Embellished in the charisma of Mother Nature, the land-locked district of Idukki is situated at an altitude of 450-748 m above sea level. The Idukki wildlife sanctuary embraces the forest area between the Cheruthoni River and the Periyar River. The sanctuary is positioned about 450 - 748 m above sea level. It covers over 77 sq. km spreading out over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district. The Idukki Reservoir is formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu – and extends to 33 sq km. The well-known Idukki Arch Dam lies in the flanking areas.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary owns a picturesque lake encircling the sanctuary roofed by a captivating awning of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar, different species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits etc. are major residents here.
The Idukki Wildlife sanctuary is a favorite stomping ground for more than 200 species of birds including various rare migratory birds. The frequently espied birds which deserve mention are the Indian Swiftlet, Oriental Darter, Hawk-Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Grey Heron, Little Spider hunter, Rufous Babbler, Great Eared-Nightjar, Laughing Thrush, Spotted Dove, Jungle Fowl, Fishing Eagle, Darters, Malabar Trogon, White bellied treepie, Nilgiri Flycathcer, Broad tailed Grassbird, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Pitpits, Malabar Parakeets and other birds.