A full day immersed in the pristine forests and wildlife of Gavi — elephants, birds, misty hills, and cardamom plantations.
Spend a full day immersed in the pristine forests and wildlife of Gavi — one of Kerala's most unspoilt eco-tourism destinations. Expect elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaques, over 260 bird species, misty hills, cardamom plantations, and a serene lake surrounded by dense forest.
Start early and head to Gavi. From Thekkady the drive is about 39 km (1 hour). From Kumrakom it's about 130 km (4 hours). The nearest railway station is Kottayam (KTM) and the nearest airport is Cochin International. You must reach Gavi for registration by 8 AM.
💡 Pre-book your day programme online at gavikakkionline.com or kfdcecotourism.com — daily visitors are limited.
Registration is at 8:00 AM. After completing registration, enjoy a buffet breakfast served between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM at the KFDC eco-tourism centre. This is followed by a briefing by the camp manager about the day's programme, forest rules, and wildlife safety.
Visit the Animal Skeleton Museum at Gavi for an educational look at the wildlife that inhabits these forests — elephants, bison, deer, and other species found in the Western Ghats.
The highlight of Gavi — a guided trek through pristine evergreen forest. Choose from four trek options: (a) Gavi short trek (1.5 km, ~1 hr) with the Sabarimala Viewpoint as the highlight, (b) Meenar short trek I (2 km, ~1.5 hrs), (c) Meenar short trek II (4 km, ~2.5 hrs), (d) Valley View Long trek (6 km, ~3 hrs), or (e) Meenar long trek (7 km, ~4 hrs). Enjoy diverse forest types, flora, and fauna along the way.
💡 If you are unable to trek, you can opt for an extra safari to Kochupamba in your own vehicle or jeep at no extra cost. Fishing activity is also available at your own expense.
Visit the Spice Garden and the organic cardamom curing and processing unit. Learn how cardamom — the "Queen of Spices" — is grown, harvested, and processed in these hills. The aroma of freshly dried cardamom is unforgettable.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala buffet lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM). After lunch, head to Gavi Lake for guided boating. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and misty hills — one of the most scenic spots in Kerala. The still water reflects the surrounding greenery beautifully.
An optional guided walk around the log house area. Spot birds, butterflies, and smaller wildlife in the immediate surroundings. With over 260 species of birds — including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers — Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.
Wind down with evening tea served between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. The official day programme ends at 4:30 PM. Begin your drive back to Thekkady, Kumily, or Pathanamthitta. The forest road closes after sunset, so depart promptly.