Kuruva Island is a unique river delta located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and tranquil environment, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This guide will help you plan your journey to Kuruva Island by explaining the best transport options, travel times, and local tips. Whether you prefer train, bus, car, or boat, you will find practical advice to reach this beautiful spot smoothly.

Getting from Kozhikode to Kuruva Island – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and popular choice for many visitors coming from Kozhikode. The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which connects well with other cities in Kerala and India.

• Kozhikode Railway Station is about 80 km from Kuruva Island, and you can take a taxi or bus from there to reach the island, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Trains from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Kochi arrive frequently at Kozhikode, offering a range of classes from sleeper to AC coaches for different budgets and comfort levels.

• Booking your train tickets in advance through IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and holiday seasons when trains tend to be crowded.

• After reaching Kozhikode, you can hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for a direct and hassle-free ride to Kuruva Island’s entry point near Mananthavady Road.

• Train travel is generally reliable year-round, but during monsoon season, occasional delays may occur due to heavy rains affecting tracks in the Western Ghats region.

Bus

Bus travel is an economical and widely used option to reach Kuruva Island from Kozhikode and nearby towns. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run frequent services.

• Buses depart from Kozhikode Bus Stand to Mananthavady or Sultan Bathery, which are the closest towns to Kuruva Island, covering around 80 to 90 km in 3 to 4 hours depending on the route.

• KSRTC offers both ordinary and deluxe buses; deluxe buses provide more comfort and fewer stops, suitable for longer journeys.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets early or arriving at the bus stand early is advisable.

• The last leg from Mananthavady to Kuruva Island requires a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride, as buses do not go directly to the island entry point.

• Roads are scenic but can be narrow and winding, especially in the Western Ghats, so be prepared for slower travel during monsoon months due to slippery conditions.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kuruva Island is a flexible and comfortable option if you prefer to travel at your own pace and explore nearby attractions along the way.

• The distance from Kozhikode to Kuruva Island by road is approximately 80 km via NH766 and Mananthavady Road, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

• Major highways like NH766 are well-maintained, but expect toll plazas along the route; keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Self-driving allows stops at scenic points like Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary or Pookode Lake, enriching your travel experience.

• Parking is available near the Kuruva Island entry point, but it can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.

• During the monsoon season, drive cautiously as roads can be slippery and visibility low due to fog in the Western Ghats.

Boat

Boat travel is not a direct mode to reach Kuruva Island but is essential for crossing the river to enter the island itself. Visitors must use local boats at the entry point.

• At the Kuruva Island entry near Mananthavady Road, you will find government-operated and private boats that ferry visitors across the river to the island.

• The boat ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs a small fee, which helps maintain the island’s facilities and environment.

• Boats operate from early morning until evening; it is best to check timings in advance, especially during monsoon when services may be limited.

• Boat rides offer scenic views of the river and surrounding forests, adding to the overall experience of visiting Kuruva Island.

• During heavy rains or floods, boat services may be suspended for safety reasons, so plan your visit accordingly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Kuruva Island, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey from Kozhikode.

• Book your train or bus tickets to Kozhikode well in advance using IRCTC or KSRTC online portals to avoid last-minute rush and secure preferred timings.

• Upon arrival at Kozhikode, arrange a prepaid taxi or app-based cab for the road journey to Kuruva Island’s entry point near Mananthavady Road to avoid haggling and ensure safety.

• Carry light luggage and comfortable walking shoes, as you will need to walk on uneven paths and take a boat to reach the island.

• Check the weather forecast before traveling, especially during monsoon, to avoid delays or cancellations of boat services and road closures.

• Reach the island entry point early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a spot on the boat, as the number of visitors allowed on the island is limited for conservation.

• Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks, as food options on the island are limited; also, follow local guidelines to keep the environment clean.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Kozhikode to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and carry your own water bottle to refill, as safe drinking water may not be available on the island.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and festivals, to avoid sold-out situations and last-minute stress.

• Local transport options near Kuruva Island are limited; plan your last-mile travel by arranging a taxi or auto-rickshaw beforehand.

• Pack light and carry waterproof bags during monsoon to protect your belongings from rain and humidity.

• Be cautious of slippery paths and uneven terrain on the island; avoid visiting during heavy rains to prevent accidents.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kuruva Island is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and boat services operate smoothly. Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rains and possible travel disruptions.

During festivals like Onam and Christmas, tourist traffic increases significantly, so plan your visit on weekdays or outside peak holiday periods for a quieter experience.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains causing slippery roads and possible boat service suspensions.

• Peak tourist seasons like December to February see more visitors; book accommodations and transport well in advance during this time.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon heat and secure boat rides before crowds arrive.

• Fog and mist in the Western Ghats during winter mornings can reduce visibility; plan accordingly for safe driving and travel.

Arrival at Kuruva Island & What to Expect

Upon arrival at the Kuruva Island entry point near Mananthavady Road, you will find parking facilities and a small ticket counter for entry passes. The area is well-organized but can get busy during weekends.

Local commute options on the island are limited to walking paths through the forest and river streams. Accommodation is not available on the island, so staying in nearby towns like Mananthavady or Sultan Bathery is recommended. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available for onward travel from the entry point.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kuruva Island is best done by combining train or bus travel to Kozhikode with a road journey by taxi or car, followed by a short boat ride to the island. This combination offers comfort, convenience, and scenic views along the way.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will help you avoid common challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a peaceful and memorable visit to this beautiful natural destination in Kerala.