Beyond Thekkady: Why Gavi Completes the True Kerala Hill Experience

Though only a short drive apart, Thekkady and Gavi feel entirely different. Thekkady is lively, accessible, and well developed for tourism, making it a favorite for families, first time visitors, and those looking for a mix of wildlife experiences and cultural activities. Located in the Idukki district near Kumily, it offers boating on Periyar Lake, spice plantation tours, elephant junction visits, and vibrant cultural shows.

Gavi, on the other hand, is a calm, remote eco tourism haven tucked inside the buffer zone of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district. Access is more strictly regulated and requires an entry permit from the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, with only limited visitors allowed each day. Its charm lies in the untouched raw wilderness, offering jeep safaris, forest treks, birdwatching, camping, and peaceful boating on Gavi Lake. 

While Thekkady blends convenience with adventure, Gavi appeals to nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking quiet immersion in untouched landscapes.

Why You Should Visit Both Thekkady and Gavi

Thekkady is the energetic side of the Western Ghats that is alive with boat rides across the Periyar Lake, colorful spice markets, and cultural performances like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.

Here, travelers can:

• Cruise along the lake to spot elephants and bison at the water’s edge.
• Tour vibrant cardamom and pepper plantations.
• Stroll through the bustling streets of Kumily, filled with aroma and color.

It’s the ideal start to your high-range journey: adventurous and easily accessible.

Once you cross Vandiperiyar and enter the forest roads, the landscape transforms. Gavi welcomes you with mist-laden trees, emerald lakes, and the quiet hum of the wild. You come to enjoy nature, find some peace, and spend time fully immersed in the forest.

Highlights include:

• Off-road jeep safaris through dense forest zones.
• Trekking trails guided by KFDC-certified locals.
• Boating across Gavi Lake, with mist rolling off the water.
• Birdwatching — over 250 species including hornbills and woodpeckers.

Together, They Complete the Western Ghats Story. Visiting only Thekkady is like reading the first chapter of a great book; beautiful but incomplete.

Thekkady gives travelers an easy, accessible way to experience Kerala’s wildlife — with plenty of activities such as boating, spice tours, cultural programs, and short guided walks. It’s built to be visitor-friendly and offers a variety of things to do in a single trip. Gavi, on the other hand, operates under a different model. As a protected eco-tourism zone with limited daily entry, it focuses on low-impact activities like trekking, birdwatching, and quiet exploration. Everything is structured, but the pace is slower and the environment is far less commercial. Experiencing both helps travelers understand the range Kerala offers — from an activity-packed wildlife destination to a calm, conservation-first forest retreat.

Springdale Heritage, Vandiperiyar: The Perfect Stay Between Two Worlds

Situated ideally between Thekkady and Gavi, Springdale Heritage is the perfect base for travelers who want to explore both destinations without constant packing and moving.

From this resort in Periyar, you’re close enough to Thekkady’s attractions yet just an hour’s drive from Gavi’s forest gates.  Located in Vandiperiyar, Springdale sits right along the scenic route connecting Thekkady and Gavi, meaning you can visit either with ease, whether for a day trip or a guided excursion.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary: Thekkady and Gavi Experience

Day 1:
Arrive at Springdale Heritage → Spend a day in Thekkady → Boating in Periyar Lake → Spice Plantation Tour → Return for dinner.

Day 2:
Early breakfast → Depart for Gavi (with pre-arranged KFDC permit) → Jeep safari, trekking, boating, lunch in the forest → Return by evening to Springdale.

Day 3:
Relax by the river, explore Vandiperiyar’s spice gardens, or visit nearby viewpoints like Parunthumpara before departure.

This itinerary captures both excitement and stillness — the best of Thekkady’s charm and Gavi’s wilderness.

Conclusion: Two Destinations, One Complete Hill Experience

Thekkady brings the energy: lake cruises, wildlife sightings, spice markets, and cultural performances that reveal the lively side of Kerala’s high ranges.
Gavi brings the quiet: misty forests, controlled eco-tourism, slow treks, and a closeness to nature that feels untouched and deeply calming.

Together, they form the full picture of what the Western Ghats truly are — part adventure, part wilderness, part reflection.

And with Springdale Heritage placed right between them, travelers get the rare advantage of experiencing both worlds without the stress of shifting hotels. It becomes easy to spend one day exploring Thekkady’s vibrant attractions and the next immersing yourself in Gavi’s beautiful forest trails.

In the end, Thekkady shows you the Western Ghats at their liveliest.
Gavi shows you the Western Ghats at their most peaceful.
Exploring both is what makes the journey complete.