Are you looking for a tropical paradise where you can enjoy the serene and scenic beauty of nature without any disturbance? Where you can cruise through the narrow canals lined with coconut trees and mangroves, witness the rural life of the locals who live in harmony with nature, spot various birds and animals that make the island their home, savour the delicious food that reflects the rich culinary culture of Kerala, visit an ancient church that tells the story of the colonial past of the island, and watch a spectacular sunset that paints the sky and the water in vibrant colours?
If yes, then you should pack your bags and head to Munroe Island, a hidden wonder in Kollam district that will make you fall in love with Kerala all over again. This island is a cluster of eight islands that was created by digging canals and joining several backwater regions under the governance of Colonel John Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. He was a visionary leader who brought many progressive reforms to the state, such as removing corruption, abolishing slavery, improving revenue and promoting education. The island is named after him as a tribute to his contributions.
Munroe Island is also known as the “Hidden Venice of India” as it offers a unique canal cruise that takes you through the narrow waterways that resemble the famous canals of Venice. But unlike Venice, Munroe Island is not crowded with tourists and boats. It is a peaceful and pristine place that lets you enjoy the backwater experience in its purest form.
But there is much more to Munroe Island than just the canal cruise. In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you about the five amazing things to do in Munroe Island that will make your trip unforgettable and enjoyable. We will also provide you with useful information on how to reach the island by different modes of transport, where to stay in the island according to your budget and preference, and when to visit the island according to the weather and festivals. So let’s get started!
Things to Do in Munroe Island
Experience a Unique Canal Cruise through Munroe Island
The canal cruise is undoubtedly the highlight of Munroe Island and a must-do activity for anyone who visits the island. It offers a glimpse into the island’s backwaters, rural life, flora and fauna and migratory birds. You can choose from different types of boats available, such as country boats, kayaks or canoes depending on your preference and budget.
The country boats are traditional wooden boats that are rowed by local boatmen who also act as guides. They are comfortable and spacious and can accommodate up to 10 people. The kayaks and canoes are self-paddled boats that are ideal for adventure seekers who want to explore the canals on their own. They are smaller and faster and can accommodate up to 2 people.
The canal cruise usually lasts for about 2 hours and covers a distance of about 10 km. The best time to take the cruise is early morning or evening when the weather is pleasant and the light is perfect for photography. You can book your cruise through the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) or through any local homestay or resort that offers this service. The DTPC charges Rs 600 per person for a country boat cruise and Rs 400 per person for a kayak or canoe cruise. The homestays or resorts may charge slightly higher or lower depending on their facilities and services.
Explore Munroe Island Intimately on Foot or Bicycle
Another great way to experience Munroe Island is to explore it on foot or bicycle at your own pace. You can walk or cycle through the narrow lanes, bridges, fields , farms, villages etc. and discover the hidden gems of the island. You can visit places like coconut farms, coir factories, fishing villages etc. and learn about their culture, livelihood, traditions etc. You can also interact with the friendly locals who will welcome you with a smile and offer you some refreshments or souvenirs.
You can rent a bicycle or join a walking tour through any local homestay or resort that offers this service. They will provide you with a map, guide, helmet etc. The rental charges vary from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per day depending on the type and quality of the bicycle. The walking tours are usually free or nominal depending on the guide and the duration.
Enjoy Traditional Kerala Food and Lip-smacking Seafood
No trip to Munroe Island is complete without tasting the delicious food that the island has to offer. The island is known for its traditional Kerala cuisine that showcases the rich culinary culture of the state. You can savour dishes like puttu (steamed rice cake) , appam (rice pancake) , idiyappam (rice noodles) etc. for breakfast , rice , fish curry , sambar , avial etc. for lunch , banana chips , jackfruit chips , tapioca chips etc. for snacks , and payasam (rice pudding) , ada pradhaman (rice flakes pudding) etc. for desserts. You can also relish the lip-smacking seafood that the island is famous for, such as prawns, crabs, mussels, oysters etc. cooked in various styles and spices.
You can find food in Munroe Island in any local homestay or resort or restaurant that serves authentic Kerala food and seafood. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. You can expect to pay around Rs 100 to Rs 200 per person for a meal depending on the type and quantity of food.
Visit an Ancient Dutch Church Built in AD 1878
If you are interested in history and architecture, then you should not miss visiting the ancient Dutch church that is located in Munroe Island. The church was built in AD 1878 by the Dutch missionaries who came to the island to spread Christianity. The church is a fine example of colonial influence and architecture in Munroe Island. It has a simple yet elegant design with a white facade, a red roof, a bell tower, stained glass windows, wooden benches, etc. The church also has a cemetery where some of the Dutch missionaries are buried.
You can reach and visit the church by walking or cycling from any part of the island. The church is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day and there is no entry fee. You can also attend the Sunday mass that is held at 9 am if you wish.
View a Splendid Sunset from S-curve Viewpoint
The last but not the least thing to do in Munroe Island is to view a splendid sunset from the S-curve viewpoint. The S-curve viewpoint is a scenic spot that offers a stunning view of the sunset over the backwaters. The viewpoint gets its name from its shape, which resembles an S-curve. The viewpoint is located on a small hill that overlooks the backwaters and the canal cruise point. You can see the boats returning from their cruise as the sun sets behind them, creating a magical sight.
