The picturesque backwaters and old-world culture of Munroe Island are well recognised. Banana farms, coconut forests, and other agricultural fields dot the island. Boat tours through the backwaters allow visitors to see the island's natural beauty and observe local culture. The island's main industries are fishing, coir production, and prawn farming.
A notable yearly event on the Ashtamudi Lake close to Munroe Island that is open to tourists is the Kallada Boat Race. From Kollam city, which is around 27 km distant, and other surrounding cities in the region, the island is simply accessible.

One of Munroe Island's main industries is the production of coir, and tourists may learn more about it by visiting a plant that produces the material. Coconut husk fibres must be extracted and spun into ropes and mats in order to create coir. You may observe how the employees remove the fibres from the husks, soften them in water, and then pound the softened fibres with a hammer to separate them. On a conventional spinning wheel, the fibres are then spun into ropes that may be made into mats, brushes, and other goods.

Visitors may learn more about the process by visiting a prawn farm, which is another important source of income on Munroe Island. On the island, prawns are reared in ponds and canals. The farming process includes a number of processes, such as pond preparation, seed gathering, feeding, and harvesting. A tour of a prawn farm will allow you to witness the prawns at various phases of their life cycles and learn about the various farming and harvesting techniques used for prawns.

In August or September, the Kallada Boat Race, a well-liked yearly event, takes place in Ashtamudi Lake close to Munroe Island. The boat race is a main event that draws both residents and tourists to the Onam festival celebrations. Long, narrow boats with high prows, known as chundan vallams, engage in an exciting race against one another during the Kallada Boat Race. Each boat is propelled forward by more than 100 oarsmen who paddle in synchrony. The mood is joyful and exciting, and the boats are decked with bright parasols and flags.

In one of the nearby spa facilities, Munroe Island guests can benefit from conventional Ayurveda therapies. Ayurveda is a traditional medical practice with Indian roots that emphasises harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit. You may get a variety of treatments at an Ayurvedic wellness facility, such as massages, herbal treatments, and other therapies meant to encourage rest, renewal, and general well-being. Your particular requirements are catered for and your Ayurveda body type, or dosha, is used to guide the therapies.

Munroe Island's near to Kollam Beach, which is a lovely and tranquil beach, makes the region a favourite travel destination for travellers. Beautiful views of the coastline can be seen from the beach, which is located in the Arabian Sea. The sandy beach is perfect for strolling along, swimming, sunbathing, or participating in beach activities. You may sample some of the regional specialities at the adjacent shacks and eateries. Kollam Beach is particularly well-known for its fresh fish. The greatest time to go to the beach is between November and February during the winter when the weather is nice and the water is quiet.

Location: Kollam
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Distance from Munroe Island: 27 Kilometre

A historical lighthouse called Thangassery Lighthouse is situated in Kollam, Kerala, roughly 30 kilometres from Munroe Island. The lighthouse, which is perched on a rocky outcropping, provides stunning views over the Arabian Sea and the region. Since its construction in 1902, the lighthouse has assisted ships in arriving at the Kollam Port without incident. A panoramic view of the surroundings is available from the lighthouse's summit, which visitors may reach by climbing up. The expansive sea and the stunning shoreline are seen from there.

Location: Kollam
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Distance from Munroe Island: 30 Kilometre

In the southern region of Kerala, around 80 kilometres from Munroe Island, lies the spectacular waterfall known as Palaruvi Waterfalls. The waterfall is famed for its white foam and milky look, earning it the name Palaruvi, which means "stream of milk." The waterfall offers a tranquil and attractive scene since thick woodlands surround it. Swim in the refreshing waters of the falls, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply unwind and take in natural beauty. Around the falls, there are also little boutiques and stands offering regional treats and trinkets. While the falls are in full flow, between June and September during the monsoon season, is the ideal time to explore Palaruvi Waterfalls.

