Kerala has an abundance of natural forests with precious herbs and medicinal plants. There are 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks in the State. Much of Kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520m, the tropical forests of the Ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom. The lush green forests and the fog-covered hilltops make for a perfect vacation amidst all hustles of a busy city life.

The Zoological Park – One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well planned botanical garden with huge trees like frangipani & jacaranda and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary – With its rich flora & fauna, hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantation it is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Ponmudi – An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooden environs, it is located 915m above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and Deer Park nearby, this hill station also have excellent trekking trails.

Agasthyakoodam – Is the second largest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890m above sea level. The forests here are full in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids. Bird watchers’ paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud. For trekking the best season is from December to April for which a forest pass has to be obtained from PTP Nagar, Trivandrum.

Sasthamkotta – This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The Sastha Temple is an important pilgrim centre. Accommodations are available at the PWD Rest House.

Thenmala – Dense forest, rubber and tea plantations cover Thenmala. An Eco Tourism Development project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam site.

Palaruvi waterfalls – Palaruvi means ‘milky stream’ makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300ft. The Palaruvi woods are a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Bungalow and KTDC Motel offers comfortable accommodation.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – This bird sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is a favourite place of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. A cruise along the lake is the best way to see the sanctuary.

Idukki Arch Dam – This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550ft high and 650ft wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – Located nearby, this area spreads over 77sq.km at 450-748m above sea level. The Idukki reservoir formed by three dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu – extends to 33sq.km. Animals like elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc., snakes like cobra, viper, krait and a number of non-poisonous snakes and birds like jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, pea fowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc., are found in this sanctuary.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady – Thekkady is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and scenic beauty and one of the most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries. The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travellers from all over the world. Evergreen forests cover 360sq.km of the 777sq.km sanctuary. The 26-sq.km artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River offer boating facilities. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat.

The sanctuary includes Flora – Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids, and the only South Indian Comfer podocarpus walli chianus.

Fauna – Thirty five species including wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild bear which can be sighted from the boats. The Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, the bonnet macaque, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cats, sloth bear etc.

Birds – 265 species including migrants, the hornbills, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc.

Reptiles – Cobra, Viper, Krait, monitor lizard and number of non-poisonous snakes.

Amphibian – Frogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.

Pisces – The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Otter, the only mammal of the lake can be frequently spotted from the boat.

The Sanctuary watchtowers – There are two watchtowers in the interior of the Periyar forest.

Plantations – Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Twelve varieties of spices grow in the neighbouring villages. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, Cummins seeds, garlic, staranise etc.

Kumily – This plantation town is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.

Murikkady – The air of Murikkady is scented with fresh spices of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi – This is cradled in between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. It offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.

Chellarkovil – This sleepy little village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Kamban in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar – The River Periyar flows through this major trade centre, which nourishes the vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. The Government Agricultural Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthurium.

Vandanmedu – This is world's largest auction centre for cardamom where a walk through the plantations is a delightful experience.

Pullumedu – This place offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna can be accessed only by jeep. From here one can view the famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the 'Makara Jyothi' illuminations from here.

Peermede – On the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, this pleasant hill station situated 915m above sea level was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Rubber and Eucalyptus plantations with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls could be viewed.

Kuttikanam – A place for adventure tourism and trekking or even a languorous, tranquil break.

Thrissanku Hills – The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset and ideal place for long walks.

Peeru Hills – A favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers, the hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi Saint, who spent his last days here. The Mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.

Grampi – Grampi is also known as 'Parunthupara' (Eagle Rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations. Grampi itself offers rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views.

Pattumala – Lofty peaks, little streams and ever-expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. The Velankanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre.

Vagamon – A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquillity. The chain of the three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

Munnar – Munnar is situated 1600m above sea level, in between three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It was once summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Among the exotic flora found in this hill station here is also a flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years called as 'Neelakurinji' and will bloom next in 2006 AD 'Anamudi' the highest peak towering over 2659m in South India is situated here.

Top Station – This is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road, 1700m above sea level. The rare 'Neelakurinji' (Stropilautus) belongs to this region, which bathes the hillside in bright blue and offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

Mattupetty – Famous for its highly specialized dairy farm - The Indo Swiss Livestock Project - situated at a height of 1700m. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty Lake and dam, a short distance from the farm is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are the other attractions in the vicinity.

Devikulam – This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora & fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Valara and Cheeyappara – These waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi – Madurai Road. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forest.

Marayoor – This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The Sandalwood factory Dept., the caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the Children’s Park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree are of great interest to tourists.

Meenuli – This place is noted for two acres of evergreen forests upon 500acres huge rock and is ideal for mountaineering.

Thommankuthu – The seven-step waterfall here is an ideal place for adventure tourism where at each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath.

Palkulamedu – Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak, which is, located 3125m above sea level.

