Chasing a piece of paradise in the Western Ghats? Look no further than Gavi.

Tucked deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, Gavi is a hidden gem. It's a place where the air is crisp, the greenery is overwhelming, and the silence is only broken by the call of exotic birds.

There is no better way to soak in the beauty of Gavi than by taking a jeep safari. Bumping along forest trails, weaving through dense greenery, and catching fleeting glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat, the experience feels raw, real, and wonderfully unfiltered.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Gavi jeep safari. Shall we jump in, then?

The Gavi Jeep Safari

The Gavi jeep safari is a nature-friendly travel program run by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC). Its goal is to provide nature lovers with access to pristine landscapes while generating revenue for conservation efforts.

As Gavi is a protected area, private vehicles aren't allowed deep inside the forest zones. The Gavi safari is conducted in rugged 4x4 jeeps that can handle the rocky, unpaved terrain. It is a raw, authentic experience designed for wildlife lovers who don’t mind a bit of a bumpy ride in exchange for breathtaking views.

Enhance Your Experience with Exoticamp

Desire an overnight immersive experience? Exoticamp’s facilities at Mount Sathram represent a unique luxury-wilderness hybrid. Located 25 km from Kumily, the campsite is strategically positioned to offer both tranquillity and access to the core Gavi jungle safari routes.

Key Features of Exoticamp Packages

We provide several types of tents for guests. These include luxury Swiss tents and dome tents. The site features modern amenities like clean restrooms and WiFi.

• 50 km Gavi Jeep Safari: A long drive deep into the forest reserve.
• Sathram Grasslands Trek: Walking through rolling meadows with mountain views.
• Row-Boat Ride: Exploring hidden waterfalls in a fairytale setting.
• Sabarimala Viewpoint: A trek to see the iconic temple from a ridge.
• Museum Visit: Learning about Periyar's giants at the Elephant Museum.
• Cardamom Garden Walk: Understanding Kerala's spice heritage firsthand.
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Ready to Swap the Urban Hum for the Wilderness Call? Book your Jungle Escape Today!

Routes the Jeep Actually Takes You Through
 

Essentially, there are two main roads through Gavi. Depending on which one you pick, you will see different types of plants, landscapes, and animals. Each path offers a unique look at the forest's scenery.

Route 1: The Angamoozhy-Gavi Corridor

The journey starting from Angamoozhy is widely regarded as the most immersive safari experience because of its length and the density of the forest it traverses. This 80 km stretch through the evergreen forests of the Goodrical Range is a cornerstone of the Pathanamthitta eco-tourism project.

Moozhiyar Dam

The trip starts with a climb toward the Moozhiyar Dam, which is a key source of electricity for Kerala. The forest here is thick, filled with massive, towering trees and a dense layer of smaller plants and bushes below.

Kakki and Anathodu Reservoirs

These are huge lakes surrounded by open grassy areas. If you pass by in the early morning or late afternoon, you have a great chance of seeing Indian Bison (Gaur) and Sambar Deer coming to the water’s edge.

Pamba Reservoir and Pullumedu

As you get closer to Gavi, you’ll pass the Pamba Reservoir. From here, you can see the high peaks of Pullumedu, which offer a wide, bird’s-eye view of the area surrounding the famous Sabarimala temple.

Route 2: The Vandiperiyar-Vallakkadavu Access

This route is the standard approach for those staying in the nearest major town of Kumily or Thekkady. This part of the trip shows you the difference between man-made farms and the wild, untouched, pristine landscapes of the core forest.

Cardamom Farms and Forests

The drive starts through large cardamom plantations. Because these plants grow under the shade of large trees, the area is full of colourful, exotic birds.  

The Vallakkadavu Check-post

Once you pass this gate, you enter the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The road gets narrower, and the trees overhead become much thicker and darker as you move into the protected heart of the forest.

Gavi Dam and Lake

The journey ends at the Green Mansion eco-lodge. It sits right next to Gavi Lake, where you can go out on the water for boating or canoeing.

Gavi Jeep Safari Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to wildlife spotting. The forest department and private operators usually follow strict time intervals to ensure the forest isn't overcrowded.

• Early Morning (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM): The best time to start your Gavi jeep safari is in the early morning, usually around 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM. This is when the forest is waking up. Predators are returning from their night hunts, and herbivores are out grazing while the dew is still on the grass.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): A great time for photography as the light softens over the pristine landscapes.

What Wildlife You Can Expect to See

For wildlife lovers, Gavi is a treasure trove. It isn't a zoo, so sightings aren't guaranteed, but the mystery is part of the charm.

While the Periyar Tiger Reserve is famous for its big cats, they are elusive. However, you are very likely to encounter:

• Indian Bison (Gaur): These magnificent creatures are often seen grazing near the forest edges.
• Sambar Deer: Often spotted near the serene lakes in the early hours.
• Malabar Giant Squirrel: Look up! Their purple-and-maroon fur stands out against the green canopy.
• Endangered Species: If you are lucky, you might spot the Nilgiri Thar or the lion-tailed Macaque.

Gavi is also a birdwatcher's paradise. With over 260 species of birds, keep your binoculars ready for great hornbills, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. Every wildlife encounter here feels special because of the quiet intimacy of the forest.

Making the Most of Your Gavi Jeep Safari Experience

That's it, folks! We've reached the end of our Gavi jeep safari guide.

The pristine landscapes, the emerald green of the dense forests, and the stillness of the serene lakes create a sanctuary for the soul. But what truly sets Gavi apart is how it makes you slow down how every wildlife sighting, rustling leaf, and winding forest road pulls you into the present moment.

Long after the safari ends, you’re left with more than photos or memories. You carry a quiet sense of calm, a deeper respect for nature, and the feeling that, for a little while, the forest allowed you to move at its pace.