Gavi Eco-Tourism Jeep Safari

Overview

The Gavi Eco-Tourism Safari is one of the most authentic and immersive wilderness programs in the Periyar Tiger Reserve region. Operated under KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation), this full-day eco-tourism experience offers a perfect combination of forest exploration, wildlife observation, trekking, boating, plantation visits, and guided activities inside a protected reserve.

Covering nearly 80 km round trip from Kumily, the route passes through highways, deep reserve forests, cardamom plantations, and wildlife-rich corridors—making it one of the best day-long adventure programs in Thekkady.

Distance & Route Breakdown

Total Distance: Approx. 80 km

Kumily to Gavi: 40 km one-way (80 km full round trip)

20 km Highway Route

Smooth paved drive from Kumily through scenic high-range settlements to Vallakkadavu checkpost.

20 km Deep Reserve Forest Road

Restricted, unpaved deep forest trail with canopy tunnels, crystal streams, and the highest probability of spotting wild elephants, gaurs, and rare fauna.

Start Time: 5:30 AM Departure

            🌅 Prime Wildlife Activity: Animals (elephants, gaurs, deer) are most active in the early morning hours near waterholes and grazing clearings.
📋 Forest Entry Clearance: Arriving early at Vallakkadavu checkpost guarantees smooth verification and entry before the daily quota fills.
🌿 KFDC Schedule Alignment: The official KFDC morning eco-program and hot breakfast begin right as you reach the Gavi Centre.
🌫️ Optimal Climate & Visibility: Cool mountain breeze, rolling mist, and clear golden-hour lighting for nature photography.

          

Official Tariff & Pricing Structure

KFDC Eco-Tourism Package

INR 1,770 / person

Includes all activities & meals inside Gavi:

✓ Traditional Kerala Breakfast
✓ Nutritious Kerala Lunch
✓ Boating in Gavi Reservoir
✓ Skeleton Museum Visit
✓ Cardamom Plantation Guided Tour
✓ Guided Trekking (Short or Long trail)

4x4 Jeep Fare & Forest Fees

INR 3,500 / full jeep

Jeep Fare: Max 6 persons per jeep.
Official Thekkady Jeep Safari All Trade Union Rate.

Additional Forest Entry Fees:

• Indian Nationals: INR 45 per person
• Foreign Nationals: INR 500 per person
• Camera equipment charges (if applicable)

Gavi Safari Highlights

Reserve Forest Drive

The 20 km reserve forest journey is rich in flora, fauna, natural streams, and deep forest canopy landscapes.

Boating at Gavi Reservoir

A serene, guided boating session inside the tranquil Gavi lake surrounded by mist-covered evergreen trees.

Skeleton Museum

An educational stop where visitors can view preserved wildlife skeletons collected historically from the reserve.

Cardamom Plantation Visit

Explore authentic natural cardamom fields, learn organic cultivation techniques, and witness processing kilns.

Guided Trekking (Short / Long)

Choose between a relaxed short nature trail or an immersive long forest trek, both led by trained eco-tourism staff.

Wildlife Sightings

Frequent sightings of Asian Elephants, Indian Bison (Gaurs), Deer, Nilgiri Langurs, Sambar, Wild Boars, birds & butterflies.

Full-Day Itinerary (5:30 AM Start Time)

1

05:30 AM

Depart from Kumily

Prompt early morning departure from Kumily in your private 4x4 Jeep. Scenic drive towards Gavi via the Kumily–Vallakkadavu route.

2

06:15 AM — 06:45 AM

Forest Entry Check & Permits

Entry permit verification at Vallakkadavu checkpost and entry into the protected Periyar Tiger Reserve buffer corridor.

3

08:30 AM — 09:30 AM

Breakfast at Gavi Eco-Tourism Centre

Enjoy hot, freshly prepared traditional Kerala breakfast and hot beverages at the KFDC Eco-Tourism Centre.

4

10:00 AM — 11:30 AM

Boating at Gavi Reservoir & Skeleton Museum

Guided pedal/row boating across the serene reservoir lake followed by an educational visit to the wildlife Skeleton Museum.

5

11:45 AM — 01:15 PM

Cardamom Plantation Tour & Guided Trekking

Explore the plantation and embark on your chosen trekking trail (Short or Long Trail) with official trained eco-guides.

6

01:30 PM — 02:30 PM

Lunch Provided by KFDC

Traditional, authentic Kerala vegetarian buffet lunch served amidst the forest surroundings.

7

03:00 PM — 05:00 PM

Return Journey through Reserve Forest

Scenic 20 km return drive through the reserve forest road with excellent afternoon wildlife spotting opportunities.

8

05:30 PM

Arrive Back at Kumily

Safe drop-off back at your Kumily/Thekkady hotel. Total program duration: Approximately 8–10 hours.

Why Choose Thekkady Trips / Mountain Adventure?

We are registered local operators ensuring an authentic, seamless, and completely hassle-free Gavi wilderness experience.

🌅 5:30 AM Guaranteed Departure Guaranteed early start for peak wildlife activity and timely forest clearance.

🚙 Private Jeep For Each Group Exclusive vehicle hire for your family/group (up to 6 persons) with zero sharing.

🛡️ Experienced Veteran Drivers Drivers thoroughly familiar with Gavi terrain, safety, and forest regulations.

📑 Assistance with All Entry Permits Complete end-to-end support for KFDC passes and forest department formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 5:30 AM departure strictly recommended? –

Departing at 5:30 AM from Kumily allows you to cross the Vallakkadavu checkpost at opening time, maximizing early morning wildlife sightings and ensuring you arrive at Gavi in time for the official KFDC breakfast and program.

What is the total cost for a family of 4 people? –

For 4 Indian nationals: Jeep Fare (₹3,500) + KFDC Package (4 × ₹1,770 = ₹7,080) + Forest Entry (4 × ₹45 = ₹180) = Total ₹10,760 for the full day including jeep, permits, breakfast, lunch, boating, museum, and trekking!

What documents are required? –

All passengers must carry an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License) for Forest Department checkpost verification.