Kuruva Island

Kuruva Island in Wayanad

The Kuruva island is near River Kabini in Wayanad and is an unhabited island of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river, far away from the disturbances of city life. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is an ideal picnic spot and is 17kilometers east of Mananathavady and 40kms northwest of Sulthan Bathery.

The sprawling 950 acres of the protected river delta, Kuruva Dweep is a must-visit ecotourism spot in Kerala. Replete with lush evergreen forests that are home to diverse fauna, the Kuruva Island in Wayanad, Kerala, is in every sense a nature’s paradise. This untampered heaven is set right in the middle of the Kabini river and has the most beautiful surroundings imaginable, making it a perfect picnic spot for you and your loved ones far away from city pollution. Among the many things that Kuruva offers, its bamboo raft rides and treks are the most exciting. Trekkers who come here often find themselves smitten by its serene environment and exotic species of animals, plants, and birds. Here’s a short guide to help you know all about this tiny island before you visit.

Note: For trekking, make sure you have a guide to accompany you if you don’t want to get lost.

Travel Tips For Kuruva Island

1. Plastic items like bottles are not allowed on the island.
2. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the river.
3. Do not visit if there is even a slight possibility of rain.
4. Do not step into the boats without wearing safety jackets securely.
5. To stay at Kuruva Island Resort & Spa, book at least a month in advance to get a room.
6. Buy a coupon separately if you wish to use a camera on the island.

Highlights Of Kuruva Island

1. There is no human habitation on the island, so you’ll still find it in its pristine and untouched form.
2. The island is famous for its exciting boat rides and bamboo raft rides that will take you through beautiful surroundings.
3. Kuruva Island is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting owing to its diverse range of fauna. The island is also a favorite of trekkers and hikers who prefer pristine natural surroundings.
4. Kuruva Island is home to a large variety of colourful wild orchid species.
5. Far away from urbanisation, Kuruva Island is a great place to escape the noise and clutter of cities and relax amidst a peaceful natural environment.

How To Reach Kuruva Island

By Air: The Calicut International Airport in Kozhikode is located 120 km away from Kabini in Wayanad. You can easily hail a cab or take a bus from the airport (or nearby) to get to Wayanad. Or you can hire a vehicle, look for Kuruva Island directions on Google Maps, and drive there yourself.

ALSO SEE - Airports in Kerala-Helpful guide for tourists visiting Kerala

By Rail: The Kozhikode Railhead is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, along with many regional towns and cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Once your train arrives, you can take a taxi or bus to get to Wayanad.

By Road: Regular KSRTC bus services as well as private AC buses serve the region of Wayanad. You can take a bus or hire a vehicle from any city in Kerala and even Tamil Nadu and get to Wayanad at nominal rates. You can also easily get a taxi to Wayanad from the nearest cities listed below.

Distance to Kuruva Island from nearby Cities

Mangalore to Kuruva Island: 236 km (6 hours)

Bangalore to Kuruva Island: 245 km (6 hours)

Kozhikode to Kuruva Island: 107 km (3 hours 15 mins)

Kochi to Kuruva Island: 282 km (7 hours)

Vythiri to Kuruva Island: 45 km (1.5 hours)

Sulthan Balthry to Kuruva Island: 47 km (56 minutes)

Edakkal Caves to Kuruva Island: 44 km (1.5 hours)

Best Time To Visit Kuruva Island

The most suitable time to visit this island in Wayanad, Kerala is during the winter season from October to March. Planning a trip to Kuruva Dweep in Wayanad is advisable as during these months as monsoons have lost their fury. The weather during this time is pleasant enough for you to explore this hotspot of exotic flora and fauna as well as engage in exciting activities here. Just make sure you do your Kuruva Island booking by August itself for the best accommodation and cheapest flights.

Kuruva Island Timings

Kuruva Dweep in Wayanad is shut during monsoons. The uninhabited virgin Kuruva Island is open during the months of October to May. The Kuruva Island Timings are from 9.30 am to 4 pm in the evening.

Things To Do In Kuruva Island

Located in Wayanad, Kuruva Dweep is the perfect getaway from the crazy city life. A visit to Kuruva Island will refresh both your body and mind.

Here are some of the best Kuruva Island activities that will make your visit to this mini paradise an absolutely thrilling affair.

1. Boat Rides

You can ride the traditional wooden boats across the shimmering Kabini river of Kerala. Or you can also sail on the unique bamboo rafts that will give you a much deeper experience of the local life and culture of Kerala. Bamboo rafting is an excellent way to explore Kuruva deep especially for tourists who have an adventure in mind. Both will give you an equally wonderful experience of Kabini’s beautiful surroundings.

2. Trekking

You and your dauntlessly brave friends can have an adventure of a lifetime and go trekking in the dense evergreen jungles of Kuruva Island. From colourful wild orchids, rare wildlife, to exotic flora, you’ll encounter a surprise at every turn on your hiking journey through the forest.

3. Birdwatching

The island is home to a variety of colourful migratory and resident bird species like hornbills. Owing to the absence of human habitation on the island and its remoteness, you will be able to spot a large number of Kerala’s gorgeous aviaries here. Just have your binoculars and cameras ready!

4. Picnicking

If you’re travelling with your family, you can choose to have a relaxing picnic in the pristine environs of Kuruva. You can also take a leisurely walk with your amour to soak up in the secluded and refreshing foliage and listen to the sounds of nature all around you.

5. Food to try

One of the biggest attractions of Kuruva Island is the traditional Kuruva rice and Kuruva fish available on the mainland where you take the ferry. Enjoy the exclusive taste of Malabari spices seeped into juice Kuruva fish pieces. The authentic Kuruva rice coupled with Kuruva fish is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Explore the serene Kuruva Dweep with your family and friends that is sure to mesmerize you with its lush green forest and pervading silence.

Excited much? We bet you are! Kuruva Island is that perfect power package of nature, wildlife, exciting activities, and a respite from city life that you’ve been wishing for! Plan a trip to Kerala right away and experience all that it has to offer with your loved ones!