It all started through a conversation with a fellow passenger on a train journey. I had not even heard the name before and it was quite quirky to say the least. “Gayi”; yes this is exactly what my ears heard when the Punjabi guy sitting next to me uttered it. Smilingly, he corrected me and said “not gayi, Gavi”. Bemused at hearing the right word, I wondered whether it even existed on the map of India. And here was my co-passenger, going gaga over its pristine beauty. Gavi turned out to be a well kept secret among places to see in Kerala.

It seemed the place had cast a spell over him because for most part of the conversation, he was waxing eloquent on the charms of Gavi, though he had covered many other spots. Anyway, I had forgotten about it but when it was time to plan a trip with my wife, Gavi was decided as the destination. Shruti was adamant on visiting some unique place and then suddenly Gavi flashed in my mind. So, we booked a home stay and landed at Gavi few days after, wondering what lay in store for us. Well, lots of gems awaited us as Gavi was indeed remarkable among places to see in Kerala.

The place has not been affected by the rampages of unrestrained tourism and hence, looks very naïve with dense forests and placid backwaters. En route, we had the luck to sight an elephant. After the check post, it becomes a little rough, but you are so lost in the views that you cannot sense it all. When we had unpacked and freshened up at the home stay, we decided to go to the charming Gavi Lake and the visit gave us ample rejuvenation. The sparkling clean water feels like nectar and the boating is like cruising in the clouds. We sat on the banks for a long time; meditating and chatting at the same time.

Not hardcore adventurers, we loved the walk around the plantations. The aroma of coffee, cardamom and other spices is so tempting that you feel like stealing the bounty. It is a welcome relief from the manicured gardens of our city where it is all flowers and decorative plants. We roamed around the village unguided, letting our intuition get the better of our mind. And it bestowed us with many rewards. Classic photographs and precious moments of togetherness had not reached us before. Gavi was indeed a paradise among places to see in Kerala.

Staying at top tree huts was also out of question but it happened and what a delight it was. A must-try, it takes you back to childhood days. All you can do is dream and fantasize. And how can I forget the beautiful view of Sabarimala Temple from the hill top? Surrounded by forests, it seems like the actual abode of Lord. We also watched the sun going down the hills from there. It was on the insistence of our host that we took the jeep safari, and I have to say, the Gavi administration deserves a bow for preserving the flora and fauna. We came across lion tailed macaque, bison, giant squirrel and many other species.

Do go to Gavi if you get a chance. It is a hidden gem among places to see in Kerala. You will not find its equal anywhere else.