Kuruva Islandwayanad
Uninhabited Island
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.
What To Expect?
A unique experience of exploring a cluster of 150 tiny islets in the middle of the Kabini River. Expect to navigate the streams on traditional bamboo rafts, walk through dense mangrove and bamboo forests, and spot rare species of orchids and birds. The island offers a tranquil environment with only the sounds of the river and chirping birds.
Tips
- Arrive before 9:00 AM as the number of daily visitors is strictly limited to around 500-1000 to protect the ecosystem.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with a good grip as the paths can be muddy after light rains.
- Always wear life jackets while on the bamboo rafts or fibre boats for safety.
- Carry your own water in reusable containers as single-use plastic is banned on the island.
- The island is completely closed to tourists during the monsoon months (June to August) due to rising river levels.
Exploring Kuruva Island
More About Kuruva Island
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. It is a protected river delta on the Kabini River and consists of a cluster of 150 islets.
The island is uninhabited and has been preserved in its pristine, virgin form. It serves as a major eco-tourism spot in Wayanad, attracting nature lovers and researchers who come to see the unique bamboo bridges and the diverse bird population including the Malabar Hornbill.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise.
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Kuruva Island
Located 13 km from Mananthavady and 26 km from Kalpetta. Accessible by road via taxi or bus to the entry points (Cheriyamala or Palvelicham), from where the Forest Department operates rafts to reach the main island.
Tips for Visiting Kuruva Island, wayanad
- Arrive before 9:00 AM as the number of daily visitors is strictly limited to around 500-1000 to protect the ecosystem.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with a good grip as the paths can be muddy after light rains.
- Always wear life jackets while on the bamboo rafts or fibre boats for safety.
- Carry your own water in reusable containers as single-use plastic is banned on the island.
- The island is completely closed to tourists during the monsoon months (June to August) due to rising river levels.
