Kuruva Island Wayanad
A serene river island sanctuary in Wayanad, offering forest walks, river dips, and a unique bamboo boat journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure entry
Kuruva Island Wayanad
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene river island sanctuary in Wayanad, offering forest walks, river dips, and a unique bamboo boat journey.
"Must visit and experience this place... Overall awesome experience & enjoyed.."
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Tickets sell out fast! Aim for 9:30 AM to guarantee entry, as only 244 visitors are allowed per gate.
💳 Digital Payment Ready
Entry tickets are digital only (UPI/ATM). Carry cash for bamboo rafting, which is a separate payment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bamboo Boat Crossing
Kabini River
A short, scenic boat ride across the Kabini River to reach the island, adding to the adventure.
Forest Walk
Kuruva Island
A 2km trek through lush greenery, offering a chance to spot diverse flora and fauna.
River Dip
Kuruva Island
Relax and rejuvenate with a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Kabini River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Limited Daily Entry
What to Bring & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Tickets sell out fast! Aim for 9:30 AM to guarantee entry, as only 244 visitors are allowed per gate.
💳 Digital Payment Ready
Entry tickets are digital only (UPI/ATM). Carry cash for bamboo rafting, which is a separate payment.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be walking about 2km through the forest to reach the river.
👙 Pack Swimwear
The river is perfect for a dip, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Tickets sell out fast! Aim for 9:30 AM to guarantee entry, as only 244 visitors are allowed per gate.
💳 Digital Payment Ready
Entry tickets are digital only (UPI/ATM). Carry cash for bamboo rafting, which is a separate payment.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be walking about 2km through the forest to reach the river.
👙 Pack Swimwear
The river is perfect for a dip, especially during warmer months.
🚫 No Food Allowed
Kuruva Island is a plastic-free zone. All eatables will be confiscated at the entry.
🛶 Kayaking Over Rafting
Many find kayaking more engaging than the slow bamboo rafting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kuruva Island is a beautiful natural retreat with a serene river and lush forests, offering a refreshing escape. Visitors appreciate the unique bamboo boat ride and the opportunity to dip in the river. However, strict entry limits and the optional nature of activities like bamboo rafting can be a point of contention for some.
"It's a small Island covered by Kabini water all around.
Need to take bamboo boat to enter island which is for 200mtr of water to be crossed, and 25ft deep with crocodiles....
Sharp 9.30am ticket counter opens , issues only 244 persons strictly per gate in a day( has two gates).
Entry ticket payment is only through UPI or ATM card , no cash taken.
Boating is payed by cash only
Adult 220/- charged, kids till 12yr free entry (included entry fee and bamboo boat, to cross water.)
I purchased seperate ticket for bamboo rafting ,which Is waste , dead slow sailing waste of time and money.
Once we reach island need to walk in for 2km in forest , finally reach river stream.
Kindly take seperate swim cloths , have a dip , relax in water, photos & play around .
This is April month , water is less, hot summer I wish to take dip.
Instead of bamboo rafting , kayaking is better according to my view..
Overall awesome experience & enjoyed..must visit and experience this place ...
Parking fee is 30/- for car as of now.
Reach by 9.30am due to limited entry( usually by 11am all ticket quota will finish).
Carry water cloth if u wish to dip.
No eatables allowed inside island , they will take out, plastic free zone...."
kishore g
"We could not enter the island because of entry restrictions. The rafting on the river was a good experience. It was Rs 100 per person for a 20 min ride in the river by bamboo rafts. One can enjoy this ride as well even if you can not enter the island. There are few tea shops and souveneir shops."
Venugopal Bhat
"Good place for walking in the forest and taking bath in river. The boat just crosses from the mainland to Kuruva Island which is would take hardly 5mins. The people around there are friendly and no plastics are allowed inside island. It's a flat land as there is no elevation observed so anyone irrespective of age can go and explore. Only little part of the island is accessible."
STARWIN JOHNSON
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kuruva Island is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. You can reach it by road, typically from Kalpetta or Mananthavady. Taxis and local buses are available. The final approach involves a short bamboo boat ride across the Kabini River.
Yes, there is parking available for vehicles, with a nominal fee of around ₹30 for cars.
You can drive to the entry point of Kuruva Island, but you will need to take a bamboo boat to cross the river and reach the island itself.
The most common way is to drive to the entry point and then take the mandatory bamboo boat ride. Many visitors combine their trip with other Wayanad attractions.
Yes, there are resorts located near Kuruva Island, such as Mystery Maze Resort & Spa, offering riverside stays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry ticket for adults is ₹220, which includes the entry fee and the bamboo boat ride. Children up to 12 years have free entry. Separate tickets are required for activities like bamboo rafting or kayaking.
The ticket counter opens sharply at 9:30 AM. Due to limited entry, it's crucial to arrive early.
Strictly only 244 persons are allowed per gate per day. Tickets usually finish by 11 AM.
Currently, tickets are sold only at the counter. Payment is accepted via UPI or ATM card; cash is not taken for entry tickets.
Access to Kuruva Island can be seasonal, especially during monsoons when water levels are high. It's best to check local conditions before visiting.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include a 2km walk through the forest, bathing in the river, and optional bamboo rafting or kayaking.
Many visitors find bamboo rafting to be a slow and time-consuming experience. Kayaking is often recommended as a more engaging alternative.
Yes, you can take a dip and relax in the river. It's advisable to carry swimwear.
The island is generally safe for visitors. However, be mindful of the river depth and any wildlife. The boat crossing is over water that is reportedly 25ft deep.
The island is mostly flat land, making it accessible for people of all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, eatables are not allowed inside Kuruva Island as it is a plastic-free zone. You'll need to consume food before entering or after exiting.
There are a few tea shops and souvenir shops near the entry point and along the river. For more substantial meals, you might need to travel to nearby towns.
No, Kuruva Island is a plastic-free zone, and all eatables are not allowed inside.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush greenery, the Kabini River, the bamboo boat crossing, and the forest trails offer excellent photography opportunities. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive greenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to get close to the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Lovers & Eco-Tourists
+1 The serene ambiance, lush greenery, and the gentle flow of the Kabini River create an ideal setting for relaxation and nature observation. The emphasis on being a plastic-free zone further appeals to eco-conscious travelers. 🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Kuruva Island's Geography
+2The island's access is primarily managed through a mandatory bamboo boat ride across the Kabini River, adding an element of adventure to the visit. Once on the island, visitors can explore designated paths that wind through the forest, leading to the river streams where they can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The terrain is predominantly flat, making it accessible for most visitors.
Navigating Entry and Activities
While on the island, a 2km walk through the forest is a highlight, leading to the river. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water, but activities like bamboo rafting are optional and have separate cash payments. Many travelers suggest that kayaking might be a more engaging alternative to the slow-paced bamboo rafting.
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