Kollam sits on Ashtamudi, the “eight-branched” lake that is the southern gateway to the Kerala backwaters. It’s quieter than Alleppey and Kumarakom, and its highlight — the canal-laced Munroe Island — offers some of the most intimate backwater experiences in the state.
Munroe Island
Munroe Island (Mundrothuruthu) is a group of eight islets where the Kallada river meets Ashtamudi Lake, threaded with narrow canals too shallow and tight for big houseboats. The way to see it is a small country canoe, poled by a local through waterways barely wider than the boat, past coir-making yards, prawn farms, Chinese fishing nets and village homes. A guided village canoe trip here is one of Kerala’s most rewarding slow-travel half-days.
Ashtamudi Lake and the great ferry
On the open lake you can take a houseboat cruise or a shorter shikara, with better value and fewer boats than the northern backwaters. Kollam is also one end of the celebrated DTPC ferry to Alleppey — an eight-hour public boat, roughly December to March, that is one of the longest and cheapest backwater cruises in India. October to March is the season for all of it.
- For Munroe Island, take the small village canoe, not a big boat — that’s the whole point.
- Early morning and late afternoon are best on the water for light and birdlife.
- The Kollam–Alleppey DTPC ferry runs mainly December–March; buy tickets at the DTPC office by the Kollam jetty.
- Kollam is on the main railway line, so Munroe Island and Ashtamudi are an easy add-on to a coastal trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is Munroe Island known for?
A cluster of islets off Ashtamudi Lake laced with narrow canals, explored by small poled country canoes past coir yards, fishing nets and village life — one of Kerala’s most peaceful backwater experiences.
Is Kollam better than Alleppey for backwaters?
It’s quieter and cheaper, with fewer boats and the intimate Munroe Island canoe trips. Alleppey has the classic houseboat scene; Kollam suits travellers wanting a calmer, more local feel.
Can you take a boat from Kollam to Alleppey?
Yes — the DTPC tourist ferry runs an eight-hour cruise between Kollam and Alleppey, mostly December to March, one of the longest backwater boat journeys in India.