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About Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva dweep, is a 950-acre river basin in Kerala’s Wayanad district. It is on the banks of the Kabini River and consists of wooded inhabited islands as well as a few submerged islands. It has diverse fauna and is a great place to go bird-watching. This is a great location for nature enthusiasts who prefer pristine surroundings. It has evergreen forests and is one of the best picnic spots away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors to the island can explore various plant, animal, and bird species.
Exploring Kuruva Island
Bank to Island
You first come across a parking lot, next to which is a small temple. Then there are a few stores in between, before the ticket counter. Water, snacks, and souvenirs are available at a few shops along the riverbank. After purchasing tickets for bamboo rafting and passing a security check, we can proceed to the island. Food is not permitted at the checkpoint, and water bottles must be registered to avoid littering the island. The island is well-kept because it is inhabited. There are monkeys near the shops, so be cautious when carrying anything.
We must first commute from the bank to the island on a bamboo raft. It is a 5-minute ride that takes approximately 10-15 people one way. The ride must have a minimum of 5-6 attendees. Otherwise, they will not proceed on either side of the bank until at least a minimum of people are on the board. While returning, we must take the same bamboo raft ride.
Island
A small opulent bamboo bridge at the entrance adds to the island’s allure. The entire route is well-marked, and security guards are stationed at strategic locations along the way. This is mostly to keep people from wandering into the wilderness or along the river. The river runs the entire length of the path. However, we are only permitted to enter the river at the end of the trail. The walk through the woods lasts about a kilometer until you reach the backwaters. There are numerous arrangements on the island, including a stage, benches, huts, and bridges made of bamboo. You can unwind in them while taking photographs. Along the way, you’ll notice tree branches and logs shaped like a swing, a seater, and so on. Also, there are many species of trees on the island, but most of them do not have local or botanical nameplates.
Kabini River Backwater
You will be able to play in the water at the end of this small journey. The water is extremely clean here. The river bed at the end of the marked path is not too deep, so you can play, swim, or sit on the boulders in the water within a certain range. However, there are no dressing rooms or washrooms to change into after the dip. Then it’s a circuitous route back to the exit.
Other Activities at Kuruva Island
Aside from the regular bamboo raft ride, the complex has other boating and rafting amenities where you can have fun. Individual boating and rafting are also available for a fee, with tickets available at the gate. Zip lining is also available here. The zip lining is located outside the island, on the banks.
How To Reach Kuruva Island
Travel Tips
- Kuruva Island is open from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm from October to May. Mondays are off days. Due to monsoons, it is usually closed to the public from May to October. It is because of the torrential rain that floods the streams and causes the water level to rise dangerously.
- There is no limit to the number of visitors to this island.
- The entry fee for Indians is 110 rupees, which includes the bamboo rafting from the entry point to the Kuruva dweep’s bank.
- There is a large parking lot at the entrance, and there are two ways to get to Kuruva dweep on either bank.
- Further, food items are not permitted at the checkpoint, and water bottles must be registered to avoid littering the island.
- Pure vegetarian restaurants are not available on or near the island.
- There are no lodges nearby because the island is in a remote and inhabited area. If you plan to stay in Wayanad, you can either stay near Sulthan Bathery or in Kalpetta. There are some homestays available nearby, but because the locations are remote, plan ahead of time based on your comfort and preferences.
- Kuruva dweep is located on the Wayanad border, and you can continue on to Mysore and Coorg, which are nearby tourist destinations.
Overall, this is a lovely spot to spend time in nature. This is a must-see ecotourism destination in Wayanad. It is well-kept and retains its natural beauty, making it an ideal getaway location.
