Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady: Rolling hills, tea and cardamom plantations welcome you to Thekkady. Once of the largest wildlife reserves in India, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is more popular as a Tiger Reserve. A boat ride on the splendid Periyar Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The greatest attraction here is the herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake to frolic in the waters. Tiger, Sambar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Leapord, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Stripe-necked Mongoose and so on can also be spotted in the forest. Kumily, an important spice trade centre, lies in the periphery of the sanctuary.

Accessibility: 190 km (6 hours) from Kochi.

The Eravikulam National Park, Munnar: 17 km from Munnar, this is home to an assortment of wildlife such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, Gaur and the Lion-tailed Macaque. In Fact, more than half the world population of the Nilgiri Tahr - an endangered species - is found here.

Accessibility: 142 km (4 1/2 hours) from Kochi.

Palaruvi Waterfalls: Palaruvi which means 'milky stream' makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 ft. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.

Accessibility: 75 km from Kollam town.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls: At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80 foot Waterfalls is a popular picnic spot.

Accessibility - 78 km (2 hours) from Kochi.

Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque spot is adjacent to dense green forest land and is a part of the Chalakudy river.

Accessibility - 90 km (2 1/2 hours) from Kochi.