Munroe Island: Tourists are back after a lull; what to see

The iconic Munroe Island (Munroe Thuruth), a major tourism landmark in Kollam, got a fresh lease of life as tourists started coming in the last leg of the summer holidays. The boatmen transporting tourists to the island had been in a crisis as the number of visitors drastically fell due to the West Asian war, the heat wave, as well as the elections in the state. Now that the elections are over and the summer drizzles have been cooling down in Kerala, tourists have started arriving to enjoy the island's enchanting beauty. 

The local residents were worried when the S curve, one of the main points in the area, remained deserted even in the evenings. Although tourists have just started arriving during the delayed season, the boating points have become active again. Meanwhile, shikara boats have been in high demand this year. 

Main tourism points
Munroe Island is a group of small islets between Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada Lake. Visitors can walk in the shallow waters of the lake and even enjoy a stroll through the mangrove forests in the Pappani area, where Kallada Lake joins the Ashtamudi Lake.

These are the major tourism spots in this area:
• The lake and the mangrove caves in the S curve. 
• Sunrise at Palliyarthuruth
• Sunset at Perungalam Vedan Chadimala
• Ancient Dutch church
• Munroe museum
• Kakkathuruth

Safety matters
• Tourists should strictly wear life jackets while enjoying boat rides
• Follow the instructions of the boatmen in small boats. Although the streams are narrow, they may be deep. Do not stand up or move to the sides while travelling in small boats.

How to reach?
The Munroturuttu (MQO) Railway Station is located on the island. The island is also about 25 km away from the Kollam Railway Station. By road, it is the same distance from Kollam and around 90 km from the nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.