Gavi Forest Gavi Eco Tourism

Gavi Forest in Kerala is one of those places that feels like a real forest, not a theme park. Misty hills, deep green valleys, cardamom plantations, a silent lake and and a good chance of seeing elephants, gaur and rare wildlife, all in one place.

Gavi lies inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district. Eco tourism here is run strictly by:

• Kerala Forest Department

• Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC)

That means controlled vehicles, limited visitors, and strong rules. No loud parties, no random roaming at night. You come here for silence, birds, forest sounds and fresh air.

Below is a complete travel guide for Gavi Forest Kerala with Gavi forest stay, jeep safari, online booking details, entry fees, packages, bus timings, kids activities, food, parking, restrooms, safety tips and hidden tips.

Where Is Gavi Forest In Kerala?

Gavi is a small forest settlement inside the Ranni reserve forest, part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Approx distances:

• 28 km from Vandiperiyar

• 51 km from Thekkady (Kumily)

• About 109 km from Pathanamthitta town

The drive itself is a big attraction. You pass:

• Tea and cardamom estates

• Deep forest sections

• Dams and reservoirs like Kakki and Moozhiyar

Gavi Forest Eco Tourism

Gavi eco tourism is operated mainly by:

• Kerala Forest Department – Permits and Gavi Kakki entry

• KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation) – Day and stay programmes like:

  • Green Mansion Jungle Lodge

  • Swiss Cottage Tents

  • Jungle Camping

Key things to remember:

• It is a sensitive tiger reserve area

• Number of vehicles and visitors per day is fixed

• You must follow your guide and rules strictly

• No roaming outside after dark inside the forest zone

So when you book Gavi, think eco tourism, not “resort holiday”.

Best Time To Visit Gavi Forest

Peak season and pleasant weather

• September to February

  • Pleasant climate

  • Clearer views

  • Good chances of wildlife sightings

Best months for camping

• November to March

  • Ideal for tent stays and jungle camping

  • Nights are cool but not extremely cold

Monsoon (June to September)

• Forest turns lush, streams are full

• Heavy rain is common

• Some treks, boating or safaris may be cancelled on safety grounds

• Fewer tourists, good if you like rain and mist

Summer (March to May)

• Hot and often humid

• Harder for kids and elders in daytime

• Slightly better chance to spot animals near water sources

Gavi Forest Entry Fee And Permits

There are two different “entry” systems that confuse many visitors.

1. Forest road entry (Vallakkadavu route)

If you are mainly driving through the reserve towards Gavi (not necessarily in a KFDC package), you pay at the forest check post:

• Entry per person: about ₹25

• Vehicle fee: about ₹50 per vehicle

• Camera: about ₹25

• Video camera: about ₹100

You must:

• Take a pass at the check post

• Exit the forest section before the time printed on your pass

2. Gavi Kakki Eco Tourism entry ticket

This is the official online entry ticket system for visitors, managed by the Goodrickal Forest Range.

Official site (full link):
https://gavikakkionline.com

From this system:

• Entry fee per person

  • Indian adult: ₹100

  • Foreign national: ₹200

  • Children below 13 years: Free

• Entry time

  • From 8:30 am to 11:00 am only

• Entry point

  • Ticket counter at Angamoozhy Forest Range Office

Important rules include:

• No outdoor programmes between 6 pm and 6 am

• Vehicles entering through Kochandi check post must exit through Vallakkadavu before 4:30 pm

• You must show original ID used while booking

Gavi Online Booking

There are three main official booking routes for Gavi.

1. Gavi Kakki entry booking only

For just entry (no stay), use:

• Gavi Kakki portal:
  https://gavikakkionline.com

Steps:

1. Open the site and go to “Check Availability” or “Book”.

2. Select your date and number of visitors.

3. Complete online payment.

4. On the day of visit, reach Angamoozhy Forest Range Office with:

   • ID proof

   • Printed or digital copy of your ticket

2. Gavi day and stay packages by KFDC

KFDC handles all major day and stay packages at Gavi.

