The adsorption potential of activated carbon prepared from Curcuma longa (turmeric plant) for the removal of basic green 1 (BG) dye from aqueous solution was studied. The effect of influencing parameters, such as pH(4-10), adsorbent dose (0.02-0.5 g/100 mL) and initial dye concentration (50-250 mg/L) were analyzed by conducting batch experiments. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and point of zero charge techniques. Adsorption kinetics was studied by employing Pseudo-first order. Pseudo-second order, Elovichand intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. Isotherm models, such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and D-R isotherm were analyzed. Kinetic and isotherm model depicts the best-fit model as Pseudo-second order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm for the removal of basic green dye. Thermodynamic parameters, such as change in enthalphy, change in entrophy and Gibb's free energy were studied and the result reveals that the process is spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. The optimum conditions for the maximum removal efficiency of 88.7% were obtained as: pH 8, adsorbent dose 0.2 g/100 mL and contact time of 25 min, for the removal of basic green dye from aqueous solution. © 2016 - Kalpana Corporation.