GAVI HILLS
AT
KERALA
Gavi,
located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala offers its visitors activities
like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and
night safaris.
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.
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.
For
the nature explorers Gavi offers the complete acquaintance with the flora
around including Nageia Wallichinia (Podocarpus Wallichinia), a highly endemic
species of the Gymnosperm family seen only around Gavi in the whole Western
Ghats !
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.
Being
at Gavi, you will be able to find the local people here as tourists guides,
gardeners and cook. This unique concept was initiated as a part of the Gavi Eco
Tourism Project commenced by Kerala Forest Development Corporation.
This
project aimed to attract the tourists especially those from European countries.
The project,which targeted nature lovers and adventure tourists, become
popular by giving a chance for the local people here to earn their bread
through tourism and also creating awareness on conservation of nature among
them.
The
road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which
itself is a refreshing experience.
The
best time to visit Gavi is from September to February. You will be getting a
chilling experience during this period at Gavi. If you want to enjoy the heavy
monsoon at Gavi, plan your trip from June to September.
By Air
Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km away and Cochin International
Airport, about 190 km away are the nearest airports. the nearest airport
is Nedumbassery airport, Ernakulam (160 km).
By Rail
Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 km away.
By Road
The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, 18 km from Thekkady.
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