Location: Kollam
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Distance from Munroe Island: 77 Kilometre

The beach is a wonderful spot to unwind and spend some time by the sea because of its tranquil seas and beautiful sand. The area's natural beauty is enhanced by the beach's length and the coconut trees that line it. Thirumullavaram Beach's rock formations, which have been shaped over millennia by the relentless battering of waves, are one of its distinctive characteristics. Beautiful photos may be taken against the backdrop of these rocks. Also, visitors may partake in other pursuits including swimming, tanning, and beach sports like beach volleyball and frisbee.

Location: Kollam
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Distance from Munroe Island: 30 Kilometre

The largest freshwater lake in Kerala is Sasthamkotta Lake, which is also one of the main tourist spots nearby. A terrific spot to disconnect from the rush of daily life and reconnect with nature is the lake, which is flanked by hills and verdant vegetation. Sasthamkotta Lake's position as a holy lake is one of its distinctive characteristics. Many devotees travel to the lake to bathe in its sacred waters since it is said to be the home of the goddess Sastha. Visitors may rent boats or take guided excursions to enjoy the lake's natural splendour. The lake is also a well-liked location for boating and fishing.

Location: Kollam
Timings: 24 Hours
Distance from Munroe Island: 18 Kilometre

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>The closest airport to Munroe Island is Trivandrum International Airport, commonly known as Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is situated around 80 kilometres away. To get to Munroe Island from the airport, you may take a bus or hail a cab.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>The closest major city to Munroe Island is Kollam, which is situated around 27 kilometres away. Munroe Island is well accessible by road to several regions of Kerala. Kollam is easily accessible by bus, rail, or cab and is well-connected to other significant cities in Kerala and surrounding states.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Rail: 
<ul>
<li>Munroe Island is located roughly 25 kilometres from Kollam Junction, the closest railroad station. The major railway hub in Kerala with excellent connections to many regions of the state and the nation is Kollam Junction. You may take a local bus or cab to Munroe Island from the station.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Water: 
<ul>
<li>Munroe Island is an island that can be accessed by boat from Kollam and is situated in the backwaters of Kerala. Munroe Island may be reached by boat on a regular basis; the trip takes around two hours.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Travelers who wish to see the beauty of Kerala's backwaters and learn about the local culture frequently visit Munroe Island. On the island, you may go on backwater excursions, stroll around the villages, fish, kayak, and observe birds, among other things. Visit a local coir weaving facility to see how coir goods are made according to tradition. The island has a tropical environment and September through March are the best months to visit because of the nice and warm weather. Munroe Island is easily accessible by bus, rail, taxi, and boat, and is well connected to many regions of Kerala by land and sea.

The remarkable history of Munroe Island began in the nineteenth century (sometimes called Munore Island). Colonel John Munro, the chief minister of Travancore under Maharaja Balarama Varma, is credited for naming the island. From 1811 until 1819, Colonel Munro, the Dewan of Travancore, served in this capacity.
While in command, Colonel Munroe considerably contributed to Travancore's expansion. He made a variety of adjustments to the kingdom's administration, educational system, and taxing system in an effort to modernise it. In addition, Colonel Munroe was in charge of building the Kollam-Theni road that connected Travancore with the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).

The Ashtamudi Lake in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, is home to the tiny island known as Munroe Island (sometimes written Munore Island). A system of lagoons, backwaters, and canals connecting Ashtamudi Lake create the island. With a surface size of around 61 square kilometres, the lake is the second-largest in Kerala.
With a total size of 13.4 square kilometres, Munroe Island is located around 27 kilometres from Kollam. The Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake both encircle the island on its two sides. The island is known for its lush greenery, coconut trees, and other crops including yams, tapioca, and bananas.

Location: Kollam, Kerala, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM&nbsp;
Distance from Kollam, Kerala: 27 kilometres

One of the most well-liked things to do on Munroe Island is taking a backwater boat trip, which gives tourists a chance to discover the island's natural beauty and rustic way of life. You may observe coconut palms, rice fields, and other crops as the boat travel through a system of canals, lagoons, and backwaters. Experienced local boatmen drive the traditional wooden boats, or "kettuvallams," used for the boat journey. You can witness the island's lush green foliage, coconut trees, and other crops like banana, tapioca, and yam while you're on the boat journey.

A Guide to Munroe Island, Kollam

India > Kerala > Kollam

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Kollam

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