
Gavi (à´—à´µി): is a village in Pathanamthitta district ,Kerala, India. It is located 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar, a town in Idukki on N.H 220, the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai. Its been said that most enjoyable route to Gavi is the way from Pathanamthitta. The rough journey to Gavi may better be made on a sturdy vehicle like jeep which are available on hire either from Vandiperiyar or from Kumily. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post en route at Vallakkadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd. is highly appreciable wherein such formalities will be taken care of by the Company itself.
A 40 kilometre drive from Kumily, the road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. The two-hour jeep ride will take you past hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. With more than 260 species of birds, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. En route are the Pamba Reservoir and a large tract of reserve forests, so chances of wildlife encounters with endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr and lion tailed macaque are big. Developed into an exclusive ecotourism project, Gavi is listed as one of the must-see places in India. Active involvement of tribals makes Gavi one of its kind in the country.
Gavi is 28 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 14 km from Kumily, near Thekkady.Gavi is inside the ranni reserve forest. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger reserve, and the route can be covered by car from Vandiperiyar. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Both day and night stays are available. Forest tent camping is available from November through March.
Ecotourism Activities
Visitors to Gavi can indulge in trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters of the Reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu Peak offers a panoramic view of the famed Sabarimala shrine. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an experienced 'elephant chaser' and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu. A unique feature of Gavi is night-camping in the forests, where it is possible to pitch a tent in the camping site - a rarity in many Indian forests. Gavi also has a treasure trove of birds for all those avian enthusiasts.
In and Around
A 40 kilometre drive from Kumily, the road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. The two-hour jeep ride will take you past hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. With more than 260 species of birds, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. En route are the Pamba Reservoir and a large tract of reserve forests, so chances of wildlife encounters with endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr and lion tailed macaque are big. Developed into an exclusive ecotourism project, Gavi is listed as one of the must-see places in India. Active involvement of tribals makes Gavi one of its kind in the country.
Gavi is 28 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 14 km from Kumily, near Thekkady.Gavi is inside the ranni reserve forest. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger reserve, and the route can be covered by car from Vandiperiyar. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Both day and night stays are available. Forest tent camping is available from November through March.
Ecotourism Activities
Visitors to Gavi can indulge in trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters of the Reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu Peak offers a panoramic view of the famed Sabarimala shrine. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an experienced 'elephant chaser' and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu. A unique feature of Gavi is night-camping in the forests, where it is possible to pitch a tent in the camping site - a rarity in many Indian forests. Gavi also has a treasure trove of birds for all those avian enthusiasts.
In and Around
A visit to Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is a must for all nature lovers. Kullur, Kochu Pampa, Pullumedu and Pachakanam are some of the adjacent places that are worth going to. On the way to Gavi are many places of interest like Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi. Visitors can also go to the nearby cardamom factory where one can leisurely walk through forests interspersed with spice gardens.
Accommodation
Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion', the scenic eco-lodge overlooking the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests, one can pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Treetop houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest are also available.
Accessing Gavi
Location: The place is 40 km from Kumily and about 28 km from Vandiperiyar.
Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion', the scenic eco-lodge overlooking the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests, one can pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Treetop houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest are also available.
Accessing Gavi
Location: The place is 40 km from Kumily and about 28 km from Vandiperiyar.
Distance
Air: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km away and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away are the nearest airports.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Road: The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, 18 km from Thekkady.
Air: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km away and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away are the nearest airports.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Road: The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, 18 km from Thekkady.
For enquiries & bookings, contact:
Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320604, Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204mail@keralafdc.org
Eco-Tourism Project, Periyar, Ph: 0481- 2581204, 2582640
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Pathanamthitta, Ph: 0468-2229952
Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320604, Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204mail@keralafdc.org
Eco-Tourism Project, Periyar, Ph: 0481- 2581204, 2582640
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Pathanamthitta, Ph: 0468-2229952

Mankayam, is situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk.Thiruvananthapuram This water spectacle can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department.
At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State.
mankayam is Situated at an elevation of around 500 m above sea level, the fertile soil here has yielded lush foliage that houses interesting species of flora. The entire area from Mankayam to Kalakkayam covers a long stretch of forest vegetation on the banks of the Mankayam River. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam Waterfall, one of the biggest falls in this area.
Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi. The spectacular falls at Kalakayam and Kurisadi can be seen and enjoyed from view points provided by authorities. The Kurisadi Ghat offers an excellent spot for bathing.With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.
From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. An interior area trek here, covering Iruthala Moola - Ayampara is a half day trek, which also would enable one to witness the Ayampara waterfalls and some of the wildlife in the area. Adventure inclined visitors may opt for the one day Mankayam - Varayadin Mottai trek. This trek would take one through rolling valleys, grasslands and shola forests. You would also come across the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; a species of wild goat, at the peak of Varayadin Mottai. Camping options are available here along with trained guides.
Ecotourism Activities
Visits to picturesque spots and treks ranging from soft to hard adventure are possible here. The ecotourism zone extending from Mankayam to Kurisadi is about 1 km and covered with luxuriant vegetation of diverse forest types. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here. Just 20 m from the main road is the Kurisadi Ghat which is an excellent spot for bathing.
Kalakkayam-Kurisadi Falls
These delightful falls can be seen and enjoyed only from the view point provided with all security measures. Approach roads close to the waterfall is dangerous and visitors are not allowed to go near it.
Trekking Trails
The following paths are excellent for soft, medium and adventure trekking.
Interior Area Treks - Iruthala Moola-Ayampara - a half day trek where visitors can see Ayampara Waterfalls and a variety of wildlife.
Adventure Trekking - Mankayam-Varayadin Mottai - one day trek taking in the panoramic view of rolling valleys, grasslands and shola forests. The Peak is famous for the Nilgiri tahr, the endangered species of wild goats. Camping facilities are provided at Varayadin Mottai in machans. Camp equipment, kits etc. will be arranged as also trained guides, to accompany the tourists during the tour.
View Points - There are spectacular vantage points at Varayadin Mottai and Kalakkayam.
Accessing Mankayam
Location: 45 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram, Mankayam falls under Peringamala area of Palode in Nedumangad Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram District.
Altitude: 500 m above sea level.
Distance
Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (55 km).
Rail: Nearest rail head is Thiruvanathapuram (45 km).
Road: 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram en route to Ponmudi hills.
Buses ply regularly on the Peroorkada-Nedumangad-Vithura route to Mankayam.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Divisional Forest Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320637
District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397
Divisional Forest Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320637
District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation, this sanctuary set up in 1958 is a colourful canvas of exotic flora and thriving fauna. Tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests to sub-tropical savannahs and reed breaks make this Sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve. Spread over 128 sq km of forest area in the Western Ghats, it forms the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The Agasthyamalai, 1,890 metres high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.
Ecotourism
Crocodile watching, boating and trekking are some of the main activities possible here. A medicinal garden near the Crocodile Protection Centre has 178 varieties of plants. The Boat Club organizes boat rides that take visitors around at least two of the six islands, in the easily navigable Neyyar Reservoir extending 9.06 sq km. En route, can be spotted elephants, sambar, quite a few birds as well as the towering Agasthyamalai. The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park. The Sanctuary with its amazing variety of homing and migratory birds is a joy for birdwatchers. Trekking to the Agasthya Peak is possible in summer with prior permission from the Forest Department.
In and Around
In and Around
The Neyyar Dam site with milky water thundering down the sluices of the Dam and the adjacent park with unusual life-like statues are interesting places to see. The famous Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Neyyar, renowned for its yoga and ayurvedic treatment, is a 10 minute walk from the Dam site.
Accommodation
The Youth Hostel, Neyyar Rest House, Forest Department Inspection Bungalow, Dormitory of the Irrigation Department, KTDC's Agasthya House and the Rest House at Meenmutty are all excellent places to stay.
Accessing NeyyarLocation:
30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Altitude: 1,868 m above sea level.
30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Altitude: 1,868 m above sea level.
DistanceAir: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km).
