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At Service Square Tour Division, we enjoy enabling our customers to gain unique and unforgettable
experiences during their tours. So, we organize a lot of unusual and interesting tours to different parts of
India. The Tour of This Week is to Gavi in Kerala. Nature, Bird and Animal lovers will discover that this is a
tour that just cannot be missed. It is going to be an awesome experience. Read on to find out more. This is
a programme organized by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. If you need any assistance in
planning the trip, you can count on us. This is a trip we would strongly recommend anyone with some
gumption for nature and risk taking.
Gavi is located about 28 km from Vandiperiyar, which is 18 km from Thekkady. The famous pilgrim
destination, Sabarimala is a short trek from Gavi.
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. For nature lovers
and adventure tourists this is turning into a must-see place.
Gavi offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents,
and night safaris. The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a
refreshing experience. A highlight of the Gavi eco project is the involvement of the local populace in its
activities as guides, gardeners and cooks.
Besides the accommodation provided in ‘Green Mansion’ visitors can also try out the tree houses and also
even pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Another unique feature of Gavi is camping in the forests. One can
pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the
silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that
cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the
fullest.
Here one can have outstanding trekking experiences, which are overseen by trained local people. Those
who would love to be left alone can do so in the tranquil environs of Gavi or may even go canoeing in the
placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and
snacks, which further add to the eco-friendly ambiance of the place.
The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands,
sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and
Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds
including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers. Active
involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country.
For those interested in observing the nocturnal wildlife, night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu
Pampa, Pachakanam provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Activities you can indulge in include Trekking, Wildlife watching, Birding, Stay atop tree huts, Outdoor
camping in forest around, Night safaris through jungle roads, Visit to paradise cove at Ninnumulli, Boating
in the Gavi& kochupampa lakes, Leisurely walks through spice gardens, Visit to cardamom factory, Climb
to Sabarimala temple view.
Facilities provided here are, accommodation and full board, at Green Mansions and at Jungle Camps,
Library on Flora & Fauna of the Western Ghats and other jungle parks of India, Forest museum, Binoculars
on hire, First aid, Leech Socks & Raincoats, Laundry facilities, Local products like organic cardamom (for
sale). In case of emergencies medical evacuation is facilitated to the nearest hospital. Note: liquor &
Cigarettes are not served here.
The programme organized by the Government involves a close interaction with nature. There are
excellent trails through the midst of Evergreen Forests to the camping sites at Meenar & Valley view. The
trekking course passes through dense patches of forests where even at mid-day sunlight struggles to
penetrate, where elephants roam free and where man meets nature truly in all it’s majesty and glory. For
those in need of peace, the tourism department will organize a rowing expedition to Paradise Cove where
you will be enthralled by the beauty of wild flowers and where silence is broken only by the music of birds.
For wild life enthusiast, the treks can be doubly rewarding. Wild life sighting is ensured.
The night safaris are also an occasion to observe the wild side of nature. If you care to drive to the Pampa
dam or to Pachakkanam at night, you may be rewarded with the best that a tropical rain forest can offer
you after dusk.
You have the option of three ongoing packages to choose from. The first one is a day time package
extending from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. Guest will be received and registered in the ETC counter at Gavi
(8.00 am to 9.30 am ). And breakfast will follow .The guest will then be taken for a jungle trekking for
three hours. Spices plantation visit will follow according to the convenience of the guests either before
lunch or after.
The second is an overnight package where the guest will be provided accommodation with full board at
“Green Mansions” , the forest lodge in the Eco Tourism Centre overlooking the Gavi Lake. guest will be
checked in at the ETC, Gavi either between 10. 30 am and 12.00 noon or 2. 30 pm and 5.00 pm. Lunch of
the day is included for the morning registrees and lunch of the next day for the latter. Events will be the
same as for the day package but can be performed in an extended time schedule of 24 hours.
In the third one which is also an overnight package the guest will be trekked to (vehicle optional ) the
camp sites and they will be accommodated in class tents with full board around a campfire ! Guest will be
checked in at the ETC, Gavi either between 10.30 AM and 12.00 noon or2.30 PM and 3.30 PM (exceptional
in cases of advance booking ).The forenoon registrees can either opt for a boating or Spices plantation
visit before lunch (the after noon registrees can perform the same after breakfast the next day ). A resting
interval will follow and by around 3.30 PM the guest will be trekked (vehicle optional) to camp site (also
optional according to vacancy ) and accommodated in tents .The guest can continue trekking choosing
another trek route back to ETC the next morning and join for breakfast. A night safari through jungle roads
is also envisaged in this package for those interested.
