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Gavi
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Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of
the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of
tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is exclusive in many
respects and the majority who visited was nature lovers and adventure
tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased,
especially after
'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism
major listed it among the leading
eco-tourism centres and one of
the must-see places in India.
A highlight of the Gavi eco project is the involvement of the local populace in its activities as guides, gardeners and cooks. This will provide livelihood for the locals and also will help to create awareness on conservation of nature. Gavi, located in Pathanamthitta district offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and night safaris.
The road leading
to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a
refreshing experience. En route to Gavi are places of interest like
Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road
deviates to Gavi.
Once you reach Gavi the serene eco-lodge
'Green Mansion' awaits you like a fairy to embrace you in its protective
fold. From the 'Green Mansion', one can savour the spectacular view of the
Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests.
Besides the
accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion' visitors can also try out the
tree houses here and can even pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Here one can
have outstanding trekking experiences, which are overseen by trained local
people. Those who would love to be left alone can do so in the tranquil
environs of Gavi or may even go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or
enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visitors are usually provided vegetarian food
and snacks, which further adds to the
eco-friendly ambiance of the
place.
The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills
and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading
waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the
Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of
Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill,
woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.
Some of
the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer spectacular
view of a deep ravine and the forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near
Green Mansion
eco-lodge one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.
The famous pilgrim destination, Sabarimala is a short trek
from Gavi. For those interested in observing the nocturnal wildlife, night
safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam provide ample
opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Another unique feature of
Gavi is camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site,
which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the
silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of
nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also
tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the
fullest.
Active
involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the
country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi
to sustain its surroundings in its original state.
Gavi is bound to cast its magical spell on every
visitor and is surely a place that should not be missed in
one's
lifetime. Gavi is pristine, and it belongs to the wild, which is a reminder
that visitors are responsible for their intentions and actions, which will
have a bearing on the upkeep of Gavi for a long time to come.
Getting there: Gavi is located about 28 km from
Vandiperiyar, which is 18 km from Thekkady.
Nearest
railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Nearest
airports: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Cochin
International Airport, about 190 km away.
Contact Address
Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Eco-Tourism Project Periyar.
For more details please contact
Tourist Information Office
Department of Tourism, Thekkady
Phone: 04869-222620 |
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