Kuruva Island: An Idyllic Picnic Spot
Most of the 40 odd rivers that originate in the Western Ghats flow west into the Arabian Sea. Three of them however, flow east into the neighboring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. One of them is the Kabani. It has its origin as two separate rivulets – the Panamaram originating from Lakkidi and the Manathavady rivulet originating from Thondaramudi peak. These two streams wind around a 950-acre densely wooded area called Kuruva Island (called Kuruvadweep locally). Primarily, Kuruva Island comprises three islands and a few submergible satellite islands. The main island contains two small water bodies as well.
Kuruva Island is 17km east of Mananthavady and 40km north-west of Sultan Bathery. It has a unique ecosystem, and is a must-see destination for nature lovers visiting Wayanad. It is a reserve forest, and entry is monitored by the Forest Department. The islands can be accessed using bamboo rafts or fiber boats deployed by Kerala Tourism Department. You can buy tickets for the raft ride from the Tourism Department’s office at Pulpally. From the Mananthavady side though, you can leap across half-submerged boulders to hop onto the island. Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council operates a boat ride from here. A kilometer long walk under a canopy of bamboos takes you to the far end of the island where the two rivulets converge.
The heavily wooded environs of Kuruva Island make it the ideal habitat for rare species of birds and butterflies. Several migratory birds have also adopted the islands as home, making it another region of Kerala where visitors can get enthralled by a bevy of feathered friends.
Kuruva Island makes an idyllic spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature, but if you are seeking solitude, go during weekdays when there is hardly anyone around, and soak in the tranquility. The best time to visit Kuruva Island is from October to May. Tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season, since there are chances of minor floods happening during that period.
Kuruva Island is about 40km from Banasura Hill Resort.
Eventhough I had visited Wayanad earlier, this was my first trip to Kuruva Island. The only sounds here are the cries of birds and the ripple of water. It was a most cherishing and memorable experience bamboo raft riding in the Kabini river. Serene and stunning, the place is a far cry from the modern world.
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