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Best time to visit

October - May (ideal)
June - September (good)

For Whom

Bird and Wildlife enthusiasts/photographers; naturalists, trek enthusiasts.

Extended Weekend Tours

Bandipur

KMTR-Kuduraivetti

Pampadum Shola

The Anamalais

Agumbe

KMTR-Sengaltheri

Rajamalai & Rhodo Valley

Periyar & Gavi

Mukurthi Fishing Hut

Ghermalam

Point Calimere

Kabini

B R Hills

Long Breaks

Bird Endemics & More

Kerala Birds

Megafauna & Endemics

Wildlife, Nilgiris & Top Slip
Periyar & Gavi 3 Nights / 4 Days from Rs. 11,500/-

Summary

Gavi (1100m) is located among moist tropical forests and grasslands, adjacent to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Mid-elevation moist forest, such as the dominant type in Periyar & Gavi, are among the most biodiverse in the Western Ghats. In addition, the hill forests interspersed with grassland make Gavi an extremely scenic locations.

Gavi’s wildlife is similar to that of the the world famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. Notably, the location is home to megafauna, including Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Gaur. Significantly, the forests here also supports wildlife that is unique to the Western Ghats, including the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque, Brown Palm Civet, Brown Mongoose and Nilgiri Marten. Bird diversity is fantastic, with several Western Ghats specials including the Wynaad Laughing Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and White-Bellied Treepie, among 250 plus species of birds recorded from these forests.

Gavi offers the unique opportunity of camping in the wilderness - a rarity in wildlife areas throughout India. We explore the forests mostly on foot and on one or two jeep safaris.

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Depart Cochin 11 am and reach Periyar early evening. PM (night) trek in the tourism zone at Periyar.
  • Day 2: Early AM transfer to Gavi. AM and PM treks at Gavi. Night camping if weather permits.
  • Day 3: AM and PM trek or day long trek at Gavi. Night camping if weather permits.
  • Day 4: AM trek and PM transfer to Cochin. Arrive Cochin in the evening.

Facilities
Accommodation: : Quait hotel/resort (Periyar) and simple tents (camping style - subject to good weather) or comfortable forest accommodation (Gavi)
Food: : Simple variety of vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.
Transport: : Road transfers in A/C vehicles (type dependent on group size).
Difficulty level: : Moderate, for hikes in mountainous, uneven terrain and through rainforest.
Dates : Download itinerary for latest schedule
Please note that we can customise schedule for independent travel
Costs : INR 11,500/person  (USD 265/GBP 175/EUR 210)
- based on minimum 4 persons traveling, ex-Cochin.

Terms & Conditions

  1. Costs are calculated based on minimum 4 persons traveling. We can work out a costing for smaller groups, once we have details from you. Maximum group size for this tour is 6.
  2. Tour costs are per person based on twin/triple sharing (dependent on group size) basis ex-Chennai and is all inclusive (transport, accommodation, food, personnel and all taxes and fees). Personnel includes a naturalist/tour leader, local guide and resource persons from the local community. Please check with us on specific items to make sure if it is included in the published tour costs.
  3. Bookings are confirmed only upon full payment of the tour cost and at least 15 days in advance from the proposed departure date.
  4. We reserve the right to cancel the tour at anytime due to unforeseen circumstances. We will refund the entire booking amount under these circumstances.
  5. Payment options:
    1. Our preferred mode of payment is through electronic transfers into our bank account. Relevant details will be provided to you once you are ready to make the payment.
    2. Online credit card payments in USD/GBP/EUR are accepted through Paypal. Indian customers can also use a credit card to pay online through Paypal, but please be aware that you will be charged an additional currency conversion fee for the same.
    3. We accept demand drafts/cheques in INR, GBP, EUR or USD
  6. In case you want to cancel your booking:
    1. A 90% refund if cancellation requested more than one month before the proposed date of departure
    2. A 15% refund if cancellation requested less than one month from the proposed date of departure.

FYI and Guidelines

  1. Weather: Updates based on dates of travel
  2. Since we will explore the location on foot and in mountainous terrain, we recommend you wear comfortable walking/trekking shoes for the trip.
  3. Please bring your binoculars along - you will appreciate the sights of the forests much more with binoculars on hand. We will have a pair or two to share amongst us, but it is recommended that you carry your own.
  4. Please bring essential medication with you, since the local outlets will not always carry what you are looking for. Do check with your doctor on medication and medical safety if you have any medical condition.