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Settled deep inside the lush hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala is Gavi, a pristine destination that enjoys worldwide popularity for its outstanding biodiversity with natural beauty. There are many places to visit in Gavi to get back in touch with nature. Be it a boat safari on Periyar Lake or visiting the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple; the tourist attractions in Gavi provide a unique blend of natural splendour and cultural appeal.
10 Places To Visit In Gavi
Situated in Kerala, Gavi has several places that exude tranquillity, rich with greenery and wildlife. Here are some tourist places to visit in Gavi:
1. Periyar National Park
Photo: Arun Suresh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Periyar National Park is a haven with unequalled biodiversity among places to visit in Gavi. This vast wildlife sanctuary includes large stretches of green cover and dense forests. It is home to many animals like the majestic elephant, the elusive tiger, and the graceful sambar. Periyar National Park has a beautiful Periyar Lake. Moving across the lake provides views of elephants bathing on the rim of the water while flocks of birds flap their wings to create an image of perfect harmony with nature.
Best Time To Visit: October to February (Winter season)
Top Attractions: Wildlife safari, Periyar Lake, boating, elephant rides, trekking
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM), approximately 140 km away
Suggested Read: Munnar Waterfalls
2. Gavi Forest
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Gavi Forest is a calm retreat into the lap of nature. The area is practically unsullied and abounds with a wide variety of wildlife. This spot for trekking can bring one very close to the forest’s biodiversity, including tall trees and some rare bird species like the Malabar pied hornbill and Nilgiri wood pigeon. The forest’s tranquil atmosphere and refreshing air attract many eco-tourists. Gavi Forest showcases Kerala’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Best Time To Visit: August to March (post-monsoon to pre-summer)
Top Attractions: Bird watching, trekking, camping, jeep safaris
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 150 km away
3. Gavi Lake
Photo: Jigyasu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Gavi Lake, in the middle of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is an ideal and peaceful water body. Lined with thick woods and rolling hills, this pristine lake offers a perfect getaway into the heart of nature. This lakeside area is ideal for picnics and casual walks, with ample space amidst nature’s splendour. Shaded by tall trees and surrounded by the chirping of birds and the occasional sighting of wildlife, Gavi Lake offers a tranquil setting to relax and rejuvenate away from the urban life.
Best Time To Visit: November to February (Winter season)
Top Attractions: Boating, serene surroundings, bird watching
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 150 km away
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Ashtamudi Lake
4. Sabarimala Viewpoint
Photo: Rajaraman Sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the centre of the bewitching hills of Gavi, the Sabarimala Viewpoint provides panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This vantage point is famous for its stunning vistas and should be a must-visit place for nature and photography lovers. The Sabarimala Viewpoint offers clear views of emerald valleys, undulating hills, and thick forests extending to the farthest reach of human vision.
Best Time To Visit: November to March (Winter to early Spring)
Top Attractions: Panoramic views of Sabarimala, lush greenery, photography
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 150 km away
5. Pamba Reservoir
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the heart of Pathanamthitta lies the Pamba Reservoir, a prime water resource. Tapped by the Pamba Dam across the Pamba River, this artificial reservoir supplies Kakki Hydro Electric Power Station, which produces 50 MW of electricity to meet the needs of Kerala. It satiates agricultural needs through irrigation, thus maintaining the local farming communities and increasing agricultural productivity there. Besides utilitarian purposes, the reservoir attracts tourists to see its scenic beauty, and boating amidst a green ambience.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (Winter to early Spring)
Top Attractions: Scenic views, boating, picnicking
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 140 km away
Suggested Read: Aruvickachal Waterfalls
6. Cardamom Plantations
Photo: Tekseng Mos / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Cardamom plantations in Gavi have misty hills and dense forests, offering the perfect environment for growing sensitive spices. Farmers grow cardamom under a shade cast by tall trees. Besides its agricultural importance, the cardamom plantations of Gavi are an important tourist destination that exhibits the beauty and biodiversity of the region. Guided tours through these plantations familiarise the visitors to these amazing places to visit in Gavi , adding to a serene experience in the Western Ghats.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (Winter to early Spring)
Top Attractions: Plantation tours, spice gardens, scenic beauty
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM), approximately 160 km away
7. Anathode Waterfalls
Photo: Mujeeb Cpy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Anathode Waterfalls is a marvel of nature, adding to the serene landscapes in Gavi. This waterfall makes for an alluring experience among nature lovers and tourists. Tourists engage in photography, capturing the absolute ethereal beauty of Anathode Waterfalls and its surroundings. It is ideal for trekking, explorations, or even jungle safaris, with trails that wind through forests with native birds calling and leaves rustling. Situated right inside Gavi, Anathode Waterfalls stand as a breathtaking view and reflect the commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: June to September (Monsoon season) for full flow; otherwise year-round
Top Attractions: Waterfalls, photography, nature walks
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 130 km away
Suggested Read: Vattayi Waterfalls
8. Pullumedu
Photo: Jan J George / Wikimedia Commons
Pullumedu, embedded in the serenity of Gavi, is a place of natural and cultural value. The views from Pullumedu are panoramic, surrounded by dense forests and undulating hills of the Western Ghats. Visitors can discover various types of wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, and different kinds of birds at this place. Besides its natural beauty, Pullumedu is of religious importance since this is one of the routes of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple’s pilgrimage during the Makaravilakku festival season, which devotees from every part of the country visit.
Best Time To Visit: September to February (Post-monsoon to Winter)
Top Attractions: Scenic views, trekking, religious sites
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM), approximately 140 km away
9. Vandiperiyar
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Situated right at the heart of the gorgeous Idukki district of Kerala, Vandiperiyar acts like a bustling getaway to places such as the Periyar Tiger Reserve and hill stations like Gavi. Vandiperiyar is a town situated on the tranquil banks of the Periyar River, surrounded by teeming green tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is often visited for its vivid wildlife, and activities include boat safaris and nature walks in the middle of the rich biodiversity offered by the Western Ghats.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (Winter to early Spring)
Top Attractions: Plantation visits, spice markets, local culture
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 130 km away
Suggested Read: Pisharikavu Temple
10. Mundakayam Ghat
Photo: Vijay Sundararaman Iyer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another mountain pass journey is the Mundakayam Ghat, connecting Vandiperiyar to Mundakayam via the Gavi region. This road winds through thick forests and hillsides, offering a view of the Western Ghats’ rugged landscape and rich flora and fauna. The ghat road wades through the heart of areas inhabited by indigenous tribes, giving one a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle and heritage. Vandiperiyar and Mundakayam Ghat encapsulate the natural beauty, cultural richness, and sense of adventure that define Kerala as the most enchanting place.
Best Time To Visit: October to March (Winter to early Spring)
Top Attractions: Scenic drive, viewpoints, photography
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (COK), approximately 120 km away
Gavi is one of the prized destinations for people looking for solace in the unsullied wilds of Kerala. With these bunch of places to visit in Gavi, such as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Anathode Waterfalls, and Pullumedu, this place perfectly balances adventure and serenity. Consider booking these wonderful experiences with Trip XL for a curated travel experience for your vacations.
Cover Photo: ANAND1729S / Wikimedia Commons
