Are you looking for a serene and secluded getaway in the lap of nature? Do you want to experience the thrill of sailing on bamboo rafts, walking through evergreen forests, and spotting rare birds and plants? If yes, then Kuruva Island is the perfect destination for you.
Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is an uninhabited island of 950 acres on the Kabini river in Wayanad, Kerala. It is a protected river delta that consists of three main islands and several smaller ones. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including many endemic and endangered species.
Kuruva Island is one of the best tourist spots in Wayanad, offering a range of activities and attractions for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers. Whether you want to relax, explore, or learn, Kuruva Island has something for everyone.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kuruva Island, including its location, timings, entry fee, how to reach, things to do, best time to visit, places to stay and eat, and tips for travellers. Read on to discover why Kuruva Island is a hidden gem in the heart of Wayanad.
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Things to do at Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is a paradise for those who love nature and adventure. Here are some of the things you can do at Kuruva Island:
Sailing on bamboo rafts:
One of the most exciting and unique activities at Kuruva Island is sailing on bamboo rafts across the river streams. You can enjoy the scenic views of the islands and the forest while feeling the breeze and the splash of water. Bamboo rafting is also a great way to explore the different islands and see their flora and fauna up close. You can book your bamboo rafting ride at the entrance of the island or online. The ride costs Rs. 100 per person and lasts for about 20 minutes. You can also opt for a wooden boat ride for Rs. 200 per person.
Going for a nature walk:
Another popular activity at Kuruva Island is going for a nature walk through the evergreen forest. You can follow the marked trails or hire a guide to take you around. You will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the plants and trees that grow on the island. You will also get a chance to spot some rare and exotic birds, butterflies, and herbs. Some of the birds that you can see are hornbills, parakeets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and sunbirds. Some of the plants that you can see are orchids, ferns, bamboo, teak, and sandalwood. The nature walk is a relaxing and refreshing experience that will connect you with nature.
Bird watching and wildlife spotting:
If you are a wildlife enthusiast or a photographer, you will love Kuruva Island for its rich biodiversity. The island is home to many species of animals and birds that are native to Wayanad and Western Ghats. You can observe them in their natural habitat and capture them in your camera. Some of the animals that you can see are elephants, deer, monkeys, squirrels, mongoose, and snakes. Some of the birds that you can see are hornbills, parakeets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, sunbirds, and peacocks. You can also visit the nearby Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park for more wildlife sightings.
Visiting nearby attractions:
If you want to explore more of Wayanad and its surroundings, you can visit some of the nearby attractions that are worth seeing. Some of them are:
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife reserve that is home to many animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, bison, and deer. You can take a jeep safari or a trekking tour to see the wildlife and the forest.
Nagarhole National Park: A national park that is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its rich flora and fauna, especially its tiger population. You can take a jeep safari or a boat ride to see the wildlife and the lake.
Banasura Sagar Dam: A dam that is built across the Kabini river and is the largest earth dam in India. It is a scenic spot that offers a panoramic view of the hills and the water. You can also enjoy boating, kayaking, or trekking at the dam site.
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Best time to visit Kuruva Island
The best time to visit Kuruva Island is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the island is accessible. During this time, you can enjoy all the activities and attractions at Kuruva Island without any hassle.
The island is closed during the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and floods. The river level rises and the bamboo rafts and boats are not safe to use. The forest also becomes slippery and muddy and prone to landslides.
The island is open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm on all days except Mondays. The entry fee for Kuruva Island is Rs. 80 per person for Indians and Rs. 150 per person for foreign tourists. The fee for still camera is Rs. 50 and for video camera is Rs. 150. The parking fee ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 80 depending on the vehicle type.
