Kuruva Dweep

The Kuruva islands are a group of three islands located in the middle of one of the tributaries of the east-flowing river Kabani. This 950-acre tract of uninhabited land is rich in flora and fauna. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds; herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. It is a must see destination for nature lovers and a popular picnic spot. A perfect destination for those want to have a lazy walk through the shoreline of a river.

Its unique geographical characteristics make it a place where not only the leaves but also silence is evergreen being away from cities and thus it has become a place of attraction. Most recently, tourists drawn from all over the globe have identified it as the most visited place in the district. Kuruva comprises of more than 150 small islands and two fresh water ponds.

Its group of many islands with a stretch of one hectare to 148 hectares. As many as three hour is needed to cover at least one island.

The island surrounded by streams and river can be accessed using rafts or fiber boats run by Kerala Tourism Department. Entrance to the island is restricted and monitored by Vana Samrakshana Samiti, a Dept of Forest of Kerala initiative to protect forest, and at times of heavy rain and frequency of elephants and other animals to the island a pass obtained prior to the visit of spot from Dept of Forest is mandatory. The service of guides is also available.

The bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees make the island unique.How to reach

Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady. It is 15 km east of Mananthavady, 58 km northwest of Sulthan Bathery and 40 km form Kalpetta.

From Mananthavdy covering Kattikulam, Kurukkan Moola, Palvelicham one can reach Kuruva. The ticket counter of DTPC is here. The tourists would be brought to island in the fiber boat from here. If one is coming via Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva can be reached covering Kenichira, Nadavayal, Punchavayal, Pakkam. From Pakkam there is route in the right direction, which leads to the forest. By covering a distance of 4 kms one would reach the southern part of Kuruva. Here too is a ticket counter of forest department and can enter Kuruva in the bamboo raft.

By road: There are bus services to Kuruva from Mananthavady via Changalagate, Kurukkanmoola and Palvelicham.

Alternate route to reach the opposite entrance: From Pulpally thorugh Pakkam. The bus stop to Kuruva is Puzhakkara Devi Temple. Bus fare Rs 10.50

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

To Mananthavady from Kuruva: 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.Contact
STD Code: 04936.

DTPC Kuruva office: 245180.

DTPC office kalpetta: Ph:04936-204441

VP Brijesh Kuruva Island manager-in-charge: 09747250684

Range officer, Chelathath Forest range, Bathery: Ph: 222443, 203428.

Mohanan (VVS guide) 9946596823

Travel tips
Entry timings: 9.30 am to 4.15 pm

DTPC ticket counter will close by 4.15 pm

Forest departments counter will close by 4.30 pm

If there is unusual inflow of tourists or some climate changes, both counters may close at any time

Entry fee Boat to Dweep by DTPC-Rs 10/person

Forest department fee: Rs 10 for Indiana dna Rs 20 for foreigners

Still camera: Rs 25, Video camera: Rs 100

For outdoor shooting purpose Rs 100 for still camera and Rs 250 for video camera

For bamboo rafts (crossing between dweeps): Rs 5 per head

For 30 mins bamboo rafting Rs 300 per 6 persons

Guide fee: Rs 100Stay
Treetop hut one bed Rs 750 maximum 3 persons for 24 hours.Tips
Obey the instructions of staff

Wear life jackets dueineg boating

Swimming and bathing in the river is strictly prohibited

Use of plastic carry bags, food items, drinks etc strictly prohibited