Kuruva Island in Wayanad — Nature’s Best Kept Secret on the Kabini River

Kuruva Island is a stunning 950-acre island born from the Kabini River. Kabini river, a subsidiary of Kaveri River, originate from a place called Tirumakudalu Narasipura in Karnataka and flows through Kerala. The river’s journey is unique: as it flows through the Wayanad district of Kerala, it parts ways at a place called Chekadi. These divided waters embrace a stretch of land—forming an island roughly 1 kilometer long and 300 meters wide—before uniting again to continue their journey toward the Kaveri River. Over centuries, this secluded cradle of land has transformed into a thick, evergreen forest, becoming a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna.

What to See and How to Experience in Kuruva Island?

If you want to escape from your daily busy schedule and spent some time with the nature, listen to the songs of the nature, storytelling of the birds, the sound of the river when it beat the rocks, get in to the river to dip once to get fresh up, yes, if you are a nature lover and want spent some time and relax, Kuruva is one of the unique place one should not miss. Here we are giving details of step-by-step unique experiences at Kuruva island. Read carefully and enjoy the nature.

• Bamboo Rafting: Your adventure to Kuruva begins long before you actually set foot on it. One of the most exciting parts of the journey is crossing the beautiful Kabini River to reach the island. Since there is no bridge connecting Kuruva Island to the mainland, visitors must cross the river on a traditional bamboo raft arranged by the Forest Department. As you continue to drift down the calm waterway and take in the beautiful plants, trees, and sounds around you, it sets the mood for what to expect on your journey. The short boat ride across the river is more than just a way of getting to an island; it is part of the adventure and adds to the experience of your trip. By the time you arrive, you have already been surrounded by the island’s beautiful landscape.
• Walk Through the Forest: Once you landed in the island, you need to walk through the forest for an hour to reach the river bed. Wander through thick greenery on naturally formed bridges and shaded paths. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and study groups.
• The Storytelling of Birds: The canopy is alive with the calls of rare migratory and indigenous birds. Since there are no restrictions, walk deep inside the forest and listen different birds’ calls.
• The Song of the River: Listen to the rhythmic sound of water beating against the ancient river rocks and trees in the river.
• Kabini River Bed: At the end of your forest walk, there is a place where the river and the island meet together. This is the place where you can walk on the river edge of the Kabini, sit on the small and big rocks in the middle of the river or even dip in to water.
• A Natural Refreshment: Bring extra clothing, look for an area of the river that is not deep, and take a simple “nature bath” in the crystal-clear, cool water that will clean your thoughts and refresh your soul.
• Pure Serenity: The soft sound of bamboo and earthy scent of damp dirt create a peaceful retreat of total tranquility.

Must Know Before Visiting Kuruva Island:

If you are planning to visit Kuruva island in Wayanad, below are some of the important things to keep in mind before you go or book.

• Entry Points to Kuruva Island: Kuruva Island, as previously noted, sits in the heart of the Kabini River. To reach the island, visitors must cross the river by bamboo raft. There are two entry points from where visitors can enter Kuruva Island.
• • Entry Gate 1 – Pakkom Kuruva Island (Cheriyamala Side): This entry point is located at Chekadi on the eastern side of the Kabini river. It is managed and controlled by Kerala Forest Department.
  • Entry Gate 2 – Pakkom Kuruva Island (Palvelicham Side): This entry point is situated on the southern side of the river and is managed and controlled by Kerala Forest Department but rafting is managed and controlled by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).
• Limited Number of Visitors Per Day: Being an ecologically sensitive area and to protect the fragile ecosystem, the authorities have restricted maximum 244 persons per day from each entry point, making a total of 488 persons per day.
• Plastics are not Allowed: Being an eco-sensitive area, disposable mineral water bottles, plastic carry bags, disposable plastic items etc. are not allowed.
• Restaurant and Food Facilities: Restaurants and cafeterias are available only at Entry Gate No 2. No food and snacks are allowed to be carried inside the Island and it is strictly prohibited. Indispensable water bottles are allowed. Free water dispenser available on the island.
• Best Time to Visit: Kuruva Island is usually closed from June to September (monsoon). The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. But entry may be restricted without notice if water levels rise in the Kabini River due to heavy rainfall during these also. In April and May, it can be quite hot, so visiting morning or late afternoon is recommended.
• What to Wear: The terrain on the island is uneven, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes or sturdy sandals. In addition, when going into the river you may want to wear sandals or other types of footwear that provide maximum grip and stability. Protection from the sun should be considered by using clothing such as a hat and sunglasses. If you are going to swim in the river, do not forget to bring extra clothing and towels!
• Wheelchair Access: No wheel chair facility available at the entrance nor is it possible.

