Glide by canoe through Munroe Island's palm-shaded canals in the cool of the morning, see village life on the Kallada river, then Sasthamkotta, Kerala's largest freshwater lake.
Highlights: Canoe through canals, Island village life, Sasthamkotta lake, Lakeside temple
Itinerary
7:00 AM — Pickup Kollam Junction station · Kollam KSRTC bus station · Trivandrum Airport (on request) (Airport pickup on request)
7:45 AM — Munroe Island canoe ride A country canoe poled through narrow canals past coir work, duck pens and prawn ponds. (Paid direct · about 2 hrs)
10:00 AM — Village breakfast & walk Kerala breakfast at a homestay or tea shop, own expense, then a short walk on the island.
11:15 AM — Sasthamkotta temple The lakeside Dharma Sastha temple, known for its monkeys. (Dress code · temple's entry rules)
11:45 AM — Sasthamkotta lake Kerala's largest freshwater lake, a Ramsar wetland. Lunch nearby, own expense. (No swimming)
2:30 PM — Drop-off Kollam Junction, KSRTC bus station, or your own stop in the city
Good to know
🛶 The canoe ride: Run by local canoe operators and paid direct; mornings are cooler and calmer. Low bridges over the canals — stay seated, hands inside the canoe.
🌧️ Weather & water: After very heavy rain or at high tide some canals close; the boatman picks a safe route. Little shade on the water — bring a hat and sunscreen.
🛕 Sasthamkotta: Dress modestly; entry rules inside are set by the temple. Monkeys snatch food and bags — keep them closed.
🌿 Village manners: Munroe is a living village — ask before photographing people or homes. No plastic in the canals, please.