Useful official links (plain URLs):

• Gavi eco tourism (KFDC):
  https://gavi.kfdcecotourism.com

• Kerala tourism eco tourism Gavi programmes:
  https://www.keralatourism.org/ecotourism/trekking-programs/gavi-programmes/32

• Kerala Forest Ecotourism booking hub:
  https://ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in

Typical booking steps:

1. Go to https://ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in/ecotourismbooking

2. In destinations, search for Gavi

3. Choose Day programme or Stay programme

4. Select accommodation type:

   • Green Mansion room

   • Swiss Cottage tent

   • Camping option

5. Enter number of adults and children

6. Choose dates, check availability and pay online

7. Download or print the voucher and show it at the Gavi eco tourism reception

Gavi Forest Packages

Below are the most important Gavi eco tourism packages you can actually use while planning.

1. Boating To Kochupamba – Day Programme

A short and scenic row boating trip on Kochupamba lake, surrounded by rainforest.

Includes:

• Row boat

• Life jackets

• Trained guide

Approx package cost:

• ₹600 for 4 persons

• ₹300 for 2 persons

2. Full Day Trekking Package With Sabarimala Viewpoint

This is the classic Gavi eco tourism day programme.

Typical schedule:

• Start around 8:30 am

• Visit to cardamom plantation with guide

• Return to base for lunch

• Boating on the lake

• Trek to Sabarimala Viewpoint and Valley View

• Visit to small museum (animal skeletons and forest information)

Food included:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Evening tea and snacks

Approx cost:

• Adult: ₹1500 per person

• Child (6 to 12 years): ₹625 per child

3. Green Mansion Jungle Lodge  (Gavi Forest Stay)

Green Mansion is the main jungle lodge at Gavi, run by KFDC, located near the reservoir.

Includes:

• Stay in simple but clean rooms

• Boating on the lake

• Plantation visit

• Trek to Sabarimala viewpoint

• Early morning vehicle safari (about 2.5 hours)

• Dinner and breakfast

Key timings:

• Check in: 2:00 pm

• Check out: 2:00 pm (24 hour pattern)

Approx package cost:

• Around ₹3000 per person

• Children up to 6 years: free entry (package rules may differ slightly, always check latest)

Food and facilities:

• Simple Kerala style vegetarian food

• Tea and basic snacks

• Basic parking near the lodge

4. Swiss Cottage Tents

Semi permanent cottage style tents inside the forest, with attached bathrooms.

Includes:

• Boating

• Trekking

• Plantation visit

• Vehicle safari

• Dinner and breakfast

Timings:

• Check in: 2:00 pm

• Check out: 2:00 pm

Approx cost:

• About ₹3500 per person

• Children up to 6 years: usually free

5. Jungle Camping (Deep Forest Tented Stay)

This is for hardcore nature and adventure lovers.

Features:

• Stay in portable tents pitched deeper inside the forest

• Guide stays with the group

• Hot dinner served

• Boating, trekking, plantation visit and vehicle safari included

Important:

• Official note says this package is not meant for ladies and kids

Approx cost:

• ₹14000 for 4 persons

• ₹3500 for each extra person

Gavi Forest Jeep Safari

In most cases, Gavi jeep safari is not a separate stand alone booking; it is included in day or stay packages.

A typical full day Gavi jeep safari plan looks like:

• 8:00 to 8:30 am: Registration at eco tourism counter

• 8:30 to 9:30 am: Breakfast at canteen

• 10:00 am to 12:30 pm: Guided trek inside forest

• 2:30 to 3:00 pm: Boating on Gavi lake and nearby waterfall visit

• 3:30 to 4:30 pm: Sabarimala viewpoint, cardamom plantation, curing house and museum visit

What you can expect on the jeep route:

• Forest tracks where you may spot:

  • Elephants

  • Gaur (Indian bison)

