9.435777.1595Thekkady, Kerala

NATURE

Gavi, Thekkady - An Eco-Tourism Experience in Periyar Tiger Reserve

An eco-tourism village in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, offering guided jeep safaris, forest treks, boating, and wildlife sightings in a protected environment.

Thekkady, KeralaFull day (6-8 hours)6:00 AM – 5:00 PM₹1800No Photography

View On Map Nearby Hotels

Best Season:The ideal time to visit Gavi is from September to February. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the forest is vibrant and green after the monsoon rains. This period is excellent for trekking and birdwatching. While the summer months from March to May can be warm, they often increase the chances of spotting wildlife near the lake and other water sources. Avoid the peak monsoon season from June to August, as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and the trails become slippery and infested with leeches.

Duration:Full day (6-8 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹1800

Entry (Foreign):₹3500

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Gavi?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Gavi is an eco-tourism project managed by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) located within the Ranni Reserve Forest, which is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. A visit here is not about a single viewpoint but about the entire journey and experience through a dense, protected forest ecosystem. The trip, usually done in a designated jeep, takes you through winding roads, past tea plantations, and into thick evergreen forests. The main area includes the Gavi Dam and its reservoir, where visitors can go boating. The environment is remarkably quiet, punctuated only by bird calls and the rustling of leaves.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and national holidays, coinciding with peak tourist season in Kerala.

Moderate

September-November and February-March, on weekdays.

Low Season

June-August, due to heavy monsoons which can make travel difficult.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹1800

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹3500

Per person

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Gavi is accessed via scheduled day-long programs. The jeep safaris usually start from Kumily or Vandiperiyar around 6:00 AM and the program concludes by 5:00 PM. All visits must be pre-booked through the KFDC website, as on-the-spot entry is generally not available due to the limited number of permits issued per day.

Entry is managed through packages. The cost for a day program is approximately ₹1800 per person for Indian citizens and ₹3500 for foreign nationals. This fee typically includes the forest entry permit, jeep safari, a guide, boating, breakfast, and lunch. Prices are subject to change and should be confirmed on the official KFDC website at the time of booking. Overnight stay packages are also available at a higher cost.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Gavi, Ranni Reserve Forest, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala. Entry check-post is at Vallakkadavu, near Vandiperiyar.

Coordinates

9.4357, 77.1595

Nearest City

Thekkady

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Madurai Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu is the nearest airport, located about 140 km away (4-5 hour drive). Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kerala is about 19...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Kottayam (KTYM), located about 114 km from Kumily. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Kumily by taxi or bus from the station...

By Road

Kumily (Thekkady) is well-connected by a network of roads to major cities like Kochi, Kottayam, and Madurai. From Kumily, you must take the KFDC-arranged jeep s...

Local Transport

Within Kumily town, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available. However, to enter the Gavi forest area, you must use the official jeep service provided as p...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Gavi does not have an ancient historical background. Its prominence as a tourist destination grew from the Gavi Eco-Tourism Project, a community-focused initiative by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC). The project was designed to protect the region's fragile ecosystem while providing ...

Significance

Gavi's significance lies in its successful model of conservation-focused, community-based eco-tourism. It is a critical part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, safeguarding a rich biodiversity that includes several endemic and endangered species. The controlled nature of tourism here ensures minimal dist...

Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler

Explore More Destinations

View Map Nearby Hotels