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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
You will love Munroe Island, an untouched backwater haven with narrow green canals, swaying coconut trees, the cool river breeze and the ever-friendly villagers.
Region
Kerala
Munroe Island is a peaceful backwater destination in Kerala, known for its narrow canals, canoe rides, coconut-lined waterways, village life, and traditional coir-making. It is a great place to enjoy Kerala’s quieter side away from busy tourist spots.
Known locally as Munrothuruthu, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight charming islets located at the confluence of the Kallada river and the vast Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The island derives its name from Colonel John Munro, the first British resident of Travancore, who is credited with the excavation of many of the canals connected to this region.
You will enjoy an unhurried, peaceful atmosphere filled green with paddy fields, mangrove lined waterways, migratory birds and island village lifestyles.
Munroe Island is best explored by small canoe, as its narrow canals allow you to see village homes, local fishing activities, coconut groves, and backwater landscapes that larger boats cannot reach.
Munroe Island is a peaceful Kerala backwater destination known for narrow canals, coconut palms, village life, canoe rides, and scenic waterways.
You should add Munroe Island to your Kerala travel plan if you want to experience the true essence of village backwaters without tourist crowds.
Country-Canoe Safaris
Take a peaceful ride through Munroe Island’s narrow village canals, shaded by swaying coconut palms.
Authentic Village Life & Coir Craft
You can watch local families turn raw coconut husks into golden coir ropes and witness traditional backwater fishing up close.
Choose Munroe Island for a quiet backwater holiday with canoe trips, local village views, and a closer look at Kerala’s traditional lifestyle.
October to March is generally a comfortable period for exploring Munroe Island, canoe rides, village walks, and backwater activities.
Choose the drier months if you want to spend more time outdoors and enjoy canoe rides and backwater sightseeing.
| Months | Weather | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to March | Comfortable & pleasant | Peak Season | For open-air canoe rides, birdwatching, cycling, and island sightseeing |
| April to May | Warm and sunny | arm and sunny | For peaceful, crowd-free homestays, discounted packages, and early-morning or evening canoe rides |
| June to September | Heavy rainfall | Off-Season | Wellness therapies and romantic retreats |
Attractions
Munroe Island Narrow Canal Network
You can hire a traditional hand-paddled wooden canoe to weave through shallow waterways, low concrete bridges, and thick mangrove arches.
1878 AD Historic Dutch Church (St. Mary's)
You can visit this peaceful lakeside church built in 1878 to admire its classic blend of Dutch and Kerala architecture and scenic old boat dock.
Munroe Museum Bungalow
You can step inside this 200-year-old colonial residence to view historic documents, vintage artifacts, and photographs from Colonel Munro's era.
S-Valavu Viewpoint & Waterway Bend
Visit this famous scenic curve along the Kallada River to watch local fishermen cast nets and enjoy refreshing coconut water.
Aquaculture & Fish Farms
Explore inland farm ponds where locals raise freshwater pearl spot (karimeen), tilapia, and tiger prawns.
Munroe Island is located in Kollam district and can be reached by road or train. Munroturuttu railway station provides rail access to the island, while Kollam is the nearest major city.
Plan your onward transport from Kollam or Munroturuttu based on your arrival point and stay location.
By Air
You can land at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), situated about 80 km away, and take a direct 2-hour taxi drive to the island.
By Rail
You can get down at Munroe Island Railway Station (Munroturuttu) for passenger trains, or arrive at Kollam Junction Railway Station (25 km away) which connects with all major Indian cities.
By Road
You can easily drive to Munroe Island via scenic coastal and backwater roads from Kollam, Trivandrum, Varkala, or Alleppey using private cabs, self-drive rentals, or KSRTC buses.
Take a canoe ride through the narrow canals, watch village life, enjoy a sunset by the backwaters, and explore the island’s peaceful surroundings.
A canoe ride is one of the best ways to see Munroe Island’s canals, homes, coconut trees, and everyday village life.
Take an Early Morning Sunrise Canoe Tour
You can start before dawn to watch the first rays of sunlight light up the mist over Ashtamudi Lake while kingfishers dive for fish.
Rent a Bicycle to Tour the Countryside
Cycle along paved island paths, cross small wooden bridges, and interact with friendly villagers.
Watch the Kallada Snake Boat Race
If you travel during the Onam festival, you can cheer for long wooden snake boats racing along the Kallada River to rhythmic boat songs.
Try Stand-Up Paddling & Kayaking
You can paddle your own kayak along gentle river bends and explore hidden water channels at your own pace.
