Kuruvadweep - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Kuruwadweep (Kuruva Island), a group of islets forming 950 acres of evergreen forest in the river Kabini is located in Wayanad District of Kerala State in Southern India. The island appears right after two streams- Panamaram rivulet, originating from Lakkidi and Manathavady rivulet originating from the Thondaramudi peak joins to form the larger Kabini River. The island is near to the Kerala - Karnataka state border and it is the only island surrounded by fresh water in Kerala.

This group of islets consists of dense, uninhabited evergreen forest, a home for rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. There are three prominent islets among the group in which one contains two small fresh water lakes. They are also haven for migratory birds. The general avian life found here includes hornbills, parrots and hosts of butterfly species.

 

Entry restrictions to the island

Kuruwadweep, surrounded by streams and a river is accessible only through fibre boats and bamboo rafts. The entry to the island is restricted and monitored by the forest department to protect the fragile eco system. The island typically closes from June to December due to the monsoon and retreating monsoons. The torrential downpour during this time floods the streams and rivers, and the water level rises dangerously in Kuruwadweep.

 

Things to see at Kuruwadweep

If you are visiting Kuruwadweep with lots of expectations for island activities, you will be disappointed. Kuruwadweep is best known for its blissful and serene moments. A place where one can get under the shades of trees and bamboos, and listen to the gurgling river. Some of the islets have massive trees which extends their branches down below to the water. There is a bamboo bridge in one of the main islet, it is an interesting structure to check out. The full track inside the island is prepared with restrooms, huts and benches for the visitor. The walk through the tracks is a flat and easy one without any climbs, but it could get very muddy during rains.

The bamboo boats that take the visitors to the island

To reach the island from the mainland, the only mode of transportation are the fibre and bamboo boats. The bamboo boats float in the water, moving slow and smooth and it is a unique experience for most of the visitors. There are no shops in the island so it is good to carry some snacks and water while visiting. For bringing plastic bottles to the island, a security deposit needs to be made at the entry counter. The money will be returned only once you come back to the counter with the bottles.

Animals in Kuruvadweep and the dangers of the surrounding rivers

Kuruvadweep is home to several wild animals including elephants. You don’t get to see wildlife often, except the monkeys as elephants don’t usually come to the visitor areas. When wild animals are around, you are advised to stay in the visitors area and not venture out to the forest.

The surrounding river has strong currents and swirls in certain sections. The authorities have installed signs and fences in most of these areas, due to safety issues it is very important that you swim only in the designated areas.

 

How to reach Kuruwadweep?

You can reach Kuruwadweep from either Mananthavady town (17 km) or from Sulthan Bathery town (38 km).

Frequent buses are available form Mananthavady to Kuruvadweep. The bus will get you to the ticket counter and your entry to the island will be using fibre boats.

From Sulthan Bathery, you can reach the island by taking a deviation from the small town Pakkom. The deviation is a 4 km drive through forest, at the end of which a ticket counter is present. From this side of the island, the entry is through bamboo boats. The nearest major railway station is in Kozhikode and from there there are buses to both Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady.

Bus timings to Kuruwadweep from Mananthavady: 7.05 am, 7.50 am, 9.15 am, 9.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 1.20pm, 2.15pm, 3.50pm, 6.45 pm

Return timings to Mananthavady from Kuruwadweep: 7.10 am, 8.15 am, 8.45 am, 10.30 am, 10.45 am, 12.20pm, 1.20 pm, 2.20 pm, 3.45pm, 4.45pm, 5.45pm, 6.45pm.