  • Sambar deer

  • Barking deer

  • Malabar giant squirrel

  • Sloth bear (less common)

• Viewpoints around Gavi dam and lake

• Dense canopy stretches perfect for bird watching

Gavi Photography Spots

• Lakes at sunrise

  • Kochupamba lake and Gavi lake look stunning early morning

  • Soft golden light, thin mist on the water, clear reflections of hills and trees

• Sabarimala Viewpoint and Valley View

  • Great for wide angle landscapes

  • Rolling hills, deep valleys and layered forest ridges at sunrise or just before sunset

• Cardamom and coffee plantations

  • Shaded green slopes and narrow paths for portraits and travel shots

  • Nice patterns of trees, leaves and spice plants

• From your stay balcony

  • Green Mansion and Swiss Cottage tents offer balcony views of the reservoir

  • Chance to photograph hornbills, misty mornings and silhouettes of trees without leaving the room

• Nature walks

  • Perfect for close ups of butterflies, insects, mushrooms and wildflowers

  • Carry a macro or phone with good close focus

• Jeep safari scenes

  • Use a zoom lens for elephants, deer and gaur in natural settings

  • Also good for capturing light rays through the forest canopy and moody jungle frames

Gavi Forest Animals and Birdlife

Gavi forest falls inside Periyar landscape and is rich in wildlife. Reports from KFDC and eco tourism guides list:

• Endangered mammals: Nilgiri Tahr, Lion tailed macaque

• Common big mammals: elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, barking deer, wild dogs, occasionally tigers

• Other wildlife: Malabar giant squirrel, many reptiles and butterflies

• Birds: more than 260 species including Great pied hornbill, woodpeckers, kingfishers, mynas, bulbuls, cuckoos

Main Tourist Spots To See in Gavi Forest

1. Kochupamba Lake And Boating

Kochupamba is a quiet emerald lake ringed by thick forest. It offers:

• Row boating with guide and life jacket

• Calm waters and reflections of hills

• Great bird watching from the boat

Best time:

• Early morning

• Late afternoon before sunset

2. Sabarimala Viewpoint And Valley View

From Sabarimala Viewpoint you can see:

• The famous Sabarimala hills in the distance

• The route taken by pilgrims during the season

Nearby Valley View gives:

• A dramatic drop into a deep ravine

• Layered forest canopy far below

How to reach:

• Jeep ride plus short trek

• Included in most trekking and stay packages

3. Cardamom And Coffee Plantations

Around Gavi you find green slopes covered with cardamom and coffee.

Plantation walks include:

• Short, easy walking with guide

• Explanation of how cardamom and coffee are grown

• Spice plants and shade trees

Good for:

• Photography

• Families and elders

• Understanding Kerala’s spice heritage

4. Gavi Lake, Waterfall And Forest Museum

Most packages also include:

• Boating on the broader Gavi lake area

• Short hike to a small forest waterfall

• Visit to a simple museum with animal skeletons and forest displays

Museum is especially interesting for children to visualise animal size and bone structure.

5. Nature Walks And Birdwatching

Guided nature walks around the lodge or camp give a slow, intimate forest experience.

• Early morning walks

• Late evening walks before dark

You can observe:

• Birds

• Butterflies and insects

• Different types of trees and plants

• Animal tracks and droppings

6. Jungle Camping (Night Inside The Forest)

Spending the night in tents deep inside Gavi forest is the most intense experience the eco tourism programme offers.

• Only for guests who are comfortable with limited comfort

• Guide stays with you

• Basic facilities and dinner are provided

At night, you hear:

• Cicadas and crickets

• Wind in the trees

• Distant animal calls at times

Adventure Activities in Gavi Forest with Cost and Timings

Gavi Forest Stay Options (Budget, Medium, Premium)

1. Budget Stay Options Near Gavi

Because Gavi is a restricted eco tourism zone, there are not many budget hotels inside the forest.

