Last Updated on 7/07/2026
Munroe Island is a group of eight small islands in Kollam, Kerala. It is known for its peaceful backwaters, green views, and village life. Visitors can enjoy canoe rides, village walks, bird watching, and see the old Dutch Church. The best time to visit this island is from October to February. Also, it is easily reachable by train, road, and a nearby airport, with homestays for a local stay experience.
Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, is a peaceful group of eight small islands. It is situated in Kollam district, Kerala, where the Kallada River meets Ashtamudi Lake. It covers an area of about 13.4 sq. km and is known for its peaceful backwaters and village life. Beyond its natural beauty, it also offers a rich cultural experience where visitors can see traditional fishing, coir making, prawn farming, and everyday village activities. It is a place where nature and local life come together, which gives travelers a real and simple experience of Kerala’s authentic lifestyle and warm rural charm.
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History of Munroe Island
This island is named after Colonel John Munro. He was a British officer who worked in the former Travancore state during the early 1800s. He helped develop this area by joining small pieces of land and improving the region. Therefore, because of his work, the island was named Muroe Island in his honour.
Today, Munroe Island is famous not only for its beautiful backwaters but also for its culture and history. People here still follow traditional activities like fishing, coir making, and prawn farming. That is why when visitors visit this island, they can see old churches, enjoy the famous boat race, and explore the peaceful canals, mangrove forests, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Where Is Munroe Island Located?
Munroe Island, often called the “Sinking Island of Kerala” due to slow land changes over time. It is located at the meeting point of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in the Kollam District of Kerala, India.
Distance from Kollam and Nearby Cities
- Kollam: 25 km
- Kundara: 12 km west
- Karunagappally: 25 km
- Paravur: 38 km north
- Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): 80 km south
How to Reach Munroe Island
Reaching Munroe Island is easy from Kollam. It is located about 25 km away. For a more convenient and beautiful journey, you can take a local train to Munroe Island Railway Station and then take an auto-rickshaw to your homestay.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
| By Air | If you’re travelling by air, Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport. You can hire a taxi or take a local train to Munroe Island. |
| By Train | You can reach Munroe Island by train through Munrothuruthu Railway Station (MNTT). A local train from Kollam Junction takes only 15–20 minutes. It is a fast, easy, and budget-friendly journey. |
| By Road | You can easily reach Munroe Island by road from Kollam in about 45–60 minutes. You can travel by car, taxi, bus, or auto to reach the island. |
| Local Transport (Boat and Canoe) | A canoe ride is the best way to explore Munroe Island. You can easily hire a canoe or a small boat and enjoy the peaceful backwaters, narrow canals, and beautiful views. |
Ideal Time to Visit
You can visit Munroe Island whenever you want. Here is a simple seasonal guide that helps you pick the right time for your visit.
| Season | Months | Details |
| Winter | October-February | During this season, the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for canoe rides, village walks, bird watching, and exploring the backwaters. |
| Summer | March-May | Summer brings hot and humid weather. Therefore, if you visit during this time, it is better to go sightseeing or go on canoe rides early in the morning or in the evening. |
| Monsoon | June-September | The island looks fresh and green because of the rain. However, heavy rainfall can raise the water level, which can affect your trip plans |
Top Things to Do in Munroe Island
Here are the top things to do to experience authentic village life and nature.
- Backwater Canoe Ride: The best way to explore Munroe Island is by taking a canoe or kayak ride. These small boats can easily pass through the narrow canals surrounded by mangrove trees. You can take a ride in the early morning or at sunset, which offers cool weather, calm water, and beautiful views all around.
- Village Walk Experience: Take a walk around Munroe Island to enjoy its peaceful village life. You can cross small bridges, visit coconut farms, and see local people going about their daily work. It is a great way to experience the simple and traditional lifestyle of Kerala.
- Coir Making and Local Life: Visit the village homes or small cooperative units to see how coir ropes are made from coconut husks. You can watch local people carefully making coir by hand using traditional methods. It is a great way to learn about one of the island’s oldest and most important local crafts.
- Bird Watching and Nature Views: Munroe Island is a good place for bird watching because its rivers, backwaters, and mangrove trees attract many local and migratory birds. Nature lovers and photographers can enjoy seeing different birds in the peaceful surroundings, especially during the early morning hours.
- Fishing and Traditional Activities: Visit the local villages to see how people catch fish and farm prawns using traditional methods. You may also get a chance to watch toddy tapping, a popular local practice. It makes your visit more memorable and full of fun.
Tourist Attractions Near the Munroe Island
Munroe Island is surrounded by many beautiful places that are worth visiting. From peaceful lakes and beaches to historic landmarks and waterfalls, these nearby attractions make your trip even more enjoyable.
| Attraction | Distance from Munroe Island | Details |
| Ashtamudi Lake | 5 km | Enjoy peaceful boat rides, houseboat cruises, and beautiful backwater views. |
| Kollam Beach | 25 km | A relaxing beach where you can enjoy the sea breeze, sunset, and peaceful surroundings. |
| Thangassery Lighthouse | 28 km | It is an old lighthouse which offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and the Kollam coastline. |
| Thevally Palace | 24 km | It is a beautiful old palace built on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, known for its traditional Kerala architecture. |
| Thirumullavaram Beach | 30 km | It is a peaceful beach famous for its clean shore, calm atmosphere, and beautiful sunsets. |
| Sasthamkotta Lake | 30 km | It is Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for nature lovers. |
| Palaruvi Waterfalls | 30 km | A beautiful waterfall surrounded by forests, perfect for a refreshing day trip. |
Where to Stay Near Munroe Island
There are many good places to stay near Munroe Island. You can choose a homestay, a hotel, or a backwater resort based on your budget and comfort.
- Homestays in Munroe Island: Homestays are a good choice if you want to enjoy local food and experience the simple village life of Munroe Island. These stays are comfortable and peaceful.
- Hotels in Kollam: Kollam has many hotels for different budgets. It is about 25 km from Munroe Island and is a good option if you want more facilities and easy transport.
- Backwater Resorts Nearby: These resorts are perfect if you want a relaxing stay with beautiful lake views. You can enjoy peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and boat rides during your stay.
Helpful Tips for Your Munroe Island Trip
Here are some tips that can make your trip safe, easy, and memorable.
- Visit between October and February for pleasant weather.
- Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Carry sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
- Keep your valuable things in a waterproof bag.
- Carry some cash because there are only a few ATMs.
- Always wear a life jacket during boat or canoe rides.
- Keep the backwaters clean and do not throw garbage into the water.
- Wear simple clothes and ask before taking photos of local people.
- Buy local products and enjoy food from local restaurants to support the local community.
Plan Your Perfect Munroe Island Trip
If you are looking for a peaceful holiday away from busy city life, Munroe Island is a good choice. Whether you love nature, photography, or a peaceful experience, its calm backwaters, green surroundings, and traditional village life offer an unforgettable travel experience.
Also Read : Munnar, Kerala: Best Places to Visit