Idukki Experience: We had a trip to Gavi on 25th December 2008. If you want to be away from the madding crowd and unwind yourself under the canopy of tropical wet ever green forests, we strongly recommend Gavi in Idukki District in Kerala
In Gavi you can fill your lungs with fresh air which is saturated with the aroma of cardomom, can cool-off in the pristine chilly waters,or simply relax under the forest canopy watching 'Nilgiri langurs' performing acrobatics.Unlike other tourist destinations in India here nobody will stare at you except wild animals and birds. Your cell phone will not wake you up from your trance( there is no mobile coverage). Definitely 'Gavi' will rejuvenate your body and mind
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: 'Green Mansions' run by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd with three rooms is the only lodge available.Food and accomodation is good as we cannot expect' star' facilities in a tiger reserve. Also there is no scope for shopping in a tiger reserve
Activities & things to do: Gavi is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve and different types of packages are offered by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation.
1. Over night package.
Stay at Green Mansion, the forest lodge,trekking, boating, jungle safari..etc.
Tariff: Rs-1750/ person / day. Children below 10 years are exempeted.
2.Over night stay.' jungle camps'
Stay in class-tents deep inside the forest,boating, trekking....etc
Service of trained forest guides are available. We stongly recommend Mr. Vijay Kumar(Vijay) who knows the every nook and cranny of the place.
Animals your expected to see:
Elephants,Gaur, sambar deer, Nilgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, reptiles..etc .Tiger sightings are reported during jungle camping
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Entry to Gavi is highly restricted as it is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Any unauthorised traveller will be turned away at 'Vallakadavu', the first forest check post. Prior permission from the forest department is requied to enter Gavi
Gavi is in Idukki district in Kerala . It is 28kms south- west of Vandiperiyar a town on N.H 220, the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai. Vandiperiyar is around 100kms away from Kotayam Town and is 14kms from Kumali. A one month advance booking is recommended as the rooms are always in great demand.
CONDACT DETAILS;
Tourist Facilitation Centre,
Holiday Home Complex
Kumily, Idukki District Kerala
Tele phone-04869 223270
Mobile phone - 94461 12034( Officer in charge)
or
The Divisional Manager,
Gavi Division,
K.F.D.C Ltd,
Gavi P.O.
Via Vandiperiyar,
Idukki District,
Kerala.
Contact person
Mr. Radhakrishnan.
Range officer in charge,
Green Mansion,
Gavi.
Mobile-9947 492399(between 4pm and 5pm only) .
Warnings.
Always obey forest rules and regulations and the instructions of the trained guides. Here we are the intruders in to the animal world.
