In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja’s summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.

A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of Kerala. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of the district. Situated at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level, this sanctuary occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers boat rides.

Elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc. are seen here apart from various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, several species of woodpeckers, bulbuls, flycatchers, etc. The wildlife here is similar to that of Thekkady. This sanctuary lies adjacent to the world renowned Idukki Arch Dam.

Getting there: Thodupuzha-Kochi is about 58 km.

Nearest railway stations: Kottayam about 114 km; Changanassery about 114 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai in neighbouring Tamilnadu, about 140 km away; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away.

In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja’s summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.

TOP STATION:-Situated at a distance of 32 Kms from Munnar. The stark contrast of these laterite, rocky mountains of top station with greeneries elsewhere is really striking. The rare and attractive Neelakurinji (Strobilatanthes) flowers in this region. There are about 46 varieties of this plant in Kerala and Strobilanthes seen in Munnar region takes twelve years to flower. The flowering season lasts for about one month.T he whole area baths in the violet of the Kurinji flowres during this season

In addition to the wildlife, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting out for two weeks of serious observations .There are two KTDC run lodges within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic lake palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was the former Maharaja’s summer palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics.Though the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best season is from September to May.

Sasthamkotta
Sasthamcottah is an beautiful village situated about 19 km from Kollam town.Sasthamkotta is major freshwater lake in Kerala and is surrounded by hills on three sides except on the south side. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. A great part of the lake has been reclaimed for agriculture. The lake has a capability to hold 22390 million litres of water and serves as the source of drinking water for the people of Kollam district. The source of water is from the underground sprouts. This attractive place is well connected by rails and roads with every part of Kerala.

Palaruvi Waterfalls
The Palaruvi waterfall is situated near to the Thenmala Eco tourism project. There are so many waterfalls around this place. . The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes recommend a bath in the waters of Palaruvi.The waterfall lies 75 kilometers from the Kollam town.

Ashtamudikkayal
The eight (ashta) arms or channels of this lake give it the name Ashtamudi. Located in Kollam, Kerala, it forms the gateway to the backwaters and a cruise on the lake is a fantastic treat to the eyes. Boating through this back waters is thrilling experience Kollam- Alappuzha water route is through Ashtamudikkayal. The voyage in boat to Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience. You can also mark Chinese fishing nets at many places.

Thevally Palace
Thevally palace was built during the reign of Gauri Parvathy Bai of Travancore in the early 19th century. This palace overlooks the attractive Ashtamudi Lake and is best viewed from the lake itself. The natural gift is set amidst amidst surroundings covered by hills on the three sides.