However, with the increasing population and deforestation, these Kuruba have been forced to the lower elevations of the plateau. There, they earn a living mainly by working on tea or coffee plantations. Presently, they have given up all these trades, except for basketry. They now supplement their income by working as agricultural laborers in the estates nearby. The Kuruba obtain most of their food supply from their own garden plots.
Rice is the staple food, and almost all of their dishes are prepared with curry.
They do not eat beef but will eat other meats. Kuruba houses are built together in small village settlements called mottas . The typical house consists of only one room with an earthen floor, thatched roof, and a front porch. The people sleep on mats, which they roll up and store in a corner during the day. They always wash their feet before going inside, where usually only family members and relatives are allowed.