Gavi, a premier tourism destination of the State, has once again opened doors to visitors after a temporary closure. KSRTC’s Gavi trips have also resumed with this. The announcement marks a welcome relief for travelers seeking respite from the scorching summer heat. 

The Forest department's decision to temporarily suspend tourist activities in Gavi was caused by concerns over the potential spread of forest fires in the area. However, this move was met with protests from both tourists and local residents, highlighting the significance of Gavi as a popular destination, especially during the summer vacation season. Moreover, the intermission in tourist arrivals had a considerable impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of persons employed in the tourism industry, underscoring the economic importance of Gavi as a tourism hub.

Gavi is the most popular destination among the budget tourism packages offered by KSRTC, with approximately a thousand trips to Gavi within a short span of time. The KSRTC bus departs from Pathanamthitta at 7:00 am and returns by 8:30 pm. It encompasses entry fees, boating, lunch, and travel fare, all for a nominal fee of Rs 1300. Travellers can explore the scenic beauty en route  Gavi, including that of the forest and dams such as Moozhiyar, Kakki-Aanathode, and Pampa, while also indulging in activities like boating and enjoying lunch at Kochu Pampa and finally return via Vandiperiyar after halting at Parunthumpara.

KSRTC provides trips to Gavi from all units across Kerala. Travellers from regions like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode are transported to Pathanamthitta and subsequently taken to Gavi by bus the following day. According to staff from the Budget Tourism Cell, in the journey to Gavi, the sightseeing opportunities begin from Kochandi, Seethathodu. The 60-kilometer forest journey from there offers glimpses of hills inhabited by herds of elephants, as well as sightings of wild buffaloes, spotted deer, and even tigers.

With the reopening of Gavi, KSRTC has circulated details of its trips from all units on their Facebook page.