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Tucked away in the serene backwaters of Kerala, Munroe Island is a hidden treasure trove. Named after Colonel John Munroe, who developed this area during the 19th century, this island is surrounded by the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River that are decked with unsullied landscapes, lush coconut groves, and rich cultural heritage. With various things to do in Munroe Island, whether you are a nature lover, cultural explorer, or someone seeking serenity, this island promises to offer you an experience that encapsulates the essence of Kerala’s backwaters.
10 Things To Do In Munroe Island
Here are 10 things to do in Munroe Island, along with the necessary details.
1. Canoeing And Kayaking
Photo: Emil Rajan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are wondering what to do in Munroe Island, then canoeing and kayaking are the best activities to indulge in as they take you through the intricate network of backwaters, narrow canals, and mangrove forests. Whether you are a beginner or a professional paddler, its calm waters help you have an endearing time here. It is not necessarily an activity but a quiet immersion amidst nature, where every dip of the paddle helps you more and more in reaching the experiential core of the natural beauty of Kerala.
Timings: Either mornings or evenings
Cost/Person: Around ₹800 for 2 hours
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2. Village Tour
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Munroe Island village tour is a brief cultural exposition into the way of life that characterises the traditional rural communities of Kerala. To learn more about the place, you can visit villages where coir-making and fishing are part of the everyday grind. It’s an opportunity to see firsthand how people depend on water for livelihoods and sustenance. Here, you’ll see the skill of weaving coir ropes and mats while interacting with friendly villagers and learning more about their customs and traditions.
Timings: Tours usually start in the morning or afternoon
3. Birdwatching
Photo: Shahin Olakar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are a nature enthusiast, then one of the best things to see in Munroe Island is endangered species of birds. Hosting numerous avifauna, here you can spot birds like kingfishers, herons, and some migratory species during early morning or late afternoon. The backwaters and greenery nearby offer the perfect environment for spending time amidst utmost serenity. Even if you are a casual observer, this activity will definitely leave you with moments of awe and appreciation at the same time.
Timings: Early morning or late afternoon
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4. Village Homestays
Photo: Ericson Fernandes / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the unforgettable experiences you can have in Munroe Island is the hospitality and culture. As you choose to stay in a local’s house, you would not only be staying in comfort but also enjoying home-cooked meals that are fulfilling. Besides that, it offers you an opportunity to get acquainted with the locals’ community and learn about their traditional practices. Moreover, peaceful surroundings and personal connection that develops between you and locals make the whole experience even more remarkable.
Cost/Person: ₹1090 onwards
5. Cycling Tour
Photo: Entho enghane / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A bicycle ride to Munroe Island involves discovering unexplored places. You can take scenic trails along coconut groves, paddy fields, and pretty villages. The flat terrain and quiet roads lets you have an immersive experience amidst natural beauty. While cycling through the spectacular landscapes, you can stop along the way to interact with villagers, drink freshly tapped coconut water, and capture picture postcard views of the backwaters. It’s one of the best ways to experience the laid-back charm of Kerala’s countryside.
Timings: Daytime
Cost/Person: Bicycle rental charges are ₹25 per hour
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6. Boat Cruises
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Boat cruises on Munroe Island offer a relaxed way of exploring the backwaters and the richness of nature in this region of Kerala. You could get a traditional wooden houseboat or a much smaller one with an outboard motor along the narrow canals. You can also explore sunset cruises, and get to cherish breathtaking views of the sun dipping below the horizon. Be it a romantic end to days gone by, relaxation at its best, or an adventurous spree, a boat cruise at Munroe Island will surely be the voyage of your lifetime.
Cost/Person: Around ₹800 for 2 hours
7. Visiting Churches And Temples
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Crammed with religious landmarks, Munroe Island is soaked in cultural heritage. St. Mary’s Church is a historic place of worship showcasing numerous colonial architectural and religious remains. Not very far from this place, there is the Sri Dhanwanthari Temple, which commands great spiritual value and holds traditional ritualistic practices revered by the local population. A visit to these places will enlighten you about the religious diversity and historical development. From the serenity of a church courtyard to the ritual of a temple ceremony, Munroe Island’s religious landmarks are vignettes of Kerala’s spiritual and cultural tapestry.
Timings: Daytime
Entry Fee: NA
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8. Fishing
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Fishing on Munroe Island is more of a way of life than an eventful recreation activity. Hop on a fisherman’s boat and learn the traditional techniques passed down through generations of fishermen. Try throwing a line in the backwaters and relish the catch, be it this prized karimeen pearl spot fish or any freshwater crab. It’s an interactive and insightful experience regarding the relationship between humans and their aquatic environment.
Timings: Morning or evening fishing trips
9. Photography
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
From scenic landscapes to dynamic villages and copious wildlife, Munroe Island has no dearth of opportunities for photography lovers. You can capture the sunrise over the backwaters, bustling local markets, or intricate details in traditional architecture. Whether you are a professional photographer or a newbie, each landscape here offers a different perspective worth capturing. From tight close-ups of an exotic bird to serene waterways unfolding across panoramic vistas, a visit to Munroe Island is a journey of discovery and visual narration in photography.
Timings: Daytime
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10. Exploring Ashtamudi Lake
Photo: Baburaj B / Wikimedia Commons
Ashtamudi Lake, located next to Munroe Island, is known for its natural beauty. Take a boat ride, and sail through the sprawling backwaters, inhabited islands, and bustling waterfronts. Along narrow channels lined with coconut palms on the banks of the lake, you can take a glimpse of the local life. Also famous for bird watching and fishing, here you can soothe the nature lover in you like never before. From sunset cruises to secret cove explorations, you can explore Ashtamudi Lake for various memory-stealing excursions through Kerala’s aquatic beauty.
Top Experiences: Boat rides available throughout the day
How to Reach: Via boats available from Munroe Island
With a myriad of things to do in Munroe Island, you are going to have a memorable time during your next vacation. Whether you are exploring the backwaters, indulging in local cuisine, or relaxing amidst lush landscapes, here you can experience timeless Kerala in the most pristine form. So, plan your journey to this spellbinding island with TripXL, and let its serene ambience rejuvenate you from within.
Cover Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