Budget travellers usually:

• Stay at Kumily or Vandiperiyar in simple lodges

• Visit Gavi as a day programme or KSRTC package

Approx costs:

• Budget rooms at Vandiperiyar or Kumily:

  • Around ₹800 to ₹2000 per night

• Add: Gavi day package or KSRTC forest package cost per person

2. Mid Range Eco Stay (Green Mansion)

Best for:

• Families

• Nature lovers who want to stay inside the forest but with basic comfort

Why choose Green Mansion:

• Clean rooms with attached bath

• Vegetarian, homely food

• Guided activities and safari included

• On site parking

Tariff:

• Around ₹3000 per person including food and activities (always cross check latest price before booking)

3. Premium Feel (Swiss Cottage Tents And Jungle Camping)

Ideal for:

• Couples who like adventure

• Small groups of friends

• Repeat visitors who want a more immersive experience

Approx tariffs:

• Swiss Cottage Tents: about ₹3500 per person (food and activities included)

• Jungle Camping: ₹14000 for 4 people (deep forest tents, guide, dinner, activities)

Another option:

• Stay in a premium resort at Thekkady for 1 or 2 nights and do Gavi as a long day trip, combining Periyar boat ride on another day.

Government Bus To Gavi (KSRTC Details)

The official Pathanamthitta district website confirms that KSRTC runs an ordinary bus service from Pathanamthitta to Kumily via Gavi, passing through Moozhiyar, Kochu Pampa, Pachakkanam and Gavi.

Useful points:

• Route: Pathanamthitta → Vadasserikkara → Perunad → Seethathode → Angamoozhy → Moozhiyar → Kochu Pampa → Gavi → Pachakkanam → Vandiperiyar → Kumily

• The bus is a lifeline for villagers and Gavi staff, so reservations are usually not available online.

• Current apps like redBus mainly show KSRTC intercity timing patterns and sometimes this route.

How to check latest timing:

• Call Pathanamthitta or Kumily KSRTC bus stands

• Check the KSRTC official website or Kerala SRTC app

• Ask Gavi KFDC office when you confirm booking

Food, Parking And Restroom Facilities At Gavi

Food Options

In eco tourism packages, food is mostly organised and simple.

Common inclusions:

• Day programmes: breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks

• Stay programmes: dinner and breakfast, sometimes tea and snacks also

Food style:

• Mainly Kerala vegetarian

• Rice, sambar, thoran, poriyal, pickle, papad, simple dessert

• Some packages may arrange non veg on request, but never count on a full restaurant style menu

Drinking Water

• Purified or filtered drinking water is usually available at the eco tourism centre and stay locations

• Still, it is best to carry your own bottles and refill instead of buying many plastic bottles

Parking

• Parking space is available at:

  • Gavi eco tourism complex

  • Near Green Mansion and tent areas

Ground can be uneven or slushy in the rainy season.

Restroom Facilities

Toilets are available at:

• Gavi information centre and canteen

• Near Green Mansion and eco stay areas

• Some activity zones like boating area

They are basic but usable.
Carry:

• Pocket tissues

• Small handwash or sanitizer

Gavi Fun Activities for Kids

Kid friendly activities

• Boating on Kochupamba or Gavi lake with life jacket

• Short plantation walks

• Museum with animal skeletons

• Gentle nature walks near camp

• Watching birds and butterflies around the garden areas

Things to be cautious and careful about with children

• Keep kids close at all times. Do not let them run into bushes or towards water.

• Do not allow them to shout, throw stones or play loud music.

• Do not feed monkeys or any wild animal.

• Make sure they wear shoes with grip, not slippery sandals.

• Safaris and treks have rules where you cannot stand up or lean out of vehicles. Follow them strictly.

Safety Rules and Things To Be Very Cautious About Gavi

Based on forest department notes and eco tourism guidelines:

1. No late night roaming:

   • Outdoor movements are not allowed between 6 pm and 6 am. Stay close to your room or tent after dark.

2. Follow the guide always:

   • Never walk alone into the forest. Do not leave the trail or group.

