, a true treasure of Kerala, are also commonly seen. Gavi is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 260 bird species, including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfisher. It is an extraordinary place that nature lovers should visit at least once.
Program Details of Gavi Full-Day Safari | |||
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Registration Process | ||
8:30 am - 9:30 am | Breakfast | ||
9:30 am - 10:00 am | Introduction with the guide, who will accompany throughout the safari. | ||
10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Trekking into the forest. | ||
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Lunch | ||
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Boating with Gavi Lake (row boat) and waterfall visit. | ||
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Visit to Sabarimala Viewpoint, Cardamom Plantation, Curing House and Museum of Animal Skeleton | ||
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Tea break | ||
5:00 pm | Return |
Jeep Safari - The open gypsy starts from the Gavi Eco-tourism Information Centre, where the tourists have to pay for the package of Gavi ecotourism. The next stop is the ticket counter of Gavi Information Counter to buy tickets for entry into Gavi. from the ticket counter the jeep safari drives to the canteen inside the Gavi ecotourism area for breakfast. The safari traverses through the dense forest where herds of elephants, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear and many more are frequently spotted. A few vantage points, the Gavi dam and the lake come across while on the jeep safari towards the Gavi Forest Office, where tourists need to produce the tickets in order to head further.
After breakfast, the expedition begins on foot to explore the wild beauty of the Gavi forest. A well-trained and well-versed guide accompanies tourists through the trekking trail in the forest. Rooms are also available amid the dense forest for a night stay. However, an advance booking is mandatory to avail an accommodation in the rooms. Birdwatching is an additional bonus to the walking expedition at Gavi.
Boating and Waterfall Visit - The trekking is concluded by boating at the Gavi Lake. The boat rows till the waterfall and then drops back to have lunch. Rowing through the waters surrounded by the verdant backdrop is an amazing experience. Reaching the waterfall requires a short hike, accompanied by a mesmerising view.
Trekking in Forest - The trek starts from the Gavi forest office. The trekking through the dense forest includes uphill and downhill trails, sometimes steep and sometimes plain surfaces. The hilly landscapes and the panoramic view from the higher terrains of the forest add a heartwarming charm to the walking safari at Gavi. The trek to the Sabarimala Viewpoint is roughly one hour. Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrimage centre visited by millions of devotees from India and around the globe, is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range. While trekking, tourists come across a small cardamom garden where the guide provides information about the harvesting of cardamoms. If luck favours one can also spot harmless wild animals and birds are undoubtedly the constant companion in the forest.