Rail: Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Road: 21 km east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the Sanctuary is connected by a network of roads to different parts of the district.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2360762Rail: Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Road: 21 km east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the Sanctuary is connected by a network of roads to different parts of the district.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2315397

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach is in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery. This beach is also considered the only Drive-in Beaches in Asia and the most popular beach in the Malabar region in Kerala. Even though Goa has many beautiful beaches, it does not have a Drive-in beach .A news article published by Manorama News on 24th October, 2012, showed the 8km stretch at Thikkodi beach in the neighbouring Kozhikode district is also drive-able. The beach festival is celebrated in the month of April and it is one of the important tourist attraction in the district of Kannur in Kerala. The youth also try many driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes as this is a paradise for driving along the shore. Just 100m from this beach you would find a private island, which can be reached by walk at times of low tide. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Tellicherry towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the first railway crossing you encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger currents of the ocean. Approximately 100–200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam, which translates to Green Island in English). It is possible to walk to the island during low tide. Since the late 90's, the beach has seen a steady influx of European tourists during winter. even though the beach has attracted many lucky visitors into her,a major share of foreign and domestic tourists are not aware of the potential of this elusive destination.it is a must see destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists.after the face lift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors including resorts roads etc.

Kozhikode: 79 Km
Thrissur: 201 Km
Kasargod: 108 Km
Ernakulam: 253 Km
Kochi: 269 Km
Alappuzha: 314 Km
Kumarakom: 315 Km
Kottayam: 323 Km
Kuttanad: 332 Km
Idukki: 342 Km
Munnar: 349 Km
Kollam: 402 Km
Thiruvananthapuram: 465 Km
Kovalam: 471 Km
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport Kozhikode.-100km
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery Railway Station.-7km
: Kannur Railway Station.-15km
Road: To access to this beach, in case you are driving from Thalassery in the direction of Kannur, take the left turn just prior to the very first railway crossing you come across as soon as crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is roughly around 5 km long and curves in the wide area giving an excellent view of Kannur in the north.
Road: To access to this beach, in case you are driving from Thalassery in the direction of Kannur, take the left turn just prior to the very first railway crossing you come across as soon as crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is roughly around 5 km long and curves in the wide area giving an excellent view of Kannur in the north.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a 285 km² Protected area in Chittur taluk in Palakkad district of Kerala state, South India. Established in 1973, it is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.[ The sanctuary is the home of 4 different tribes of indigenous peoples including the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar settled in six colonies. Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as part of the 390.88 square kilometres (150.9 sq mi) Parambiculam Tiger Reserve on February 19, 2010. the Sanctuary, a haven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and the world's tallest and oldest teak tree. The famous Kannimara teak tree, believed to be over 350 years old is about 5 km from Thunacadavu, and is one of Parambikulam's prime attractions.
Many peaks are also seen here, of which the Karimala Gopuram is the tallest at 4,718 ft. A favourite with visitors, the Vengoli Peak is an easy climb and those lucky enough might even get to see the endangered Nilgiri tahrs. The sanctuary has three man-made reservoirs; Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Peruvaripallam, with a combined area of 20.66 km². The Thuvaiar water falls empty into one of the reservoirs. There are 7 major valleys and 3 major rivers, the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. The Karappara river and Kuriarkutty river also drain the area. a unique feature of this Sanctuary is the presence of a series of reservoirs interconnected with tunnels, channels, river courses and canals. The deep freshwater ecosystem created by the construction of these dams adds to the diversity of the Sanctuary.
Trekking in the forest is allowed with prior permission.Contact: Ecocare Centre, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Anappady, Thunakadavu (PO), Pollachi (Via), Palakkad, Kerala – 678 661.Phone : 04253 – 245025
Ecotourism Activities
Ecotourism Activities
Bestowed with rich flora and fauna, Parambikulam is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. While deer, sambar and gaur roam around in the Vayal area, deep inside the Sanctuary can be seen lion tailed macaques, slender loris, king cobras, the royal Bengal tiger, cane turtle and the Nilgiri marten; as also 250 species of birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, great pied hornbill and the Peninsular Bay owl. The Sanctuary's spectacular floral diversity - seen in the 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered flora, 1320 species of flowering plants, including 70 species of orchids, about 50 endangered medicinal plants - makes it ideal for nature lovers as well.
Numerous activities including camping out in the forests, staying in watchtowers to view the animals, boating in the reservoirs, row boating at Thunacadavu and Parambikulam lakes, bamboo rafting and bird watching are possible here. A hilly terrain with many peaks and valleys, Parambikulam offers an assortment of soft, medium, tough and adventure trekking trails, classified on the basis of their length, duration and difficulty of the terrain. Each group of visitors must get permission to trek, from the Forest Information Centre at Anappady and hire a tribal guide.
