Gavi, situated in the verdant forest interiors of Pathanamthitta, is fast developing into a major ecotourism spot in the State.
District Collector S. Harikishore told The Hindu that Gavi was likely to get Central funds to the tune of Rs.25 crore from the Union Tourism Department soon under the Swadeshi Circuit scheme. A Central team, comprising Mayank Agarwal from the Central Tourism Department and Poonam Dudani, tourism consultant, Ministry of Tourism, accompanied by officials attached to the Departments of Tourism and Forests, recently visited Gavi, Moozhiyar, Angamoozhy, Seethathode, and the Sabarigiri dams, exploring the ecotourism potential of the region. A.R. Anilkumar, consultant, Kerala Tourism, accompanied the team.
The team visited various points on the Seethathode-Moozhiyar-Gavi route where basic tourism infrastructure facilities have to be set up in an eco-friendly manner.
The Central team was briefed on the various project proposals of the Kerala Tourism Department at Angamoozhy; Moozhiyar; the dam sites of Kakki, Anathode and Kochu Pampa; and at Gavi. The proposals include comfort stations, refreshment stalls, viewers’ platform, binocular stand, bamboo benches, signages, lighting suitable for the forest environs, and so on.
Mr. Anilkumar said the project proposals included dormitory-type retiring facility at Angamoozhy, tree-houses, and bamboo huts, at Moozhiyar, Kakki, Anathode, and at Gavi.
The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) offers package tours from Vandipperiyar to Gavi. The day package involves trekking through the forests under a trained guide after breakfast. One may undertake a long jungle trek, accompanied by well-experienced local guides, to view the wildlife from a closer angle. The tourist may have lunch at the KFDC food court overlooking the serene Gavi lake and enjoy boating.
