There is a rare peace found in waking up to a blanket of mist and the distant trumpet of a wild elephant. And you’ll find it exactly where the emerald hills of Gavi begin.

Tucked away in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This hidden gem is a pristine eco-tourism outpost that feels worlds away from the frantic energy of Delhi or Mumbai.

But before you book your getaway to the Western Ghats, it helps to know what truly awaits you here. That’s why we have designed this guide. In this Gavi travel guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before you visit the place. Dive in, then!

What is the Best Time to Visit Gavi?

While many travellers flock to Kerala during the winter, Gavi is charming in every season. That said, for nature enthusiasts, your choice of season will radically define the character of your adventure.

The Peak Season (September to March)

This is arguably the best time for nature lovers. The post-monsoon greenery is vibrant, and the weather is cool enough for a long walking tour through the woods.

Summer Season (April to June)

Summer is mild here. While the rest of India swelters, Gavi remains pleasant. That makes it a popular destination for those looking to escape the heat. This is a great time to see wildlife. 

As water sources inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve dry up, animals come to the lake to drink water. The morning and evening hours are the best for exploring if you want to catch a glimpse of animals.

The Monsoon Season

Gavi gets a lot of rain from June to September. The forest turns into a lush green paradise. Small waterfalls appear everywhere on the hills. But be warned—the deep ravine areas can become slippery, and some adventure activities might be restricted.

How to Reach Gavi?

Since Gavi is located within a protected forest area, you cannot just drive in like any other city. 

The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) manages the entry, and you’ll need a permit to enter India's most secluded forest patches.

You have got a few options to reach Gavi:

Getting There by Air

The nearest airports are in Madurai and Cochin. Madurai is about 140 kilometres away. Cochin is about 160 kilometres from Gavi. Many travellers fly into Mumbai or Delhi first. Then they take a smaller flight to reach the south.

Getting There by Rail

The Kottayam railway station is the closest one. It is about 130 kilometres from Gavi. You can also use the station at Chengannur. After reaching the station, you must take a taxi or a bus.

Road Routes and Permits

There are two routes you can take to reach Gavi if you're travelling by road.

• Vandiperiyar Route: This is the most popular route. The distance between Vandiperiyar and Gavi is 14 kilometres. The drive goes through tea and cardamom gardens.
• Pathanamthitta Route: This route is about 109 kilometres long. It is a very rough road through the deep jungle. It is best to use a sturdy jeep for this journey.

Where to Stay in Gavi?

Gavi is an eco-protected zone. This means there are not many hotels. You can stay at the KFDC eco-lodges, which offer a rustic, close-to-nature feel.

KFDC Forest Stays

• Green Mansion: This is an eco-lodge inside the forest. It feels very calm and quiet.
• Swiss Cottage Tents: These are portable tents with a roof. They have real beds and a bathroom.
• Jungle Camping: This is for nature lovers who want adventure. You’ll spend the night under the stars.

Camping with Exoticamp

Prefer a more soulful way to discover the landscape? Check out the curated experiences from Exoticamp.

Our flagship campsite is located at Mount Sathram, which is about 25 km from Kumily. We chose this location, so you can get stunning views of the Gavi forest and mountains.

• Diverse Durations: We offer flexible plans, including a 0N/1D day programme, a 1N/2D trip, and a comprehensive 2N/3D vacation.
• Deep Forest Safaris: One of the top features is a 50 km or 100 km jeep safari into the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Accommodation Variety: You can choose between dome tents, forest view tents, and luxury Swiss tents.
• Activities Included: The cost typically covers guided hikes, a boat ride on the lake, visits to hidden waterfalls, and an evening campfire.
• Education: Our package includes visits to the Elephant Museum and organic spice gardens, making it ideal for families who want to learn about the history of the region.
• Food and Comfort: You'll get wholesome Kerala food and access to clean, top-class restrooms.

Explore Exoticamp’s Gavi Packages Here! 

Wildlife & Nature Experiences

Gavi is a sanctuary for endangered species. As you trek through the deep ravine areas and grasslands, keep your binoculars ready. This is one of the few places where you might spot the elusive lion-tailed macaque or the majestic great pied hornbill.

Wildlife here is protected and respected. You will likely see herds of elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, and a variety of exotic birds. Because Gavi covers a relatively small geographical area compared to the huge national parks of northern India, the density of flora and fauna is incredible.

Adventure Activities You Can't Miss in Gavi

If you’re the type of person who loves adventure, Gavi won’t disappoint.

• Canoeing: Paddle through the emerald waters of Gavi Lake. It’s quiet, serene, and perfect for taking photographs without the noise of a motor.
• Jungle Trekking: A walking tour with a trained guide is mandatory. They will lead you through secret paths to viewpoints that overlook the deep ravine and the sweeping valleys below.
• Night Safaris: Some outskirts allow for night drives where you can see the forest's nocturnal life wake up.
• Visit the Cardamom Factory: Learn about the history of spice cultivation in the region and see how the pods are processed.

Travel Tips to Make Your Trip to Gavi Smooth and Stress-Free

In this section of our Gavi travel guide, we’ll share a few travel tips to ensure nothing goes wrong on your vacation:

• Don't expect high-speed 5G in the middle of a forest. Buy a local sim card at the airport. SIM cards from major providers like Airtel or Jio work best, but the signal in Gavi is patchy. 
• Carry enough cash. While you can pay with cards in major cities, Gavi is remote, and ATMs are scarce.
• If you’ve just flown in from across the world, give yourself a day in Kochi or Kottayam to recover from jet lag before hitting the winding mountain roads.
• Avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled water or carry a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to save money and reduce plastic waste.
• In southern India, people are generally conservative. Avoid loud public displays of affection to stay respectful of the local community.
• Don't feed the animals. It’s not just wrong; it’s dangerous for you and the wildlife.
• Always keep your important documents, like your passport and entry permits, in a waterproof folder in your carry-on bag.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Kerala’s Best-Kept Secret?

Gavi is a rare corner of the country where time seems to have slowed down. It’s a reminder of what the world looked like before the concrete took over.

Here, mornings begin with birdsong instead of traffic, days unfold at nature’s pace, and nights are wrapped in forest silence.

Whether you come for the wildlife or the misty trails, Gavi leaves you with something far more valuable than photographs. That is a renewed sense of calm and perspective. Long after you leave, the memory of its forests, emerald waters, and quiet moments will stay with you, gently calling you back to a simpler, more grounded way of life.