The pristine Kuruva islands that lies on the banks of the beautiful Kabani River, in Wayanad, is one of the foremost tourists destinations in Kerala that draw hundreds of tourists and nature lovers from around the world every year. This cluster of uninhabited islands on the delta is home to some rare flora and fauna, making it a magical world of scintillating natural beauty.
Actor Tovino Thomas, who loves travelling, is the latest celebrity to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Kuruva islands.
The actor has even shared a video on his Instagram page in which he is seen enjoying a zip line ride across the island. He sports a blue T-shirt and a cap and holds a selfie stick while roaming around the island. Zip line rides are being introduced at many prominent tourist destinations in Wayanad to attract adventure enthusiasts to the district.
Largest uninhabited island in India
Kuruvadweep, covered in a blanket of lush greenery, lies at the valleys of the mighty Western Ghats on the route between Mananthavady and Mysore. The Kuruva Island is a cluster of around 150 small isles spread in 950 acres, on the banks of the Kabani River. This popular tourist destination is 40 kilometres away from Kalpetta, 34 kilometres from Bathery and just 17 kilometres away from Mananthavady.
A trip to the Kuruva Island should be planned according to the seasons as the island would be closed to visitors during the heavy monsoon season. Though this is the largest uninhabited island in India, Kuruva Island is always abuzz with tourists and adventure seekers.
Less than 500 visitors would be allowed into the island every day. The visitors should carry their identity cards. The entry timings are from 9am to 1pm. There are two entrances to this amazing island group. 200 visitors would be admitted at the entrance at Palvelicham and 200 more at Pakkam.
The visitors can catch a glimpse of the wild elephants and tigers, as the Wayanad wild life sanctuary is just close by. The monsoon is the favourite time for the wild animals to visit the Kuruva islands. They would freely roam around the islands and swim in the Kabani River to their hearts’ content during the monsoon showers. Visitors are not allowed into the island from June to September. Once the rains subside and human beings begin to come in, the islands transform into an exciting place of tourism and adventure.
The visitors can enjoy the spectacular beauty of the island in bamboo rafts that can accommodate up to 50 persons at a time. These rafts are operated by the tribal people who are part of the forest protection samiti. They also act as the guides and instructors for adventure activities at the island. The visitors would even get a chance to row the bamboo rafts. The bamboo huts and sitting spaces made using bamboo, line the island paths, adding beauty and charm to the surroundings.
Once you cross the river and reach the island, you could freely explore the amazing beauty of nature here. The sweet fragrance of the unique flowers, the chirping birds and the magical sound of the flowing brook are going to mesmerize you. It would take at least three hours to roam around each isle and enjoy its unique sights.
The Kuruva islands come under the South Wayanad forest division. The tourism at the island is jointly handled by the forest preservation samiti and the DTPC. The DTPC too runs boat services to take the visitors into the islands. The forest preservation samiti issues entry passes for the tourists at the entrances. The ride on the bamboo raft could be enjoyed only after purchasing the passes. The visitors could reach the island through the Mananthavady Kattikulam route, the Payyambally route or take the Pulpally Chekady route.
The visitors can book accommodation facilities at the rooms and dormitories run by the tourism department. Around 60 guests can be accommodated at these facilities. They can enjoy river rafting and avail the services of guides as well. Besides, there are a number of private resorts too at Kuruva.
For more information:
DTPC Wayanad: 04936 202134
Forest division: 04935 240349
