Must doKathakali evening in Fort Kochi
Watch the performers put on their make-up, then see Kerala's classical dance-drama up close.
WhereKollam district, on Ashtamudi Lake
From KollamUnder an hour by road
IslandsEight small islets
Best timeEarly morning or late afternoon
TourAbout 2 to 3 hours by canoe
ParentsEasy, a few steps to the canoe
Check before you go: Timings, fees and access can change with the season, festivals and weather. Check the latest timings before you go; on our trips we confirm them for you.
Munroe Island, called Mundrothuruthu locally, is a group of eight small islands near Kollam in Kerala, where Ashtamudi Lake meets the Kallada River. The best way to see it is a 2 to 3-hour canoe tour through narrow canals, early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Mundrothuruthu: Kerala backwaters without the crowds
Unlike Alleppey, there are no big houseboats here. You glide through narrow canals in a small country canoe, past coir makers, prawn farms, coconut groves and homes that open onto the water.
The island is named after Colonel John Munro, a British Resident in the old state of Travancore.
Is it okay for parents?
EasyStepsA few to the canoe
WalkingVery little
Canoe tour tips
- Timing: go early morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler air.
- Duck: low bridges cross the narrow canals; the boatman will warn you.
- Bring: a hat, water and insect repellent.
Veg and Jain food
Simple vegetarian meals on request.
Experiences nearby
Do more with locals
Must do
Nature & slowTea estate morning in Munnar
Walk the tea slopes in the cool morning, see how the leaf is processed, then taste it fresh.
AdventureCycling through the tea estates
Ride quiet estate roads through the tea hills, with stops for the views.
Food & peopleSpice plantation walk in Thekkady
See pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves growing, with a farmer who knows every plant.
AdventureJungle walk in Periyar
A guided walk in the Periyar forest, looking for birds, giant squirrels and signs of elephants.
Nature & slowVillage canoe ride on the backwaters
Slip into the narrow canals a houseboat cannot reach, past homes, paddy and toddy shops.
Food & peopleHome-cooked sadya lunch
A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, with a family in a backwater village.
FAQ
Mundrothuruthu: your questions
Is Mundrothuruthu better than Alleppey?
It is different. Munroe is quieter and more local, by small canoe; Alleppey is about houseboats and the open lake.
When is the best time for a Munroe Island canoe tour?
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and it is cooler.
How far is Mundrothuruthu from Kollam?
Under an hour by road, which makes it an easy morning trip from Kollam or Varkala.
Is the Munroe canoe ride safe for elders?
Yes, for most. It is a calm, seated ride; boarding needs a little care.
Can I combine the Kollam backwaters with Varkala?
Yes. They are close, and our Kerala Grand Journey goes from the canals to Varkala on the same day.
Something else on your mind? Ask on WhatsApp