Guide To Kuruva Island Wayanad

Kuruva Island, also called as Kuruvadweep by the locals, is a mass of uninhabited small islands along the Kabini River in Wayanad district, Kerala. Spread across an area of about 950 acres of land, it is filled with small forests, bamboo groves and streams. This beautiful island is a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the green forests around or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the river, Kuruvadweep Wayanad promises an unforgettable experience. Come let’s explore the enchanting beauty of this island with our comprehensive guide.

Kuruva Dweep At A Glance 

Location: Wayanad Dist, Kalpetta, North Kerala

Kuruvadweep Timings: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Best Time To Visit: October to May

Kuruvadweep Entry Fee: Indians INR 110/-, Foreigners INR 200/-, Students INR 75/-

Trip Duration: 2-3 hrs

Popular For: Bamboo Rafting, Natural Beauty, Trekking & Photography

Nearby Towns: Mananthavady- 15kms, Kalpetta-30 kms

Nearby Attractions: Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Pazhassi Park and Monument, Thirunelli Temple, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Pookote Lake, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Banasur Sagar Dam.

Getting To Kuruva Island

By Air: Calicut International Airport which is at a distance of around 140 km is the nearest airport. From the airport a taxi or a bus will get you to Wayanad.

By Train: There is no direct train access to Wayanad. Book your tickets to the nearest railway station which is in Kozhikode (120 km from Wayanad). From the station take a bus or taxi to Kuruva Dweep.

By Road: With Wayanad being well-connected, getting to Kuruva by road will not be a problem at all. There are KSRTC buses, super-fast buses not just from Calicut but also from major cities like Mangalore, Trivandrum and Cochin.

Must Do Activities At Kuruva

Kuruvadweep Island which possesses a variety of flora and fauna is being developed into an Eco-tourism project by Kerala tourism. Read on to know what this uninhabited island has in store for you.

Bamboo Raft Rides

The most famous activity at the Island is the bamboo raft ride across the Kabini River. A ride in this unique wooden boat is one of the most exciting things to do in Kuruva. Sailing through beautiful surroundings amidst lush greenery is the best way to see the different islets on the river. It takes a few hours to complete the ride, but the thrilling journey on the calm waters is something you just cannot miss. 

Wildlife Spotting & Bird Watching

Spotting the numerous bird species and animals in their natural habitat is one of the best things to do while here. Kuruvadweep’s rich biodiversity and ecosystem is the reason why it attracts numerous wildlife species. The island’s lack of human habitation and remoteness also adds to it. Some of the birds and animals that you can spot are hornbills, parakeets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, sunbirds, peacocks, elephants, squirrels, mongoose, deer, monkeys and snakes.

Trekking Through The Forest 

Trekking through the evergreen forest and discovering its hidden gems is one of the most popular activities at Kuruva Island. You can either follow the marked trails on your own or can hire an experienced guide to take you around. This quiet, relaxed and refreshing experience will help you connect with nature. Small streams, exotic birds, plants, trees, natural pools and unique rock formations are things you get to see as you walk around the area.

Key Points For Travelers Visiting Kuruva Dweep

• Only 200 tourists are allowed per day, so make sure you plan and reach Kuruva before the opening hours.
• Online booking is not available for Kuruva Dweep.
• Kuruva has two entry points, Cheriyamala and Palvelicham. People coming from Sulthan Bathery, Pulpally, Kenichira area, can use the Cheriyamala entry point. People from Kalpetta, Vythiri, Padinjarathara, Mananthavady can enter through Palvelicham entry point.
• Kuruva Dweep is closed during the monsoon season from June to September, hence avoid visits during the rainy season.
• Hire a local guide to explore more of the island and its surroundings. They are the only ones who can give valuable and interesting facts about the place.
• Cameras and binoculars are allowed but you will have to pay to use them on the island.
• Entry permits from the Forest Department are available at the entrance of the island. 
• Adhere to eco-friendly practices by carrying reusable bottles and bags. Do not litter and dispose of waste responsibly.

Also Read: 12 Incredible Things To Do In Wayanad

So now that you know it all, come discover the beauty and charm of this hidden paradise with our guide. We assure you that Kuruva Island is THE place to reconnect with the environment. If you found this guide informative and helpful, please do leave a comment below. 

FAQs