A landlocked district, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries. The river Pamba also has its origin here. Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.

It is also a main tourist destination in Kerala with its hill stations, such as Devikulam surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations, and its damatic valleys. The famous resort Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve), is in Idukki District. Munnar is another hill resort of the district. Mattupetty is about 11 km away from Munnar. Mattupetty, is the headquarters of the Indo-Swiss Cattle Project.

Idukki also has the largest arch dam in India, the Idukki Dam, constructed for the Idukki Hydro Electric Power Project in 1969 with the cooperation of the Canadian Government. This single project powers almost half of the entire state and some parts of neighbouring states.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lying in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, chinnar was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats. It is the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirell in India. With an area of 90.422 sq kms, Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species.

Periyar Tiger Reserve:
Throwing up pleasant surprises like wild boars scuttling across the road in front, as you near the sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads over an area of 673 sq.km and is situated at a height of 900 to 1800 metres above mean sea level and is one of the largest in India. Wild animals seen here include elephants, bisons, sambar, monkeys and wild bear. Fortunate visitors can have a glimpse of the tigers foraging in the area. How ever on sunny summer days one can sight herds of wild elephants bathing in the lake. However the bisons are a wary and hardy lot and usually never allow any intruder to approach them.