Nadukani – Moolamattam town, Malankara Lake etc. can be viewed from here.

Chithirapuram – Here we can find the Old World’s charm, with its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts. It is famous for tea plantation.

Ramakalmedu – The hilltop offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.

Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary – The wild life sanctuary is spread across 9044sq.km and situated on the Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary contains wild animals from South India like grizzled giant squirrels etc. and birds like laughing trush, black bulbul etc.

Eravikulam National Park – The 97sq.km park is situated on the Devikulam tank. The park is divided into three portions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri Tahr can be observed at close quarters here.

Kodanad – Situated in the high ranges on the southern banks of the Periyar, Kodanad was one of the largest elephant training centres in South India.

Chendamangalam – This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakam presents the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue all situated next to each other. Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeen Kotta Seminary built in the 16^th century by the Portuguese.

Bhoothathankettu – A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin forest, this popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam District – the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project are also located nearby. Trekking through the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of excitement to adventure lovers.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary – This sanctuary was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr.Salim Ali and is named after him. This sanctuary nestled in evergreen forests, is notable for birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged Parakeet etc. Rare birds like the Ceylon Frogmoth and the rose-billed Roller are also seen here. Diverse migrant species home in here during seasons. Wildlife can also be sighted often.

Athirapally waterfalls – Mind blowing 80ft high waterfalls from cool cascading river, fresh air, a landscaped area surrounded by natural green forests and an unpolluted environment makes Athirapally, South India's best picnic spot.

Nelliampathy Hills – A little distance away from Athirapally are 'Nelliampathy Hills' which is 3500ft above sea level with an eternally cool climate. The vast expanses of lustrous greenery that converses with the clouds and kisses the streams, the mystique of the evening mists, all forms to make 'Nelliampathy', a holidaymakers paradise.

Vazhachal – Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.

Malampuzha Garden – This famous picnic spot, which comprises of a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, which consists of lust green lawns, well laid out flowerbeds, cool pools, fountains and pathways and Rock garden. The rose garden has over a hundred varieties of roses and an aerial ropeway across the garden. The dams and gardens are illuminated on National holidays, weekends and also on request for a fee. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the reservoir. A well maintained swimming pool, a fresh water aquarium, a snake park; children's park and a telescope tower present a unique experience. Road train trips are conducted in the garden. The passenger ropeway is the first of its kind in South India.

Pothundy – Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half - day trips.

Dhoni – It takes a three-hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills, to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

Siruvani – The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on the either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribes like the Mudugars and Irulars.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary – Sprawled across 285sq.km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The oldest teak tree, 'Kannimari' is found here.

Chittur Garumadam – Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of 'Adhyatma Ramayana', who spent his last days here. A 'Srichakra', some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Mayiladumpara – This grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks found here.

Attappady – A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists as this is the habitat of many tribes like the Irulars and Mudugars. The tribals who also celebrate the Sivarathri festival with great gusto worship the Malleeswaram peak as a gigantic 'Sivalinga'.

Silent Valley National Park – The 89.52sq.km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forests is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only unto Mukkali, nearly 24km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on foot upto the source of Kunthipuzha, which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha (Nila).

Nilambur – This is the original home of the oldest aboriginal tribe of Kerala called Cholainaickans. It is famous for the Canolly's plot, the world's oldest teak plantation and also for bamboo woods.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary – The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A hillock, which is 200m above sea level, provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

Kottappadi – One can see traces of an old fort at the base of the Cantonment Hill built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode.

Kodikuthimala – The perennial springs and the green mountains form an alluring landscape.

Tusharagiri – Famous for its trekking tracks. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall at Tusharagiri and climb uphill through the pristine, dense, evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening.

Peruvannamuzhi – The Peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, the bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Pakshipathalam – Only trekking could access this place. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watchtowers of this bird sanctuary.

Chembra Peak – At 2100m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.

Banasura Project, Padinjarathara – A mini hydel project with largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. A sanctuary and park with ever-flowering trees are major tourist attractions.

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary – This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary – This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an area of 643.39sq.km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life.

Edakkal Caves – The two caves are located at a height of 1000m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilization that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1-km trekking trail from Edakkal.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary or Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – The 345sq. km Muthanga Sanctuary is rich in fauna and flora. It is second largest in the state. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds and so on are also found here. Trees and plants growing here are typical of the South Indian moist deciduous forests and West Coast semi evergreen forests.

Lakkidi – Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Pookot Lake – This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating, a children's' park, a handicrafts & species emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the tourist facilities available here.

Pazhazzi Dam – The dam site is famous for its scenic beauty.

Ezhimala – Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medical herbs.

Pythal Mala – Situated 4500ft above sea level this enchanting hill station is rich in flora and fauna.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants, Sloth bears, Sambars, and Mouse deer etc can be found in the 55sq.km sanctuary.

Ranipuram – Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegation. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the top of the mountains.