Gavi is a destination reached through the forest paths winding around misty hills, crossing over four dams and weaving through wildlife reserves. Many restrictions have to be overcome if you wish to visit the wild beauty called Gavi which is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Only genuine nature lovers who would do no harm to these virgin forests are allowed entry.
From Pathanamthitta, the eco-tourism centre of Gavi is about 100 km via Angamoozhy. Out of this, about 73 km is through forests. Elephants, bison, deer, lion-tailed macaque etc are normally encountered on the way; and on a good day, even jungle cats and tigers may be sighted.
The route is around green hills and through thick forests. A chill wind blows even around midday. If mist descends over the slopes, nothing can be seen. It gives a feeling of floating on clouds.
The route also goes over the dams of Kakki and Anathode which are part of the Sabarigiri hydro-electric project – the 2nd largest in terms of the amount of electricity generated. Besides, there are Moozhiyar and Gavi dams to cross. The Kochu Pampa dam can also be sighted on the way.
These forests are also renowned for the large number of bird types found. Tree varieties like 'Rudraksha' and Frankincense, popular in the urban areas, are also plentiful in this forest area. There are two serene boating facilities amidst the murmur of the jungle and away from the commotion of the cities. To top it all, if there is some accommodation facility to stay overnight, it will be a bonus.
Entry
While coming from the direction of Pathanamthitta, visiting pass has to be obtained from Goodrical Forest Range Office at Angamoozhy. Only 30 vehicles are allowed per day. Vehicle entry is allowed between 08:30 and 11:00. For online booking, visit:
Phone: 0473-5279063/8547600900.
The entry is through the Kochandi check-post. All the plastic items carried by the visitors will be inventoried here. Beyond Gavi, at the Vallakkadavu check-post, these items are checked again. This is a precaution taken to prevent plastic disposal in the forest area.
Carrying alcohol and travelling in a state of inebriation are strictly prohibited and so is getting off the vehicle inside the forest. There are many points where the visitors undergo random check by the police or forest officials. At Pachakkanam, another entry pass has to be obtained.
Gavi can also be accessed directly from Vandiperiyar on the Kottayam-Kumily Road via the Vallakkadavu check-post.
At Gavi
The Kerala Forest Development (KFDC) offers different tour packages that facilitates maximum exposure to the forest's charms. These packages include boating, trekking, wild-safari, and overnight stay in tents. There are daytime packages too.
For more information, visit: https://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com
Phone: Vallikkadavu 8289821306
Kumily: 04869253270//9947492399//82898 21306
Email: gavi@kfdcecotourism.com
The boating near Kochu Pampa costs only Rs 100/-
Phone: 94952 84900
Lunch can be arranged if pre-booking is done.
The Pathanamthitta District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) offers Gavi package including coracle ride at Konni/Advai.
Phone: 0468-2311343 (Kozhencherry)
0468-2326409 (Pathanamthitta)
0468-2247645 (Konni)
Bus service
The bus service from Pathanamthitta via Gavi and Kumily covers one of Kerala's longest and one of the more beautiful routes in Kerala. There is no need to take entry pass while travelling in the bus. The checking is also not that stringent. It could get quite crowded on holidays.
Timing: From Pathanamthitta, morning 6:30 and at noon 12:30
From Kumily, morning: 5:25 and at noon 1:20
