Munroe Island: Captivating and Awe-inspiring

Text:  Swathychitra S  Pics: Kripa M S

A break from the tiresome scheduled life is the need of the hour. I too felt like taking a break from the busy tight life. When looking for calm and beautiful sights to relax, I came across Munroe Island. Secluded from day to day modern life, this place is a beauty untouched by sounding horns of vehicles or the hurry burry of city life. A very calm and peaceful place, surrounded by village life is a beauty to behold.

I started my journey in a car along with my friends. I was too excited to see the place in real because Google had provided me with so much of good information about the place. It is an island and so I had to board on a jangar (a ferry which takes vehicles to the other shore). It was my first time getting on a jangar and I was excited and scared at the same time because the one on which I boarded had six vehicles  along with several passengers. I heaved sigh of relief when reached the shore. But then I realised that it is the only mode of transportation for the villagers out there and it is safer than I expected. Then after a fifteen minutes journey in a car, I reached Munroe Island, a cluster of eight islands at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River. 

Munroe Island is located 27 km away from Kollam town. This place is named in honour of the Resident Colonel John Munroe, of the former princely state of Travancore. He is said to be master brain behind this beautiful tourist attraction. He is said to have integrated several backwaters by digging canals. Now Munroe is famous for narrow waterways, cruise canals and Kallada boat race held in the 10th day of Onam festival which attracts many foreigners to this hidden pearl of natural beauty. It offers a unique and tranquil setting, away from the daily chaos of modern life.

Once we set foot on this beautiful land we were surrounded by many canoe riders offering us rides for hours. There were canoes, kottavanchi (bowl boat/coracle boat) and houseboats offering rides. It is amazing to have a kottavanchi safari but I had opted for a canoe. It costs Rs 500 for one hour and 1000 for two hour journey. There were people who go for five hours with family to enjoy the beauty. My canoe rider Animon said that a rider can go for two rides a day and not more than that but if there are many people then they can go for as many rides as possible. Animon took us through the lush green trees which was amazing. Then as per our priority he took us through various small canals. The mangrove plants create a blissful feeling. Green trees in clear sky like water is more than a feast for the eyes. The chirruping of the birds and even the snakes moving thorough the water are sights to behold.

My canoe rider was friendly and offered me many anecdotes and even he took us to his house. He showed us the fish cultivation and the resorts out there. The journey through the lake gives a heavenly feeling. The endless Ashtamudi Lake and the union of Kallada River forms a beauty with unbound boundaries. Munroe Island stands strong to preserve the culture and beauty of the place. It is very clean not much exploited by the visitors. Blessed by the varsity of flora and fauna, people here live a satisfied life with whatever they have. They do agriculture, fishing and many other small jobs. They are exceptionally kind and welcoming by nature.

Travellers tip

If you do not know Malayalam, try to get a translator for the better understanding of the history of Island and its rustic life.

Be careful while watching the sunset from the canoe on which you will go down to experience the junction between Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake so that you do not slip and fall into water.

Best time to visit

The Munroe Island can be visited all the year around as per your choice and convenience. However it is recommended to visit in between November and February. The best time to visit is either early morning or just before sunset because tripping in a canoe under the scorching sun is not good as when the sun sets.

How to reach?

It is located 27 Km away from the heart of Kollam. You can either visit the place by hiring a car or riding down on by a steamer. You can also take a bus route or train according to your convenience.