Kuruva Island, Wayanad: Kerala's Hidden Paradise (Kuruva Dweep)

Kuruvadweep is a protected river delta consisting of a group of islands in the middle of the Kabini River in Wayanad. Spread over an area of ​​950 acres, Kuruvadweep is home to a rich flora and fauna. The geographical location of the island makes this place tranquil and cool. Once inside the island, you can see bridges made of bamboo and other rare species of trees and animals. The uninhabited island is home to rare birds, orchids and medicinal plants. The island is surrounded by streams and you can enjoy a boat ride or rafting on this lake, which is sanctioned by the Kerala Tourism Department. It takes time to reach each island. Tourists from all over the world enjoy rafting here. Rafts made of bamboo are used. You can enjoy an exciting and enjoyable journey through the streams. Another thing you can do on this beautiful island is a quiet, fun and leisurely nature walk. The party and the picnic are under great control as the authorities on Kuruvadweep maintain eco-tourism. Enjoy the beauty of nature without destroying it. Access to Kuruva Island is restricted during the monsoon season (June to September). The island is accessible from October to May. There is a low entrance fee to enter the island. The schedule is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The island is located at a distance of 15 km from Mananthavady, 58 km from Sulthan Bathery and 40 km from Kalpetta. There are regular buses from Manathavadi and Pulpally via Kuruvadweep.

Dense biodiversity makes Kuruvadweep a must-see tourist destination in Wayanad. The island is a haven for a variety of birds and plants. A visit to this island will be doubly sweet for people who are interested in sightseeing, photography and nature exploration. Bird watching is a favourite pastime of everyone. Many migratory birds can be easily found on Kuruvadweep. There are two freshwater lakes on the island. Once you enter the island, you can see bamboo bridges. Kuruvadweep is a tourist destination located away from all the pollution and noise of the city. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in a day in Wayanad. The island is located very close to the border of the state of Karnataka. Huge trees located on the banks of the river lean towards the river. It makes for a beautiful visual feast.

The best time to visit Kuruvadweep is during the winter months of October to March. It is a good idea to plan a trip to Kuruvadweep in Wayanad during these monsoon months. The weather at this time will keep you refreshed.

Pleasant Weather:

From October to May, the climate is generally pleasant with comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the island's natural beauty.

Monsoon Closure:

The monsoon season in Kerala brings substantial rainfall, which can significantly raise water levels around Kuruva Island. This makes travel and boat trips in the area unsafe.

Ideal for Activities:

Outside of the monsoon season, visitors can partake in activities such as nature walks and hiking, and discover the island's rich and varied plant and animal life.

Located in Wayanad, Kuruvadweep is one of the best getaways from the crazy city life. There are many sights here that are soothing to the mind and body. Tourists arriving at Kuruva Island have a number of activities to do. You have to perform each of them to return to the island.

Trekking

A visit to Kuruvadweep is a golden opportunity to get down to the biodiversity and other wonders of nature. Kuruva is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Boat Ride

You can take a boat ride on the Kabini River for a fixed rate. Boat rides around the island can be enjoyable for everyone. There are few people who come to Kuruva Island and return without taking a boat ride.

Rafting

Walking on the bamboo raft in the streams is something that is not available in many places. The raft is entered through a section. A raft ride will help you to understand Kuruva in depth. For those who like a little adventure, this raft ride will be a lot of fun.

Photography

Who does not want to be photographed climbing bamboo bridges from the forest on Kuruvadweep? Even if you return from Kuruva, you will still be able to leave its remnants. All you have to do is take a few photos while on Kuruvadweep. Kuruva offers many locations for those who love photography.

Bird Watching

The island is home to a variety of colourful migratory birds such as hornets. Due to the lack of human habitation on the island, the birds find suitable habitat on Kuruvadweep. Your binoculars and cameras can be a great tool for monitoring them.

Playing in the Hive

On Kuruvadweep you will have the opportunity to go down the Kabini River. You can go down to the shallows of the river where guides allow. You can go down to the river and play in the water and sit on the big rocks and enjoy the beauty of the river. Playing down the river can be a favourite pastime of children.

Food

The Kuruva area is a place where a lot of traditional food is available. One of the biggest attractions of Kuruvadweep is the traditional Kuruva rice and Kuruva fish that you can find in the mainland where you board the ferry. The fish caught from the Kabini River is a must try for seafood lovers. You should also try the authentic Kuruva rice made with Kuruva fish.

Picnic

Kuruvadweep is an ideal picnic spot when traveling with the family. Newlyweds choose Kuruva Island to celebrate their honeymoon. Holding hands with a partner through dense trees and the slow-flowing Kabini River Basin can be a different experience.

Kuruva Island is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. To ensure entry, it's advisable to arrive early, ideally before 9:00 AM, to purchase tickets. Daily visitor numbers are restricted, so early arrival is recommended.

Kuruva Island: Parking Fee

By Air

The nearest airport to Edakkal Caves is Calicut International Airport at a distance of about 105 km. You can easily take a cab from the airport to Wayanad or take a bus from the airport (or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Edakkal Caves directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.

Kannur International Airport is not far from Edakkal Caves and is about 107 km away. It is possible to take a cab from the airport (or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Edakkal Caves directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.

By Rail

Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Edakkal Caves, at a distance of about 98 km. The Kozhikode Railhead is well connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as to several regional cities and towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Once your train arrives, you can easily take a cab from there (fares will be higher) or take a bus from the railway station(or nearby) to Wayanad. Or you can rent a vehicle, look for short Edakkal Caves directions on Google Maps and drive yourself there.

By Road

Wayanad is served by various KSRTC buses and private buses from various districts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wayanad is easily accessible by road.

There are two main ways to get to Kuruvadweep. One through Pakkam and the other through Palvelicham.

Kuruva Island: From Mananthavadi

It is also easy to reach Kuruvadweep from Mananthavady via Palvelicham. Mananthavady - Payyampally - Kurukkanmoola - You can enter Kuruvadweep by entering the gate through Palvelicham.

Kuruva Island: From Sultan Bathery

It is also easy to reach Kuruvadweep from Sultan Bathery via Kenichira. There are other ways to reach Pakkam. Seek help from Google Maps.

Kuruva Island: From Kalpetta

Kuruvadweep can be reached from Kalpetta via Panamaram - Cherukattoor - Payyamballi road.