Gavi is a sought after eco-tourist spot in Pathanamthitta District, in Kerala and has recently become increasingly popular among nature lovers after 'Alistair International' listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untainted by the mighty hands of modernity. Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife and its breathtaking natural beauty. The journey to Gavi itself is an exciting and rejuvenating experience. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Kerala's very own treasure elephants can be sighted abundantly. If you are the bird watcher, Gavi is the place for you. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for bird watchers.
Gavi is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. It is about 98kms from Pathanamthitta, 121 kms from Kottayam and around 40 kms from Kumily ( Thekkady ). It has been said that most enjoyable route to Gavi is the way from Pathanamthitta. The rough journey to Gavi may better be made on a study vehicle like a jeep or SUV or 4X4.
As located within the Goodrical Forest Range of Periyar Tiger Reserve, vehicular traffic is restricted and is permitted only between 6AM and 6PM. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post at Kochandi and these are issued only in limited numbers so it is highly recommended that you turn up at the Check Post early in the morning. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Vehicles entering through Kochandi Check Post should leave the forest range only through Vallakkadavu Check Post and it must be made before 6 pm, and you cannot return to Kochandi Check Post.
Our homestay is very popular with Gavi tourists as it is ideally located only 7 minutes away from Kochandi Check Post, from where Gavi Entry passes are issued. Often for people coming from far or other districts it is sometimes not possible to reach Kochandi early enough to secure a pass. By choosing our homestay, you can arrive at your convenient time and stay at our beautiful riverside rooms and in the morning after a refreshing river bath and a sumptious breakfast, you can set off to Gavi. You can even ask for our home made picnic lunches / snacks or pothichoru as it wouldn't be easy to find shops once you are within the forest range. If you prefer to leave your car / vehicle at our homestay and hire a local jeep / SUV, you can that way free yourself from the stress of driving on mountain terrain / narrow jungle roads and instead enjoy the beauty of the nature and leave the driving to the professional local driver who knows these routs like the back of their hand. Local vehicles are allowed to return to Kochandi and not always restricted. So as everything is taken care of, why dont your next visit to Gavi be made more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable by staying at Muruppel Homestay ?