Welcome to Holiday Island. You’ve found the perfect vantage point—close enough to hear the water’s secrets, yet tucked away from the midday shuffle of the Varkala day-trippers.
On Munroe Island, time moves like morning fog through palm fronds. This isn’t just a destination; it’s a rhythm of old Kerala breathing through the air. Use this guide to navigate the local surroundings, from the vast Ashtamudi Lake to the intimate village lanes right outside your door.
- The Signature Canals: A Sunrise Ritual
Sunrise is the island’s true masterpiece. While most travelers wait for the heat of the day, we recommend being on the water while the sky is still waking up.
The Experience: Drift through narrow waterways where the hibiscus dips low enough to brush your shoulder.
The Highlight: The “Mangrove Arches.” These twisted, saltwater-hewn tunnels create a cinematic passage through the greenery.
Guest Tip: Start early. The “golden hour” here is silent, save for the ripple of the paddle, offering a peace that evaporates by mid-morning.
- The Vastness of Ashtamudi Lake & Kallada River
Where the Kallada River meets the lake, the island opens up. Munroe is actually a cluster of eight islands surrounded by the expansive, shimmering waters of Ashtamudi Lake.
The Landscape: Unlike the tight canals, this is a world of scale. It is Kerala’s second-largest lake and a protected Ramsar Site, recognized for its delicate and vital ecosystem.
The Iconic View: Watch the Perumon Railway Bridge. Seeing a train glide low over the water as the sun dips below the horizon is the quintessential Munroe Island moment.
Activity: Rent a traditional Shikara for a broader perspective of the backwater geography.
- Village Life: Coir, Culture, and Cuisines
Step off the boat and onto the village paths to see the soul of the island. Life here is still tied to the earth and the coconut husk.
Coir Making: Watch local women transform coconut fibers into sturdy golden ropes using rhythmic, ancient spinning techniques.
The Local Palate: Pause at a corner Chayakada (tea shop).
Must try: A steaming ginger tea paired with Pazham Pori (fresh banana fritters).
Travel Mode: These paths are best explored on two wheels or a slow stroll.
- Traditional Fishing & Prawn Farms
Munroe Island is a living classroom for sustainable aquaculture. The waterways are lined with “Chemmeen Kettu”—traditional prawn filtration farms.
The Methods: Spot the giant Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala) guarding the lake’s edge, their silhouettes striking against the sky.
Get Involved: Many local spots allow you to try your hand at traditional line fishing. It’s a lesson in patience and local heritage.
- The AD 1878 Dutch Church
On the island’s western edge, where the water bends toward history, stands the old Dutch Church.
The Vibe: Built in 1878, this red-brick sanctuary is a silent witness to the passage of time. It remains a pocket of deep stillness, surrounded by swaying palms and the soft lap of the tide.
The Motto: “Keep near what matters, yet not caught in the noise.” It is the perfect spot for reflection before returning to your retreat.
Making the Most of Your Stay
Peace lives here, just beyond your doorstep at Holiday Island. Whether you choose a gentle float across the shore or a cycle through the village, the magic of the Kollam backwaters is yours to discover.
Recommended for your itinerary:
Sunrise: Canoe tour through the mangroves.
Midday: Village walk and coir-making demonstration.
Sunset: Shikara ride on Ashtamudi Lake near the railway bridge.