What about a bus ride through a verdant forest to soak in the wilderness and enjoy the natural grace of wild animals? What if that ride is on the safety and comfort of a KSRTC bus and that too without burning a hole in your pocket? Sounds enticing, isn’t it? Just pack your bags and head to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) depot in Kottayam as it has rolled out tourist package services to the spellbinding hill station of Gavi in the Pathanamthitta district.

Gavi, Pathanamthitta. Photo: Manorama/Aravind Venugopal
Gavi, Pathanamthitta. Photo: Manorama/Aravind Venugopal

The service had been launched on December 1 and the bus will wind through rolling grasslands and breathtaking landscapes. The package that costs Rs 1,650 for a person includes 60kms of jungle safari and boating besides lunch. The bus will leave Kottayam depot at 5.30 am and return at 10 pm.

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Know the pulse of the forest

You will get the notion that green is the most appealing colour after visiting Gavi as the charm of its thick forest is surreal. The journey to Gavi is through the middle of the forest and the canopy would give the perfect cool shade from the searing heat of the sun. You can also see birds, elephants and bison on the way to Gavi.

Elephants sighted at Gavi. Photo: Manorama
Elephants sighted at Gavi. Photo: Manorama
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Gavi, which was a relatively unknown place in Pathanamthitta, got into the limelight after the Malayalam movie ‘Ordinary’ had hit the screens. The 2012 film starring Biju Menon, Kunchacko Boban and others gave glimpses of this captivating spot. The journey through the forest will definitely give a memorable experience to the travellers. As more tourists are coming to Gavi, the state government has put in place many facilities, including trekking and tent stay under the protection of the forest department, for the visitors.

A mother and child at the misty Gavi. Photo: Aby Kurian Panangadu
A mother and child at the misty Gavi. Photo: Aby Kurian Panangadu

The verdant forest of Gavi is around 3,000ft above sea level and the climate is very pleasant throughout the year. The forest is home to more than 300 species of birds, including the Great Hornbill, and the flora is also exhaustive.

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You can book your tickets for the jungle safari by dialling 94958 76723, 85478 32580 or 85475 64093 between 10 am and 5 pm.  

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