The Kinnerasani reservoir, formed by the dam across the Kinnerasani River about 12 km north of Paloncha, is the main excursion from the town and the entry point to the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary covers around 635 square kilometres of mixed deciduous forest in the Eastern Ghats foothills, protecting tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and a variety of birdlife including the Malabar pied hornbill.
The reservoir itself is a pleasant spot — forested hills dropping to the water on all sides, and in the early morning or evening there is a good chance of seeing wildlife at the water's edge. The sanctuary is part of the Kawal Tiger Reserve landscape, and while tigers are rarely seen, the forest is dense and the chances of encountering gaur or deer are reasonable.
Entry to the sanctuary requires a permit from the forest department. Boats can be hired at the reservoir for a closer look at the waterline. Your own vehicle or a hired jeep from Paloncha is the practical way to get there.