Kuruva Island

Wayanad

Uninhabited Island

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Wayanad Kuruva Island Landscape Image

Overview

Sprawling over 950 acres, Kuruva is a group of islands housing dense forests rich in flora and fauna, most of which are rare in nature.

Suggested Duration - 4 to 5 hours

What To Expect?

Surrounded by fresh-water streams, Kuruva Island can be reached by boats and rafts. The rafts are made of bamboos and are rustic in nature, making it a fun adventurous ride.

Tips

  • The boats and rafts are usually provided by the Kerala Tourism Department.
  • Passes for Kuruva Island have to be procured from the Forest Department.
  • Partying and picnicking are restricted here.

About Kuruva Island Overview: Wayanad's Pristine River Island


Located in the Kabini River, Kuruva Island (also known as Kuruvadweep) is a lush, uninhabited river island in Wayanad, Kerala. Spread over 950 acres, this ecologically rich island is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and birdwatchers. Unlike typical tourist spots, Kuruva Island offers a serene escape into nature, surrounded by dense evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and crystal-clear streams.

Moreover, the island is home to rare flora and fauna, making it a protected eco-tourism site. Accessible only by rafts or fiber boats, Kuruva Island provides a unique experience of walking through untouched forests, crossing natural streams and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Kerala’s wilderness.


Kuruva Island Information

Famous ForDense forest area, exotic flora and fauna, and activities like bamboo rafting
TimingsOpens every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Best Time to VisitOctober to May
Entry FeeINR 110 per person
Time Required4 to 5 full hours

Popular Nearby Places

  • Edakkal Caves
  • Chembra Peak
  • Tirupur
  • Yercaud
  • Valparai
  • Hosur
  • Munnar
  • Udupi

Things to Know About Kuruva Island

  • Dense Evergreen Forests– Walk through bamboo groves, rare trees, and tropical plants.
  • Bamboo Rafting & Boating– Enjoy a traditional bamboo raft ride through the Kabini River.
  • Exotic Birdwatching– Spot hornbills, parrots, and other rare bird species.
  • Natural Streams & Bridges– Cross shallow streams and rustic wooden bridges while exploring.
  • Peaceful & Offbeat– A serene, non-commercialized getaway in the heart of Wayanad.

Kuruva Island History and Cultural Significance

Kuruva Island is an ecologically protected zone maintained by the Forest Department of Kerala. Its unique location in the middle of the Kabini River makes it a rare river island, offering an untouched natural habitat for various species of birds, butterflies, and medicinal plants.

Unlike other islands, Kuruva is uninhabited and remains untouched by urbanization, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to experience raw, undisturbed nature. Lastly, the island also holds significance for tribal communities in Wayanad, who consider it a sacred and mystical land.


How to Reach Kuruva Island, Wayanad

Kuruva Island is located around 17 km from Mananthavady and 40 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad.

  • By Road:Taxis and private vehicles can easily reach here from nearby towns like Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery.
  • By Rail:Tourists can reach here via train as well and the nearest railway station is Kozhikode, around 110 km away from here.
  • By Air:Lastly, the nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, around 120 km away.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Kuruva Island

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :
  • Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.
  • Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling
  • Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities
  • Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved
  • When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice
  • Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination
  • Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates
  • Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy
  • How to choose a destination to travel to?

    Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :
  • Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities
  • Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them
  • Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there
  • How to explore a place by yourself?

    "Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -
  • Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant
  • Learn The Public Transportation Routes
  • Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory
  • Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park
  • Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour
  • Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden
  • Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market