Sustainable Eco Tourism – Gavi Kerala India – Totally Amazing Part of the World…!!!

Today, I have discovered somewhere completely fascinating, Gavi in Kerala, India.

This has gone straight on to my list of places to visit before I die..!

Gavi is situated at the easternmost extreme of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala and is situated 3400 ft above the mean sea level, 28 kms south west of Vandiperiyar, a town in N.H 220 the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, which itself is 14 kms from Kumily,near Thekkady.

Spread Across The Beauty Of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi Is A Quiet, Beautiful And Pristine Forest Haven. It Is At The Eastern Extreme Of The Pathanamthitta District.

These Evergreen Forests Are Abundant With Magnificent Wildlife Including The Tiger, Elephants, Leopards, Bears, Indian Gaur, Sambar, Barking & Mouse Deers, Lion Tailed Macaque, Other Varieties Of Monkeys, Nilgiri Marten – And A Lot More.

Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries.

The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority of people who visit are nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after ‘Alistair International’ the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centers and one of the must-see places in India.

Below is an interesting article I curated from the Arabian Gazette, link to full article at bottom of the post.

Gavi Ecotourism – The Wilderness Beckons
Posted by Husna Mohammad    / February 13, 2013

Eco-tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry.

Those with a penchant for natural environments and exploring these areas are avid Eco-tourists. The International Eco tourism Society (TIES) in 1990, defines eco-tourism  as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

Ecotourism must be able to educate those who venture for it, about the magnificence and fragility of nature and its conservation.

Gavi, comes under the Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park jurisdiction,and is one of the most protected and sought after eco-tourism spots in Kerala,  India.

Lion Tailed Macaque
By Socrammm (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Still untouched by consumerist  human activity, Gavi  is an Eco tourist’s delight.

The government has taken extreme measures to make sure that the fragility of the eco-system is not disturbed by recent tourist interest.

The guides on treks and safaris are local tribals or Sri Lankan Tamils who have migrated and settled in the region,and who are used to the ways of the forest.

Thus the local community also benefit from  Eco-tourism economy in the area, as they impart their wisdom to the visitors.

The lush green of the Western Ghats, is described as one of the hottest biodiversity hot-spots in Asia, and looks like green velvet covering the hillside against the clear blue skies.

“For a city junkie, this is pure soul detoxification.”

Perhaps nature has a way of healing you, in ways nothing else can.

The Periyar River courses through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and looks quite majestic. The river is the lifeline of states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, providing water to millions and in recent years has been the point of conflict between the two states.

It runs through the rainforests of the Periyar Reserve . It is believed that it is here that wild animals come to take respite from the prying eyes of humans.

The beautiful village of Gavi is situated at 3399 ft above sea level  in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Although, one can hardly call it a village, as there is just one department store, a small run down coffee shop/restaurant, a dozen houses and one school.

The village is in the midst of the abundant rain forest where humans and wild animals live in complete harmony.

As you can see – Eco Tourism – Gavi Kerala – is a part of the world well worth your attention.

The government stance on eco tourism – Gavi Kerala, is no disturbance to the biodiversity in the region and thus Tourism is limited.

They allow only 150 visitors per day  to the Reserve.

Complete article at… http://arabiangazette.com/gavi-eco-tourism-wilderness-beckons-20130210/

I hope you have found this article – Eco tourism – Gavi Kerala – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.