With regard to food, keeping in view the simple message of healthy eating habits, on offer are traditional
varieties of vegetarian delights (Western, Chinese & Continental varieties on advance request for guests in
overnight packages) .The food cooked by the local members of the Eco Development Committee is indeed
a culinary feast.
The government department has roped in a team of experts in the field of jungle expedition and in their
respective area of specialisation as guide, trekker, birdwatcher, etc . All kinds of jungle expeditions are led
by experienced energetic youths born and brought up around these forests. The local ‘patanki man’ with
his ingenious noise making device will additionally accompany the guest on an adventure trekking to core
areas for protection in case Wild Life encounters turns dangerous! Service of trained guides are provided
for all the three packages.
* The Company has only future proposals for the transportation of tourist to Gavi. Right now the guest can
either avail service of the only bus to Gavi or make arrangements with their travel agent. Proper entry
permit shall be made available with the Vallakadavu Check post ( 04869 252515 ) officials (for advance
booking only). Entry fee at Vallakadavu Check Post ( different for Indians and Foreigners ) for both tourist
& vehicle as per prevailing Forest Department norms extra.
Tariff – Day Time Package
Including Breakfast, lunch, evening tea and trekking gears )
Over Night Package – Trekking, Spice plantation visit, boating : Rs.900 / pax
‘Stay at Green Mansions’ the Forest lodge’ : Rs.1750 / pax with full board
(Trekking, Boating, Spice plantation visit etc…) For events Rs.150/- additional per pax
‘Swiss cottages’ (from 1st December 2009) Rs.2500/- per pax and Rs.4000/- for double occupancy
Includes Jungle Safari
Stay in tents, trekking, boating, spice plantation visit, night safari : Rs.2000 / pax with full board
(Trekking, Boating, Spice plantation visit etc…)
Just call 98848 01277 for more details or mail tours@servicesquare.com
Come December and the time is just right to go to Pulicat. Because, the sun does at down mercilessly on
you, rains are rare, enjoying the lazy progress made by your boat for about 3 hours in the expanse of the
lagoon in Pulicat is pure fun and the great visitors from across continents – the beautiful migratory birds –
are waiting to charm you. For groups of people wanting to have a great time, there is hardly any better
place than Pulicat.
Pulicat is a small town in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state. The town is situated 65 km towards the
north of the capital of Tamil Nadu. Pulicat largely consists of the backwaters of the adjoining sea which is
Bay of Bengal. The lake, called Pulicat lake, situated here constitutes a great picnic spot for Chennaites
Pulicat and its vast natural resources present one great attraction in the southern India. The place houses
the second largest lagoon of India, Pulicat lake. The lake as well the town is one frequently visited picnic
spots in the state. The region features a number of attractions including the bio-diversity at Pulicat lake
and some historical landmarks in the town. Sailing in the lake is considered as one of the greatest
amusements at Pulicat.
Pulicat is steeped in history. It was an important base for the Dutch during the 16th century and there are
still remnants of those years, for those interested in history.
The water in the lagoon is shallow. It is a safe and exotic location, ideal for picnics. During winter season,
you get to see migratory birds and it is a great sight.
Suggested Programme:
7.30 am start, 11 am boating 1.30 pm lunch, 3 pm resumes boating, 5.30 pm Tea/Cofee, 6 pm start return
Journey, 7.30 pm reaching Chennai.
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Activities:
1. Pulicat lake boating,
2. Visiting Bird sanctuary,
3. Visiting Sangamam, where lagoon meets the sea.
4. Housie, volley ball, fly bee, & other group games.
Food provided:
1. Special sea food prepared by fishermen for Lunch.
2. Vegetarian meal is arranged for vegetarians and non veg food for Non vegetarians
3. Evening Tea/Coffee with cookies)
Added service:
1. Comfortable travel,
2. Service Square Guide at no extra cost
3. Sports Items Provided are volley ball, cricket bats, tennekkoit, fly bee, Tambola etc.
The above tariff covers travel with non-a/c vehicle, food, sight seeing, boating, games and snacks.
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