Munroe Island and its nearby areas have local temples and churches that reflect the region’s religious traditions and village culture.
Pezhumthuruthu Sreedevi Temple
You can visit this peaceful temple set within dense green groves on the Pezhumthuruthu islet to experience calm prayer moments.
Kottanampuram Sree Madankavu Temple
You can explore this revered island shrine surrounded by ancient trees and experience traditional local worship.
Vadakkidathukavu Devi Temple
You can participate in vibrant annual temple festivities with traditional percussion music and illuminated lamps during February and March.
Add a visit to nearby religious sites if you want to learn more about the local traditions and everyday life of the island.
Try Kerala dishes such as appam and stew, puttu and kadala curry, fish curry, tapioca, and fresh seafood during your Munroe Island stay.
Crab Masala
You can treat your tastebuds to tender freshwater crabs cooked in thick, aromatic onion-tomato masala and coconut paste.
Duck Roast with Appam
You can pair fluffy, lacy rice hoppers with tender duck pieces cooked in a rich, slow-simmered spiced gravy.
Kakka Irachi (Clam Meat Fry)
Taste small, freshly harvested backwater clams stir-fried with roasted coconut and spicy red masala.
Local seafood and traditional Kerala meals are worth trying, especially when staying at a homestay or visiting local eateries.
Munroe Island is more suited to local and village-style shopping than large-scale souvenir shopping. You can look for coir products, handmade items, spices, and local food products.
Eco-Friendly Coir Mats & Baskets
You can purchase 100% natural, biodegradable doormats, ropes, and garden planters made directly by village artisans.
Fresh Farm Spices & Pure Coconut Oil
You can buy farm-grown black pepper, green cardamom, cloves, and cold-pressed coconut oil directly from local families.
Local Backwater Paintings & Sketches
You can pick up original canvas paintings and landscape sketches made by local island artists.
Pick locally made products and Kerala spices if you want simple souvenirs that reflect the island’s traditional lifestyle.
Local markets around Munroe Island and nearby Kollam offer fresh produce, seafood, spices, household goods, and everyday Kerala products.
Raghu Munroe Art Gallery
You can visit this quaint art studio run by local artist Raghu Munroe to purchase hand-painted landscapes of the island's backwaters.
Mundrothuruthu Panchayat Shopping Area
You can explore local village stores selling traditional spices, handcrafted items, and everyday Kerala snacks.
Kundara & Chittumala Handloom Outlets
You can make a short stop on the mainland road to shop for authentic handwoven Kerala cotton fabrics and mundus.
Visit a nearby local market to see everyday village trade and shop for fresh food, spices, and small local products.
Wear comfortable, lightweight cotton clothing, sunglasses, and a sunhat during daytime cycling tours.
Keep cash with you because local canoe rowers, small tea stalls, and village artisans do not always have online payment machines.
Respect the quiet village environment and avoid playing loud music during canal cruises.
EasoTrip can help plan your Munroe Island trip with accommodation, sightseeing, local travel, backwater activities, and Kerala tour arrangements.
When you plan your Kerala holiday with EasoTrip, you get authentic village encounters, verified island homestays, and smooth, stress-free travel.
Customized Island Holiday Packages
You can tailor your itinerary for slow-travel breaks, romantic getaways, family holidays, or birdwatching tours.
Handpicked Homestays & Resorts
You stay in verified waterfront cottages and eco-resorts that provide warm Kerala hospitality and scenic water views.
Add Munroe Island to your EasoTrip Kerala itinerary to include its backwaters, canoe rides, village experiences, and nearby attractions in your trip plan.
How far is Munroe Island from Kollam and Trivandrum?
Munroe Island is located about 25 km from Kollam city and approximately 80 km from Trivandrum airport.
What is the best time of day to take a canoe ride in Munroe Island?
You should take your canoe ride either during early sunrise (6:00 AM to 8:30 AM) or late afternoon sunset (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) for the best views, cooler weather, and bird spotting.
Can you visit Munroe Island as a day trip?
Yes, you can easily visit Munroe Island for a half-day canoe cruise and village walk from Kollam, Varkala, or Alleppey, although staying overnight in a waterfront cottage gives you a much richer experience.
What are the top foods to try in Munroe Island?
You should taste fresh Karimeen Pollichathu, spicy prawn roast, Kallada river crab curry, duck roast, and crispy pazham pori.
How do you travel around Munroe Island locally?
You can walk along the village paths, rent a bicycle, hire an auto-rickshaw for short road journeys, or book a wooden canoe for canal exploration.
Munroe Island | Kerala