Ancient temples, mirror-craft workshops, and an overnight forest adventure in Gavi.
Discover the cultural heritage and pristine wilderness of Pathanamthitta — from the ancient temples and mirror-craft workshops of Aranmula to an unforgettable overnight stay, safari, and trekking adventure in the forests of Gavi.
Start your day at the ancient Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, one of the most revered Krishna temples in Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Pamba River, this temple is famous for its annual Vallasadya (grand feast) and the legendary snake boat race (Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali). Spend time admiring the traditional Kerala architecture and the serene riverside setting.
💡 The temple is about 30 km from Pathanamthitta town, roughly a 45-minute drive.
Visit one of the traditional workshops that craft the famous Aranmula Kannadi — handmade metal mirrors unique to this village. Made from a secret alloy of copper and tin, these mirrors produce a front-surface reflection unlike ordinary glass mirrors. Watch artisans demonstrate the painstaking process of casting, polishing, and finishing each mirror by hand. You can purchase an authentic Aranmula Kannadi as a souvenir.
Head to Gavi from Aranmula (about 3 hours via Ranni–Angamuzhy). You need to reach Gavi by 2:00 PM for stay programme check-in. From Thekkady the drive is only 39 km (1 hour), so if you're coming from that side you have more flexibility with the morning.
Check in at the KFDC eco-tourism centre. Accommodation options include family suites (4 double beds, min. 6 pax), log houses (1 double + 1 single bed), Green Mansion rooms (double and triple occupancy), Swiss cottages (quadruple occupancy), and a dormitory (single beds, max 6 pax). Settle into your accommodation and freshen up.
💡 Advance booking is mandatory for all stays. Book at kfdcecotourism.com. Accommodation fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
If you arrive before 3:00 PM, join a guided walk around the log house area. Spot birds, butterflies, and smaller wildlife in the lush surroundings. Gavi has over 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers.
💡 This guided walk is only available for guests arriving before 3:00 PM, so try to check in on time.
Enjoy evening tea at 4:00 PM, then head to Gavi Lake for guided boating from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and misty hills. As the evening light softens, the reflections on the water and the sounds of the forest create a magical atmosphere.
Dinner is served between 7:30 and 9:00 PM at the KFDC guest house, followed by a campfire. The night sky at Gavi, far from city lights, is spectacular for stargazing. Listen to the sounds of the forest — you might hear elephants or other wildlife nearby.
Wake up early for a guided safari in a traveller vehicle (6:00 – 8:30 AM). Drive through the misty forest roads as the jungle comes alive at dawn. This is the best time for wildlife sightings — elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, and countless bird species are most active in the early morning.
💡 Maintain absolute silence during the safari. Wear earthy-coloured clothing to blend in with the surroundings.
Return to camp for breakfast (8:30 – 9:30 AM). At 9:30 AM, the camp manager gives a briefing about the day's trekking programme, trail options, and safety guidelines.
Visit the Animal Skeleton Museum, then set out on a guided trek through pristine evergreen forest. Choose from four trek options: (a) Gavi short trek (1.5 km, ~1 hr) with 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 trails.
Visit the Spice Garden and the organic cardamom curing and processing unit. Learn how cardamom is grown, harvested, and processed in these hills. The aroma of freshly dried cardamom is an experience in itself.
Check-out by 12:30 PM. Lunch is served from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Begin your return journey after lunch — head to Pathanamthitta (about 3 hours), Thekkady/Kumily (39 km, 1 hour), or your next destination.