Soft Trekking Trails
Elephant Song Trail
6 km (Anappady-Karianshola-Anappady).
6 km (Anappady-Karianshola-Anappady).
Peacock Trail
6 km (Anappady-4000 Point-Seechali Vayal-Thunacadavu).
6 km (Anappady-4000 Point-Seechali Vayal-Thunacadavu).
Flying Hooves Trail
8 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-Kothala-Parambikulam River Crossing-Tramway Line- Parambikulam).
8 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-Kothala-Parambikulam River Crossing-Tramway Line- Parambikulam).
Kannimara Trail
8 km (Thunacadavu-Teak Plantations-Kannimara Vayal-Kannimara Teak-Thunacadavu).
8 km (Thunacadavu-Teak Plantations-Kannimara Vayal-Kannimara Teak-Thunacadavu).
Medium Trekking Trails
Tarantula Trail
10 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-
Evergreen Forests-Vengoli
Viewpoint-Rock Point-Thunacadavu).
10 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-
Evergreen Forests-Vengoli
Viewpoint-Rock Point-Thunacadavu).
Bison Trail
10 km (Anappady Depot-
TP Block 1-Chettivara-Seechali-
4000 Point-Anappady).
10 km (Anappady Depot-
TP Block 1-Chettivara-Seechali-
4000 Point-Anappady).
Dr. Salim Ali Trail
12 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-
Tramway-Kuriakutty-Parambikulam).
12 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-
Tramway-Kuriakutty-Parambikulam).
Tough Trekking Trails
Sundew Trail
12 km (Parambikulam-Earth Dam-Teak Plantations-Bamboo Break-Evergreen Forests-Grassland-Karimala Peak-Kalyanathee-Parambikulam).
12 km (Parambikulam-Earth Dam-Teak Plantations-Bamboo Break-Evergreen Forests-Grassland-Karimala Peak-Kalyanathee-Parambikulam).
Hornbill Trail
20 km (Anappady-Karianshola -Pandaravaramalai Peak-Return to Anappady through Inter State Boundary).
20 km (Anappady-Karianshola -Pandaravaramalai Peak-Return to Anappady through Inter State Boundary).
Amphibious Trail
20 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-Waterfall-Alamaram-Velayudhankai-Return to Parambikulam by Bamboo Raft).
20 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-Waterfall-Alamaram-Velayudhankai-Return to Parambikulam by Bamboo Raft).
Adventure Trekking Trails
Needle Peak Trail
20 km (Keerappady Valley-Naikarkadu-Kuchimudi Teak- Keerappady).
20 km (Keerappady Valley-Naikarkadu-Kuchimudi Teak- Keerappady).
Rocky Ridge Trail
25 km (Parambikulam Coupe Road-Vengoli Peak-Rocky Ridge-Inter State Boundary-TP Block 1-Anappady).
25 km (Parambikulam Coupe Road-Vengoli Peak-Rocky Ridge-Inter State Boundary-TP Block 1-Anappady).
Accommodation
Tented cottages in Parambikulam Sanctuary; The Forest Department Inspection Bungalow, Thunacadavu; PWD Inspection Bungalow, Thunacadavu; Treetop huts at Thunacadavu and Parambikulam; Wireless station on Vettikkunnu Island accessed only by boat; Overnight camping in machans at Chungam, Anappady, Vengoli, Kuriakutty and Annakal Vayal; Dormitory at Anappady; Community Hall at Parambikulam; the Bison Valley Lodge at Parambikulam all have to be booked in advance through the Anappady Information Centre.
Location: Chittur Taluk of Palakkad District. To reach the place one has to go to Pollachi via Coimbatore or Palakkad.
Altitude: 300 m to 1,400 m above sea level.
Altitude: 300 m to 1,400 m above sea level.
Distance
Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (55 km).
Rail: Nearest rail head is at Palakkad (125 km).
Road: 39 km from Pollachi, 98 km from Palakkad and 102 km from Kochi.
Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (55 km).
Rail: Nearest rail head is at Palakkad (125 km).
Road: 39 km from Pollachi, 98 km from Palakkad and 102 km from Kochi.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Parambikulam, Ph: 04253-245005
District Tourist Promotion Council, Palakkad Ph: 0491-2538996
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Parambikulam, Ph: 04253-245005
District Tourist Promotion Council, Palakkad Ph: 0491-2538996
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