You can reach and enjoy the viewpoint by walking or cycling from any part of the island. The viewpoint is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day and there is no entry fee. You can also find some vendors selling snacks and drinks near the viewpoint.
You may also like to read: A day trip to Munroe Island
How to Reach Munroe Island
Munroe Island is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as flights, trains, buses etc. In this section, we will tell you how to reach Munroe Island by each mode and provide you with useful details and photos.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Munroe Island is Trivandrum International Airport, which is located about 84 km away from the island. The airport is well-connected to major domestic and international destinations by various airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Emirates, Etihad etc. You can find flights to Trivandrum from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc.
From the airport, you can travel to Munroe Island by taxi or bus. A taxi will cost you around Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 and take about 2 hours to reach the island. A bus will cost you around Rs 100 to Rs 150 and take about 3 hours to reach the island. You can find taxis and buses outside the airport terminal or book them online or through your homestay or resort.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Munroe Island is Munroe Island Railway Station, which is located about 3 km away from the island. The station is a small and simple one that has only two platforms and a few trains that stop here. The trains that stop at the station are mainly passenger trains that originate or terminate at Kollam or Thiruvananthapuram. You can find trains to Munroe Island from stations like Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Alappuzha etc.
From the station, you can travel to Munroe Island by auto rickshaw or bicycle. An auto rickshaw will cost you around Rs 50 to Rs 100 and take about 10 minutes to reach the island. A bicycle will cost you around Rs 20 to Rs 50 per day and take about 15 minutes to reach the island. You can find auto rickshaws and bicycles outside the station or rent them from your homestay or resort.
By Bus
The nearest bus station to Munroe Island is Kollam Bus Station, which is located about 25 km away from the island. The bus station is a large and busy one that has buses that ply between Kollam and various destinations in Kerala and other states. You can find buses to Kollam from cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Alappuzha, Munnar, Thekkady etc.
From Kollam Bus Station, you can take a local bus to Munroe Island that runs every hour from 6 am to 6 pm. The bus will cost you around Rs 20 to Rs 30 and take about an hour to reach the island. You can find the bus at platform number 5 or ask any staff or local for help.
Best Places to Stay in Munroe Island
Munroe Island has a range of accommodation options that suit every budget and preference. You can choose from homestays, resorts or farms that offer comfortable rooms and scenic views of the backwaters. In this section, we will tell you about the three best places to stay in Munroe Island that we recommend based on our experience and reviews.
Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay
Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay is a cozy homestay that offers a homely atmosphere and a friendly host. The homestay is located near the canal cruise point and has spacious rooms with attached bathrooms, balconies, garden etc. The homestay also provides free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, hot water etc. The homestay also offers complimentary breakfast, canal cruise booking, bicycle rental etc.
The rates for the homestay are Rs 1500 per night for a double room and Rs 2000 per night for a family room.
Munroe Island Lake Resort
Munroe Island Lake Resort is a luxury resort that offers a tranquil and relaxing stay in the island. The resort is located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and has elegant cottages with private balconies , lake views , jacuzzi etc. The resort also provides free Wi-Fi , TV , AC , mini fridge etc. The resort also offers a multi-cuisine restaurant , spa , yoga , fishing etc.
The rates for the resort are Rs 4000 per night for a deluxe cottage and Rs 6000 per night for a premium cottage.
Vini’s Farm
Vini’s Farm is a unique farm stay that offers an adventurous and eco-friendly stay in the island. The farm is located on a private island in the backwaters and has wooden cottages on stilts with open-air bathrooms, hammocks, swings etc. The farm also provides free Wi-Fi, solar power, organic food etc. The farm also offers canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, farming etc.
The rates for the farm are Rs 8000 per night for a cottage that can accommodate up to 4 people.
Best Time to Visit Munroe Island
Munroe Island can be visited throughout the year as it has a pleasant and moderate climate. However, the best time to visit Munroe Island is from October to March, when the weather is dry and cool and the island is lush and green. This is also the peak season for tourism and festivals in Kerala, so you can enjoy the cultural and festive vibe of the state.
The summer season from April to June is hot and humid, but not unbearable. You can still enjoy the backwater activities and the food in the island, but avoid the afternoon sun and stay hydrated. The monsoon season from July to September is wet and windy, but not gloomy. You can witness the beauty of the rain and the freshness of the nature in the island, but be prepared for some delays and cancellations of transport and activities.
Some tips to make your visit more enjoyable are:
1. Check the weather forecast before planning your trip
2. Pack according to the season and your activities
3. Book your accommodation and transport in advance
4. Respect the local culture and customs
5. Enjoy the diversity and hospitality of Kerala
Munroe Island is a hidden paradise in Kerala’s backwaters that offers a unique and serene experience to the travellers. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture, a diverse nature, and a delicious cuisine that will make you fall in love with the island.
Whether you want to cruise through the canals, explore the island on foot or bicycle, enjoy the traditional food and seafood, visit the ancient church, or view the splendid sunset, Munroe Island has something for everyone.
You may also like to read: Munroe Island: Hidden Venice of India
We hope this guide has given you a clear idea of what Munroe Island has to offer and how to plan your trip. Munroe Island is a hidden paradise in Kerala’s backwaters that will enchant you with its beauty and charm. So don’t wait any longer and book your tickets to Munroe Island today!
