Named after Colonel John Munro, a British Resident who oversaw major land reclamation here in the early 19th century, Munroe Island’s narrow canoe-width canals wind past coir-making yards, paddy fields and small farming hamlets, offering a slower, more village-focused backwater experience than the larger houseboat routes. Munroe Island sits at an elevation of 9 m and is typically explored in about half day. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, March, and June, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Munroe Island Bird Sanctuary, Chavara Panchayat Jetty, and Munroe Island Village Walk. Other notable highlights include country boat ride through palm-fringed narrow canals, kallada River meeting Ashtamudi Lake at dusk, and traditional coir-making demonstration by local women. It falls within Kollam, Kollam district, and Kerala, India.
State: Kerala
Ideal Duration: Half Day
December, January, March, June
There are no restaurants or public restrooms on the island itself, but all homestays provide fresh Kerala meals (fish curry, rice, and coconut-based dishes) and clean, basic washrooms for guests. If you are only doing a day trip, ask your boat operator to stop at a homestay for lunch and a rest break—most are happy to arrange this. It is wise to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Yes, but with some planning. The island’s main attractions are accessed by slow, flat-bottomed canoe rides, which require getting in and out of a boat with assistance—so sturdy footwear and a helper are advised. Walking paths are mostly narrow and uneven, so a walking stick is useful, but most homestays can arrange wheelchair-friendly seating on the boat if informed in advance.
A half-day canoe tour (about 2 to 3 hours) covers the highlights, but most visitors stay overnight to enjoy the quiet backwaters and sunset. As a day trip from Kollam or Trivandrum, you can arrive by 10 am, do a 2-hour boat ride, have lunch at a local homestay, and leave by 4 pm. However, the pace is relaxed, so an overnight stay is more comfortable for seniors.
The most convenient route is to take a train or taxi to Kollam (about 70 km from Trivandrum), then hire a local auto-rickshaw or boat from Kollam’s Ashtamudi Lake jetty to the island. The journey takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours in total, with the boat ride being the most scenic part. For seniors, a private taxi directly to the island’s jetty is recommended to avoid transfers.
Wear light, breathable cotton clothing and flat, non-slip sandals or shoes, as the boat deck can be wet. Carry a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket (if visiting June to September), plus a bottle of water. Do not bring heavy luggage on the boat—leave it at your homestay or in the vehicle.