Discover the Best Way to Enter Kuruva Island:

As we mentioned earlier, there are two different entry points to Kuruva Island. Choosing your entry point to Kuruva Island can shape your journey—but whichever you pick, a memorable experience awaits!

1. Entry Gate 1 – Cheriyamala Side:
   Embrace Nature! The Cheriyamala route offers many opportunities for you to feel as if you are in the heart of the Kabini forest. While the road is narrower in parts, certain stretches through the forest can make driving a bit tricky for big vehicles, but the journey rewards you with peaceful surroundings and untouched beauty. Parking and restrooms will also be available, and due to its tranquil, forest location, it is a significant draw for nature lovers. From Coorg, Bangalore and Mysuru, this entry point is close by.
2. Entry Gate 2 – Palvelicham Side:
   Experience travelling with lots of fun and relaxation! Roads along the Palvelicham route are smooth and very well kept enabling you to travel in comfort and ease whether you are driving a small, medium, or large vehicle. You will have a lot of space to park, have a meal, or use facilities. This entry point is having an easy access for those coming from Kozhikode, Kannur, and Vythiri.

Summary – Regardless of whether you choose Gate 1 or Gate 2, both lead to landing points located on opposite sides of Kuruva Island. Therefore, the overall experience remains the same, no matter which entry point you select.

How Many People Can Travel at a Time on a Bamboo Platform:

Different types of bamboo rafts are available, big and small. The big raft can accommodate approx. 40 – 50 people and smaller one is 15 to 20 people;

How Long Will It Take to Visit This?

A visit to Kuruva Island typically takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you’d like to spend exploring.

• River Crossing: The bamboo raft ride across the river takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
• On the Island: You’ll need at least 1–2 hours to walk through the forest, relax, and fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

While there is no strict limit on how long you can stay on the island during visiting hours, it’s best to plan within this time frame for a comfortable experience.

How to Book Tickets, Entry Fee, Timings & Essential Travel Information:

Nestled amidst the tranquil backwaters of Wayanad, Kuruva Island offers a refreshing escape into nature. To make your visit smooth and enjoyable, here’s everything you need to know about ticket booking, entry timings, and important guidelines.

How to Book Your Tickets: Visitors can choose between online and offline booking options:

Online Booking: Tickets for both entry gates are available on the official Kerala Forest Ecotourism portal. Booking online is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• • Book up to 20 days in advance.
  • Online booking closes 12 hours before your selected date.
  • Entry is allowed until 1:30 PM for online ticket holders.
  • Visit: https://ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in/ / https://ecotourism.forest.kerala.gov.in/searchlistpage/46
    
  • You must collect your physical entry ticket from the respective entry gate counter before proceeding to the bamboo raft crossing.
    

Offline Booking: Offline tickets are available at the respective entry gate counters:

• • • The ticket counter opens from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
    • After purchasing, visitors must enter island within 1 hour.
    • Limited availability: 119 tickets per counter per day.

Daily Visitor Limit: To preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem, entry is limited:

• • • Offline tickets: Rs 119 per entry gate
    • Online tickets: Rs 125 per day
    • Total visitors allowed: 244 persons per day

Entry & Visit Timings:

• • • Entry starts from 9:30 AM
    • Last entry: 1:30 PM (strictly enforced)
    • Entry closes: 4:30 PM
    • Final return raft: 5:00 PM

All visitors must leave the island before the last raft departs.

Ticket Prices:

• • • Indian Adult: Rs 220
    • Indian Student: Rs 100
    • Foreign Adult: Rs 440
    • Children aged 10 and below can enter free of charge.

Discount for School Children: 50% discount available for school children. To avail this facility, prepare a nominal roll of students, which includes, name, age, class etc. in the school letter head, duly signed by Principal / HOD / Head master and upload this as a PDF file, while booking online. Original needs to be produced at the entrance.

Conclusion:

Kuruva Island provides a fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. Riding on one of the bamboo rafts or enjoying a pleasant walk amongst the greenery around the island can give you a truly refreshing and joyful experience. Since only a limited number of people visit Kuruvadweep Island every day, you should always book your ticket in advance. Kuruva Island is a clean, plastic-free zone so it is perfect for families and/or nature lovers visiting Wayanad.