Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island is a 950 acre protected river delta in Kerala’s Wayanad. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the state. The island comprises three uninhabited islands along with several submerged satellite islands. These islands are located on the banks of the Kabini river’s tributaries. Kuruva island is known for its rich flora and fauna. Wayanad is one of the most popular tourist places in Kerala. Kuruva island is like a jewel on the crown of Kerala.
Gifted with an abundance of green cover, rivers, flora, and fauna, Kuruvadweep is a natural delight. Located in the middle of river Kabini, the island is among the most beautiful places in the state. The evergreen forest on the island makes Kuruva island a paradise for trekkers. There’s no shortage of natural beauty, from rivers to mountains and trekking trails to forests in Kuruvadweep.
The forest in Kuruvadweep is managed by the Forest Department of India. The entire landmass of the island is spread across an area of 950 acres. The island has a vast range of birds and butterflies, and that’s why it is very popular among bird watchers and nature photographers.
How to reach?
One can reach Kuruvadweep from all the major cities in Kerala. It is very easy to reach the island from any part of the state.
By Road: You can take a bus to reach Kalpetta from the city you are traveling to. You can also travel in your personal vehicle. Upon reaching Kalpetta, you’ll have to take a boat to reach the island.
Train: Train is one of the most common modes of transportation to reach the island. The train will leave you till Nilambur Railway Station and. You can take a cab to reach Kalpetta from Nilambur and then take a boat ride to reach Kuruvadweep.
By Air: The fastest way to reach Kuruvadweep is definitely to travel by air. The nearest airport is the Calicut airport. Upon reaching Calicut airport, you will need to take a cab to reach Kalpetta and then take a boat ride to reach the island.
The island is open for a visit from Tuesday to Monday between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm.
There are certain things you need to keep in mind before visiting the island.
- Avoid carrying plastic items during your visit to the island. It is a protected forest, and polluting it with any plastic material will hamper its beauty.
- Do not swim in the water on the island, as it is strictly prohibited to swim on the island.
- It is advisable to carry some packaged food like chocolates and dry fruits to the island as there are hardly any shops.
If you love to spend time amid nature, Kuruva island is among the best places to be in. The Kerala tourist department promotes the island, and the boats connecting the island are mostly operated by the tourism island itself.
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Things To Do In Kuruvadweep
Kuruva island is really a heaven for adventure lovers. From trekking to hiking and from boat riding to camping, there are several adventurous activities to indulge in Kuruvadweep. Kuruvadweep is home to several ancient caves that are worth exploring.
Located just 10 km from the mainland, Kuruvadweep is like a hidden treasure. There are numerous adventurous trekking trails on the island that passes through dense forest cover and rocky terrains. It is a picture-perfect place for those looking for raw experience in the middle of nature.
Since the island is remote and is a preserved zone, there are limited stay options. But limited doesn’t mean boring. From treehouses to breathtaking resorts and from jungle lodges to wooden huts, there are several unique stay options on the island located in the middle for dense green cover and rivers.
Kuruva Island Resort, DJ River Meadows, and Jungle Retreat are among the top places to stay in Kuruvadweep.
