Kuruva Island

The Kuruva Island is a 950-acre protected river delta in the Kabini River in Wayanad. Maintained by the forest department, the island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and is one of the most popular places in Wayanad. Access to the island is by a ferry from the mainland. This is no ordinary ferry, but a huge raft which is pulled across the river by hand! Ropes are strung across the river, on trees by the riverbank, and someone pulls us across by heaving on the rope! This is certainly the most adventurous part of the trip to the island. Most of the island is protected by barbed wire, but a path has been created on which we are allowed to walk and experience a bit of the wilderness. At spots, this path is just a log placed across a stream or the backwaters of the river, which only adds to the experience. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to spot birds here. If you are lucky, you might even spot one of the crocodiles in the river. Sighting of bigger animals is extremely rare.

One of the biggest attractions of Kuruva Island is also the typical Kerala Sadhya available on the mainland where we take the ferry. Sadhya is the typical feast of Kerala, served on a banana leaf. The food has to be ordered before you go to the island, so that it can be readied by the time you return. During weekends and holidays, these places can get quite crowded, but the food is excellent! Both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available. Additional information: Kuruva Island is about 35 Km from Kalpetta