Kuruva Island, also called Kuruvadweep, is a protected cluster of forested river islands in Wayanad. You reach the islands by fibre boat or bamboo raft, but schedules and ticket information differ between published schedules, so confirm the current arrangements before planning your visit.
- Setting: river islands in the Kabani/Kabini river system.
- Access: fibre boats and bamboo rafts.
- Entry hours: reported closing times range from 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM; one schedule says the island is closed on Mondays.
- Time to allow: at least three hours to explore the island.
If you are staying at Ranches Jungle Beats, a hotel in Wayanad, Kuruva Island is a separate nature outing in the district.
What is Kuruva Island?
Kuruva Island is a protected river delta made up of uninhabited islands in the Kabani/Kabini river system. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) describes the protected area as covering 950 acres.
The islands have evergreen forest, rare plants and animals, orchids, medicinal plants and birds. Their river-and-forest setting makes the visit distinct from a town stop or a reservoir outing; Banasura Sagar Dam is another Wayanad destination with a different landscape.
How do you access Kuruva Island?
Visitors reach Kuruva Island by fibre boat or bamboo raft, with the crossing forming part of access to the islands. Mananthavady Bus Stand is about 18 km from Kuruva Island.
The Kerala Forest Department includes Kuruva Island among its ecotourism booking destinations. DTPC Wayanad says only offline booking is available, while the Forest Department also includes the destination for ecotourism bookings; confirm which process applies before travelling. Tourism activities, including bamboo raft rides, are jointly managed by the Forest Department’s Vana Samrakshana Samithi and DTPC.
What are Kuruva Island’s opening hours, tickets and visitor rules?
Entry starts at 09:00 AM, with closing times ranging from 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM. One official schedule also says the island is closed on Mondays, and the daily visitor limit is 488.
Entry tickets are Rs. 220 for adults, Rs. 440 for foreign visitors and Rs. 100 for students. Adult rafting costs Rs. 100 for 20 minutes, and children’s rafting costs Rs.
50 for 20 minutes. Kayaking for two people costs Rs. 300 for 20 minutes, while paddling for five people costs Rs. 1,250 for 45 minutes. These activities run between 09:00 AM and 04:30 PM.
Because schedules, booking arrangements and prices can change, check the official site before you go. The District Tourism Promotion Council and Kerala Tourism are the relevant official sources for visitor information.
When can you visit Kuruva Island?
Seasonal access depends on conditions in the river and forest. Kerala Tourism says the island is open from October to May and closed during the June-to-September monsoon. DTPC identifies December to April as a good time to visit.
Heavy rain can affect access for safety: the islands are usually closed during heavy rain. If you are comparing dates for a broader Wayanad trip, the best time to visit Wayanad for different kinds of trips can help you weigh seasonal conditions across the district.
How should you plan a Kuruva Island visit?
At least three hours is needed to explore the island. Entry starts at 09:00 AM, with closing times ranging from 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM; one official schedule says the island is closed on Mondays. Keep the seasonal monsoon closure and the possibility of weather-related restrictions in mind when choosing your day.
Kozhikode Railway Station is about 106 km from Kuruva Island, and Calicut International Airport is about 115 km away. Those are distances to the attraction, not travel times; check your route and transport arrangements for your starting point. For another outing in the region, the practical guide to visiting Banasura Sagar Dam covers a separate Wayanad destination.
FAQs
How long should you allow for Kuruva Island?
Allow at least three hours to explore the island.
Is Kuruva Island open during the monsoon?
It is closed during the June-to-September monsoon. Heavy rain can also prompt safety-related closures.
Can you book Kuruva Island entry online?
DTPC Wayanad says only offline booking is available. The Kerala Forest Department also includes Kuruva Island among its ecotourism booking destinations, so confirm the applicable process before travelling.
What is Kuruva Island also called?
It is also called Kuruvadweep.