Munroe Island
#13
Among Things To Do in Kollam
Label : Great For Family Outing
Tags : Island
Time Required : 2-3 hours
Munroe Island, Kollam Overview
Munroe Island is a cluster of eight small islets about 27 km from Kollam, held together by narrow canals where Ashtamudi Lake meets the sea. Known locally as Mundrothuruthu, it's best explored by canoe past coir-making villages, coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets, making it a quieter, less-visited alternative to the Alleppey backwaters.
Read More on Munroe Island
Canal Cruise at Munroe Island
One can experience a country craft cruise through the Munroe Island, which provides the visitor with the golden opportunity to view and enjoy the typical backwater island villages, full of colourful flowers and other plants.
The cruise operates twice a day at the following times:
Mornings- 9:00 AM onwards
Afternoon- 2:00 PM onwards
The ticket price to enjoy the cruise is INR 500 per person.
The cruise operates twice a day at the following times:
Mornings- 9:00 AM onwards
Afternoon- 2:00 PM onwards
The ticket price to enjoy the cruise is INR 500 per person.
Kallada Boat Race at Munroe Island
The popular Vallam Kali or boat race that takes place on the Kallada River attracts people from all parts of the country to come and visit the Munroe Island and to partake in the festivities. This boat race is conducted across the straight portion of the Kallada River and is preceded by a flamboyant sail past and a mass drill. Achievers from various other fields are also honoured during this event. The Tourist Promotion Council of the Kollam district conducts a country boat sightseeing across the Munroe Island, and this facility is indeed one of its kind and is the best in the country. This fun event takes place 28 days after Onam, and those who wish to witness the competition should plan their trip accordingly.
Canoe Tour at Munroe Island
Undoubtedly, the best part of a trip to the Munroe Island is the canoe tour that visitors get to enjoy here. The backwaters of the island are not very wide or deep but are lined with lush green and tall trees of coconut and palm. A ride across these waters provides you with magnificent sites of an abundance of flora, as well as colourful houses. As you move around in the boat, you will enjoy not just some splendid sights, but also hear the continuous chirping of birds, both native and migratory. Canoes are easily available on the island, either by DTPC or by private operators.
Things To Do at Munroe Island
Tourists who visit the island are particularly keen to observe the coir retting process and the weaving of coir. They can also take part in other activities like feeding prawns, watching migratory birds and fishing. Visitors also make it a point to taste the local dishes of Kerala that are served by numerous authentic sellers on the island.
History of Munroe Island
When the British established their supremacy in South India in 1795, the princely state of Travancore also came under their rule. They then started to appoint a Resident as the administrative head of Travancore, and the first Resident to be employed was Colonel Colin Macaulay. He was succeeded by Colonel John Munro, who took significant efforts concerning the land reclamation in the delta where the Kallada River meets the Ashtamudi Lake. He is credited with having integrated several backwater regions by digging canals by making use of stone age tools and megaliths. This reclaimed island was then named after him, as the Munroe Island.
Best Time To Visit Munroe Island
The best months to plan a trip to Munroe Island are between October and May. The island, however, is quite pleasing at all times of the year, but the monsoon months of June to September can ruin the fun.
How To Reach Munroe Island
The Munroe Islands are about 25 kilometres away from Kollam and can be easily reached via roadways, railways or inland water navigation. In order to reach the island, one would first have to reach Kollam. From the Perumon Ferry Point in Kollam, board a ferry to reach the Munroe Islands.
