• By Travelspoc

Munroe Thuruth- A Mystical Island

In the deep reaches of Kollam, there is a pristine, expanse of greenery that will be of interest to the members of the great Scottish Clan, Munroe, who are scattered across the globe. Precisely for the two crores fourty lakh members of the Munroe Clan! It must be noted that just a few places named after the Clan exist and this islet in Kerala named after a Munroe should not be given a miss. 

An endless stretch of emerald green waters polka-dotted by green stretches of land, the Munroe Island in Kollam is a green paradise indeed.

The Munroe Island is a cluster of eight small islands that lie comfortably against the placid backwaters. The ideal way to experience the charm and rhythm of life at the islands is by ferrying in a country boat through its green labyrinth.

This backwater island village has been named after Colonel John Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. He contributed significantly in integrating several backwater regions by digging canals. 

This slice of greenery lies nestled at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, around 27 km off Kollam. The antiquity of the islet can be traced back to the age of megaliths and Stone-Age tools. 

If you are looking for the perfect getaway, this palm-tree lined remote and breathtakingly beautiful island where nature is in overdrive is the ideal choice. If there is one place where you understand the true meaning of tranquility, it is here at Munroe Thuruth.

History of Munroe Island:

 Munroe Island- Mitali or Mundrothuruthu is an inland island located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district, Kerala, South India. It is a group of eight small islets comprising a total area of about 13.4 sqkm.[1] The island, accessible by road, rail and inland water navigation, is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Kollam by road, 38 kilometres (24 mi) north from Paravur, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) west from Kundara and about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Karunagapally. As of the 2011 Indian census, the administrative village of Mundrothuruth (which includes nearby small villages as well) has a total population of 9599, consisting of 4636 males and 4963 females.

The place is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro of the former Princely State of Travancore. The island measures 13.4 square kilometres (5.2 sq mi) in area.

The island village is a tourism destination where one can see the coir retting process, coir weaving, fishing, prawns feeding, migratory bird watch, narrow canals and waterways, coconut farms on the lake shore, lagoons, mangrove plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.

Kallada Boat Race, which is one of the famous boat races in Kerala, is at Karuvathrakadavu- Muthiraparambu nettayam in Munroethuruth.

The island village is a tourism destination where one can see the coir retting process, coir weaving, fishing, prawns feeding, migratory bird watch, narrow canals and waterways, coconut farms on the lake shore, lagoons, mangrove plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.

Kallada Boat Race, which is one of the famous boat races in Kerala, is at Karuvathrakadavu- Muthiraparambu nettayam in Munroethuruth.

Munroe island is near Kollam, and it is actually composed by 8 islands, separated by small water channels and lakes. A few years ago there were no roads, and all transport was done by boat. Nowadays, there is a main road and a few secondary roads, with some cars, buses and motorcycles around, but its number is still low.

The population of the island is 10000, but I could not have guessed, it seems much less. Maybe because the houses are far from each other, maybe because there is a lot of nature. It is not crowded, it is clean, it is calm.

Things to do in Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

1) Canal cruise

The eight parts of Munroe Island are separated by a network of canals. The canal cruise will delight kids as it takes you all on an adventure via the backwaters and canals that crisscross in between the eight sections of Munroe Island.

I ventured into the non touristy part and discovered these canals. They pull the bridge every time a boat passes. Isn’t it cool! Backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey aka Alappuzha

2) Exploring the island

The island mainly consists of typical villages that are found around the Kerala backwaters. This makes it a perfect time for the kids to learn the local culture. You may watch how the villagers magically make coir products and other country crafts. Apart from the village, you will also get a stunning view of the beauty that nature has to offer with its lush greenery and emerald waters.

Cute little houses dot the landscape. Backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey aka Alappuzha

3) Other things to see

The Kerala backwaters are teeming with activity. These include water sports with a speedboat, canoeing, an innovative water cycle, and lots more. Ashtamudi Lake is also home to over 50 species of birds which makes bird-watching here a delight. You may also watch dolphins gliding through the waters or relax at Kollam beach.

Best time to visit Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

While Munroe Island can be visited at any time of the year, the months from October to May are considered the best time to visit as the rains may be a dampener at the Kerala backwaters. If you want to experience the Kallada Boat race, you must head here during Onam which is held in August or September.

How to reach Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

To reach the island, you can take a boat or ferry from the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. The nearest railway stations are the Munroe Island Railway Station which is 3km away and Kollam Railway Station which is 25km away from the island. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 84kmfrom MunroeIsland.

Where to stay in Munroe Island and Backwaters of Kerala

Club Mahindra Kerala presents the Club Mahindra Ashtamudi resort which is the nearest resort to Munroe Island. The resort offers comfortable rooms, floating cottages and restaurants. You may indulge in some of the holiday activities available near the backwaters or pamper yourself at the in-house Svaastha Spa, curl up with a book from the library or do a bit of all three! Club Mahindra Ashtamudi will ensure that you have a perfect holiday and this is what makes it one of the best resorts in Kerala.

So start planning an adventure of a lifetime at Munroe Island—one of the jewels of nature! Have a memorable holiday with family near Munroe Island at Club Mahindra Ashtamudi resort in Kerala.