3. No feeding or teasing animals:

   • Feeding can be dangerous and is strictly illegal.

   • Elephants and gaur are powerful animals, keep safe distance.

4. No littering or plastic dumping:

   • Use dustbins. Carry back your plastic bottles if needed.

5. Clothing and footwear:

   • Wear dull coloured clothes (greens, browns, greys), full sleeves and full pants.

   • Comfortable shoes with grip are essential for treks.

6. Health and medicines:

   • Carry basic medicines, personal prescriptions and insect repellent.

7. Photography etiquette:

   • Avoid flash near animals.

   • Never ask drivers to get closer than the safe distance for a better picture.

Nearby Tourist Places Around Gavi

You can easily combine Gavi with other popular Kerala hill and forest destinations:

• Thekkady and Periyar Tiger Reserve (about 51 km): Famous for boat safari on Periyar lake, spice gardens and cultural shows.

• Vandiperiyar (28 km): Tea estates, viewpoints, small waterfalls.

• Beautiful drive via Mundakkayam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu on the way to Gavi from Kottayam side.

• Pathanamthitta town region: Other eco tourism spots and pilgrimage places.

Gavi Forest Traveller Reviews

🌞 The Good

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Pure forest feeling, not commercial.” I loved that Gavi still feels like a real jungle, not a crowded picnic spot. Mist on the lake, silence on the trails, and the sound of birds everywhere made it feel like we had stepped into a nature documentary.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Peaceful stay at Green Mansion.” Our room was simple but clean, and waking up to a view of the lake was magical. The staff were kind, the food was homely, and the morning safari gave us close yet safe sightings of deer and elephants.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Perfect escape for nature lovers.” If you enjoy slow travel, this place is heaven. No mobile signal in many spots, long walks through cardamom plantations, and quiet evenings with just crickets and the occasional elephant trumpet.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Safe and exciting for kids.” We went with two school going children and they learned more here than in any classroom. The guide patiently showed them animal tracks, the skeleton museum fascinated them, and boating with life jackets felt safe yet exciting.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Great value eco packages.” The day package with trekking, boating, plantation visit, and all meals was worth every rupee. Everything was well coordinated, no bargaining or confusion, and we could just relax and follow the planned schedule.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Cool weather and amazing views.” We visited in January and the climate was perfect. Early morning mist over the reservoir and the Sabarimala viewpoint at sunset gave us some of our best photos from Kerala.

🌧️ The Not So Good

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Not for those who want comfort luxury.” The rooms and tents are basic and a bit worn out in places. If you are expecting resort style interiors and buffet spreads, you might be disappointed, but it works fine if you accept it as a forest camp.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Long travel and strict timings.” Reaching Gavi itself took a lot of time on narrow winding roads. Once inside, movement is restricted and you must follow the fixed schedule, so people who like to roam freely or stay out late may feel a bit controlled.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Leech and rain trouble in monsoon.” We went during heavy rains and got to experience many leeches on the trail. Some activities were cut short due to weather, so I would avoid peak monsoon unless you are very serious about rain forest experiences.

Gavi Forest is not just another holiday spot in Kerala, it is a quiet reminder of how forests are meant to feel. No crowd chaos, no big city noise, only mist, trees, birds and slow days that force you to breathe a little deeper. Whether you choose a simple day trip, a Green Mansion stay or a wild night of jungle camping, Gavi has a way of staying with you long after you return home.

If you are planning your first visit, use this guide to sort your permits, booking and stay options in advance, then simply relax and listen to the forest once you are there. Go slow, follow the rules, keep the place clean and respect the wildlife. In return, Gavi will reward you with golden sunrises, cold starry nights and maybe that silent moment when an elephant appears out of the mist.

If you have already been to Gavi and discovered a special viewpoint, friendly guide or hidden chai stop on the way, share it in the comments so other travelers can enjoy it too. And if this guide helped you plan your trip, bookmark it and pass it on to the next nature lover in your circle.