Gavi is a village and an eco-tourist spot based at an elevation of 1100 meters from sea level in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India. It is quite famous for it’s pristine natural beauty and wildlife. It is located in 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar, a town in Idukki on N.H 220, the highway linking Kollam and Madurai. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. The village lies in the buffer zone bordering Ranni reserve forest, part of Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Gavi has broadly become popular after ‘Alistair International’ the world renowned tourism major listed it among the prime eco-tourism centres and one of the must visit places in India. Gavi tourism is a project by Kerala Forest Development Corporation to project eco-tourism by collaborating with locales to protect this beautiful tourist place and, in turn, support the locals earn their livelihood.
Gavi lies close to Sabarimala forests. The place is full of wildlife and endangered species such as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Animals like Elephants are found in abundance, over 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, kingfishers and woodpecker can be seen here. The Gavi terrain comprises of grasslands, meadows, hills and valleys altogether make it interesting for nature lovers.
Activities such as trekking, wildlife watching, bird watching, outdoor camping in forest, etc. can be performed here in Gavi. Green Mansion eco-lodge run by KFDC are among the prime accommodation facilities, there are also Swiss cottage tents, Treehouses available for both day and night stays. Forest tent camping is available from November to March. Jeeps and other such vehicles are also available on hire either from Vandiperiyar or from Kumily. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post en-route at Vallakkadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd. are also available. Boating facility are also offered in the crystal clear waters of Gavi and Kochupamba lake. There are many waterfalls en route to Gavi and a view point from where the Sabarimala temple is clearly visible.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam (KTYM), about 114 km, Thiruvalla (TRVL), 120 km away.
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu), about 186 km away, Trivandrum 185 km, and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km.