Munroe Island – The Hidden Gem of Kerala's Backwaters

Munroe Island is a hidden gem offering serene backwater beauty, slow life, cultural richness, and eco-friendly exploration. If you’re in/near Kollam, this is a must‑visit for a truly immersive Kerala experience—far from the crowds of Alleppey.

Location & How to Reach

Geography: A cluster of eight islets (total ~13.4 km²) at the confluence of the Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake, around 25–27 km from Kollam city .

By Rail:

Train to Munroturuttu station (on the island) or Sathankotta (6 km + canoe).

Kollam Junction → ~20 min train (auto-taxi onwards), ₹800) .

By Road:

Taxi or self-drive from Kollam (~26 km), Trivandrum (~80 km).

Follow road via Kundara → Munroe–Chittumala road .

By Water:

Boat/ferry via Kerala State Water Transport (KSWTD) from Kollam jetty.

Backwater cruises from DTPC/Kollam Boat Club also available .

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Winter): Pleasant, dry, ideal for cruises & exploration .

June to September (Monsoon): Lush surroundings but heavy rains may limit activities .

March to May (Summer): Hot and humid, but good for festival-goers .

Things to Do & See

Canoe / Kayak Tours:

Paddle through narrow canals and mangrove arches on 2–3 hour guided trips.

Ideal for sunrise and sunset tours—most popular activity .

Backwater Cruises:

Traditional houseboat or motorboat excursions showcasing villages, lagoons, prawn farms, coir-making and daily life .

Visit Coir & Cashew Factories:

Witness traditional processes: retting, weaving, rope making .

Dutch Church (1878):

Iconic red-brick structure blending Dutch-Kerala architecture, set by Ashtamudi waters .

Kallada Boat Race:

Annual vallam kali held ~28 days after Onam; spectacular boat race visible from the island .

Walking & Cycling:

Village trails passing paddy fields, shoreline farms, and local homestays.

Bird & Wildlife Watching:

Spot kingfishers, herons, egrets, parrots around mangroves .

Stay & Local Experiences

Homestays:

Simple, immersive stays (~₹2 000–3 000/night), many with canoe/kayak included .

Resorts & Private Farms:

Options like Vini’s Farm (private island), resorts offering modern amenities and local cuisine .

Local Hospitality:

Guests serve farm-fresh meals on banana leaves, evening relaxation over beers, rooftop chillouts.

Travel Tips

Be eco-friendly – use reusable bottles, avoid plastic, respect silence and nature .

Avoid booking during peak monsoon (June–Sept) unless you enjoy heavy rains.

Coordinate boat/auto pick-up through your homestay.

Ideal for peace seekers – not heavy nightlife; best for nature, culture, relaxation.