Kuruva Island - History, Timings & Entry Fee

About Kuruva Island

At a distance of 13 km from Mananthavady, 26 km from Kalpetta, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 32 km from Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is a protected river delta in Wayanad district of Kerala. Kuruva Dweep is being developed as an eco-tourism project and is one of the popular places to visit in Wayanad.

Kuruva Island is a cluster of small islands formed by the delta in the River Kabini and is spread over 950 acres of uninhabited area. These are true natural islands with no other activities. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids, and herbs are the main attraction of the island apart from its breathtaking natural beauty. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island. The main island contains two small freshwater lakes. Other unique features of these islands are the bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees.

The island has two entry points, Cheriyamala and Palvelicham. If you stay in places like Sulthan Bathery, Pulpally, and Kenichira area, you can consider reaching the Cheriyamala entry point for accessing the island. If you are staying at Kalpetta, Vythiri, Padinjarathara, Mananthavady, etc, you can consider reaching the Palvelicham entry point. The island is open to visitors from October to May and is closed during the peak rainy season which is from June to September.

Things to do at Kuruva Island

Boating & Bamboo Rafting

The island is famous for its exciting boat rides and bamboo raft rides that will take you through beautiful surroundings. Visitors can ride the traditional wooden boats across the Kabini river here. Bamboo rafting is an excellent way to explore Kuruva Dweep, especially for tourists who have an adventure in mind.

Trekking

Visitors can also go trekking in the dense evergreen jungles of Kuruva Island. Indulge in the jungle walks, cross the streams and rivulets over little bamboo walkway bridges, and get mesmerized by the lush greenery, colorful flowers, rare plants, tall trees, birds, and butterflies that thrive in the environment. There is no better way to experience nature this close.

Birdwatching

The island is home to a variety of colorful migratory and resident bird species like hornbills. Owing to the absence of human habitation on the island and its remoteness, one will be able to spot a large number of native aviaries here. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island.

Best Time to Visit Kuruva Island

The best time to visit Kuruva Dweep is from mid-December to late April. The island is closed to visitors during rainy seasons (from June to September) when the water level in the river will not allow you to have fun in the water.

Kuruva Island Timings

Note: Only 200 visitors are allowed per day & the island is open to visitors from October to May and remains closed during the peak rainy season which is from June to September.

Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Kuruva Island Entry Fee

Indians

Entry: Rs. 80 for Adults & Rs. 55 for Children
Boating: Rs. 10 per Person
Bamboo Rafting: Rs. 300 per 6 Persons
Camera: Rs. 50 for Indians

Foreigners

Entry: Rs. 150 for Adults
Camera: 50 for Foreigners
Boating: Rs. 10 per Person
Bamboo Rafting: Rs. 300 per 6 Persons

Important Thing to Know About Kuruva Island

1. The number of visitors allowed to the island has been restricted to 200 per day
2. Kuruva Dweep remains closed, during the monsoon period (June - September)
3. Swimming or bathing is strictly restricted by the authorities

How to Reach Kuruva Island

There are frequent buses from Manathavady which is just 15 km away from the beautiful Kuruvadweep Island. However, the best way to reach this place is to avail of private transportation from Mananthavady or Kattikulam. If traveling from Kalpetta, you can cover the 30 km distance in a hired or private car. The island is accessible by bamboo rafts or wooden boats run by Kerala Tourism Department. Entrance to the island is restricted and monitored by the Forest Department of Kerala.