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Munroe Island

Kollam, Kerala, India
The Backwater Paradise: Munroe Island, or Mundrothuruthu, is a cluster of eight tiny islands located at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. Named after Colonel John Munro, a British resident of the erstwhile Travancore state, the island is a masterpiece of canal networks and lush greenery. It is famous for its slow-paced life, narrow waterways that can only be navigated by small canoes, and traditional coir-weaving villages. Visitors can witness the "sinking island" phenomenon, where parts of the land are gradually being reclaimed by the water, making it a point of interest for environmentalists. The island offers an immersive experience of rural Kerala, with its prawn farms, coconut groves, and friendly local community. It is a haven for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Days
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    Place Type:
    Island & Backwaters
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    Entry Fees:
    No Entry Fee: Visiting the island is free. Canoe tours cost between INR 500 to 1500 per boat. Bicycle rentals are around INR 100 per day. ...
    No Entry Fee: Visiting the island is free. Canoe tours cost between INR 500 to 1500 per boat. Bicycle rentals are around INR 100 per day.
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    Timing:
    Accessible 24/7: Boats operate from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise (5:45 AM) for the most magical experience and bird sightings. ...
    Accessible 24/7: Boats operate from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise (5:45 AM) for the most magical experience and bird sightings.
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    Special Events:
    Kallada Boat Race: Held during the Onam season (August/September), this is a spectacular event with hundreds of rowers competing in the Kallada River. ...
    Kallada Boat Race: Held during the Onam season (August/September), this is a spectacular event with hundreds of rowers competing in the Kallada River.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Sunrise Point: Near the main boat jetty.

    Dutch Church: For its vintage colonial charm.

    Coconut Palm Canals: For the iconic "backwater" shot. ...
    Sunrise Point: Near the main boat jetty.

    Dutch Church: For its vintage colonial charm.

    Coconut Palm Canals: For the iconic "backwater" shot.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Canoe Cruise: The must-do activity; best at 6:00 AM.

    Cycling: Rent a bike and ride through the island's flat, scenic paths.

    Village Walk: Interact with locals and watch coir weaving.

    Bird Watching: Spot kingfishers, herons, and migratory ducks.

    Photography: Capture the "mirror" reflections in the still canal waters.

    Fishing: Try traditional pole fishing with the locals.

    Visit Dutch Church: Explore the history of the 19th-century church. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Canoe Tours: Munroe Island is world-famous for its sunrise and sunset canoe cruises. Unlike the large houseboats of Alleppey, these small boats can enter the tiniest of canals, providing a much more intimate experience.

    Coir Industry: It is...
    Canoe Tours: Munroe Island is world-famous for its sunrise and sunset canoe cruises. Unlike the large houseboats of Alleppey, these small boats can enter the tiniest of canals, providing a much more intimate experience.

    Coir Industry: It is a major hub for traditional coir production, where you can see the entire process from husk to rope.
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    Architecture:
    Dutch and Colonial Influence: The island features a mix of traditional Kerala homesteads and colonial remnants. The Dutch Church, built in 1878, is a major architectural highlight with its red-tiled roof and white facade.

    Dimension: The isl...
    Dutch and Colonial Influence: The island features a mix of traditional Kerala homesteads and colonial remnants. The Dutch Church, built in 1878, is a major architectural highlight with its red-tiled roof and white facade.

    Dimension: The island covers an area of 13. 4 square kilometers. The narrow canals through which the canoes pass are often only 4 to 6 feet wide, creating a "tunnel" effect under the leaning coconut palms.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (84 KM).

    By Train: Munroe Island has its own station, but few express trains stop. Kollam Junction (25 KM) is best.

    By Road: Connected by road via Chittumala.
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Ashtamudi Lake (1 KM), Kallada River (0 KM), Thevally Palace (20 KM), Kollam Beach (26 KM), Thangassery Lighthouse (28 KM), Jatayu Earth Center (35 KM), Thenmala (50 KM), Sasthamcotta Lake (15 KM), Amritapuri (30 KM), Varkala (45 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Use mosquito repellent.

    Packing: Light cotton clothes and a sun hat.

    Accommodation: Homestays are the best way to experience the local culture.

    Cash & Connectiv...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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