Places to stay near Kuruva Island
There are many places to stay near Kuruva Island that suit different budgets, tastes, and needs of the visitors. Some of the best places to stay near Kuruva Island are:
Kuruva Island Resort & Spa:
A luxury resort that is located on the banks of the Kabini river and offers a stunning view of the island and the forest. It has spacious cottages with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a conference hall. It also organizes activities like bamboo rafting, nature walk, bird watching, fishing, cycling, and tribal dance shows.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Wayanad Silverwoods Resort:
A premium resort that is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Banasura Sagar Dam and offers a breathtaking view of the hills and the water. It has elegant villas with private balconies, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. It also arranges activities like boating, trekking, fishing, plantation walk, and tribal art workshop. To book a stay at this property click here.
Vythiri Village Resort:
A 5-star resort that is nestled in the lap of nature and offers a serene and luxurious stay. It has cozy rooms and cottages with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. It also provides activities like zip-lining, archery, cycling, yoga, and meditation. To book a stay at this property click here.
Banasura Hill Resort:
An eco-friendly resort that is built with mud and bamboo and blends with the natural surroundings. It has rustic rooms and cottages with basic amenities, a restaurant, and a library. It also offers activities like trekking, camping, bonfire, bird watching, and pottery making. To book a stay at this property click here.
Places to eat near Kuruva Island
There are many places to eat near Kuruva Island that offer different cuisines, specialties, and ambience for the visitors. Some of the best places to eat near Kuruva Island are:
Udupi Hotel: A vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, vada, sambar, chutney, and coffee. It is located near the entrance of Kuruva Island and is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Jubilee Restaurant: A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves tasty Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes like biryani, noodles, pizza, pasta, and salad. It is located near the Banasura Sagar Dam and is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Green Gates Hotel: A fine-dining restaurant that serves mouth-watering Kerala, North Indian, and Chinese dishes like appam, stew, fish curry, chicken tikka masala, and fried rice. It is located near the Kalpetta bus stand and is open from 7:00 am to 10:30 pm.
How to reach Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is well-connected by road from various nearby cities and towns. You can reach Kuruva Island by using different modes of transport and routes. Here are some of the options:
By road:
You can drive or take a bus or a taxi from Kozhikode (120 km), Mysore (140 km), or Bangalore (280 km) to reach Kuruva Island. The nearest town is Mananthavady which is 17 km away from the island. You can also hire a local auto or jeep from Mananthavady or Pulpally to reach the island.
By rail:
You can take a train from Kozhikode or Mysore railway stations to reach Kalpetta which is 40 km away from the island. You can then take a bus or a taxi from Kalpetta to reach the island.
By air:
You can take a flight from Calicut International Airport or Bangalore International Airport to reach Kozhikode which is 120 km away from the island. You can then take a bus or a taxi from Kozhikode to reach the island.
Tips for travellers visiting Kuruva Island
To make your trip to Kuruva Island more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some useful tips and advice for you:
1. Carry water bottles and snacks with you as there are no shops or restaurants on the island. However, avoid using plastic items as they are not allowed on the island.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are suitable for walking and sailing. Also, carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and the bugs.
3. Do not swim in the river or disturb the wildlife on the island. Respect the nature and the locals and follow the rules and regulations of the forest department.
4. Book your bamboo rafting or boating ride in advance as they are limited and in high demand. You can book online or at the entrance of the island.
5. Check the weather forecast before visiting the island as it may be closed during heavy rains or floods. Also, avoid visiting during peak season or weekends as it may be crowded and noisy.
6. Carry a camera and binoculars with you to capture the beauty and diversity of the island. However, you will have to pay a fee for using them on the island.
7. If you want to explore more of the island and its surroundings, you can hire a guide who will take you around and tell you interesting facts and stories about the place.
Kuruva Island is a hidden gem in the heart of Wayanad that offers a serene and secluded getaway in the lap of nature. It is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers who want to experience the thrill of sailing on bamboo rafts, walking through evergreen forests, and spotting rare birds and plants.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable destination in Kerala, Kuruva Island is the place for you.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kuruva Island today and discover its beauty and charm for yourself.
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