FEBRUARY 2025
OVERVIEW
If you haven’t done so already, please read my India Tips, Tricks, and Traps post first. This will help you better understand what you are going to read in this post.
We have just had a look at the Kerala Backwaters.
<<< our next stop is Munroe Island, Kerala >>>
EXCHANGE RATE
The currency in India is the Rupee (the ‘INR’ or ‘rs’). At the time of writing, the exchange rates for the major currencies were:
| US$1 | EU€1 | GB£1 | |
| Published Wholesale Rate | 86.35 | 89.93 | 106.57 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Wise Debit Card) | 85.48 | 89.03 | 105.50 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Typical Credit Card) | 84.40 | 87.91 | 104.17 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Good ATM) | 84.40 | 87.99 | 104.17 |
| Actual Exchange Rate (Bad ATM) | 78.58 | 81.84 | 96.98 |
Over time, these exchange rates will change. Please check the current rates.
For simplicity, think of a 500rs note as being US$6 / EU€6 / GB£5.
ATMs
Be careful which ATM you use. I use SBI Bank ATMs WITHOUT CONVERSION.
WISE DEBIT CARD
I keep my costs down by using a Wise Debit Card.
WHEN TO GO
The West Coast has a tropical monsoonal climate with a dry season and a heavy monsoon the rest of year. There is no cold season.
The best time to come is December through April.
GETTING THERE
I was already in Kollam. Munroe Island is only 25kms from Kollam. The train from Kollam to Munroe Island does not leave at convenient times.
I decided to make my own way there …
My Ashtamudi Villas hotel in Kollam organised a Tuk Tuk to pick me up and take me the 9.4kms to Perumon Devi Temple. The rule-of-thumb price for this Tuk Tuk was 240rs (30rs flag fall, plus 10x 15rs kms travel, plus 4x 15rs to come from Kollam town centre to my hotel). I agreed a price of 250rs with my hotel.
The ferry from Perumon Devi Temple over to Edachal Bridge, Pattamthuruth was 10rs.
I paid a Tuk Tuk 70rs to get from there to my Munroe Island homestay.
RECOMMENDATION: This was very easy to do.
MUNROE ISLAND TRANSPORT
UBER
UBER does not operate here.
TUK TUKs & TAXIs
Rule-of-thumb prices apply.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Busses (e.g. from KSRTC) bring people to and from the island (usually to the Train Station) but there is no public transport within the island itself.
SCOOTER RENTAL
I was unable to find a scooter rental on the island.
BICYCLE RENTAL
My homestay rented an old bicycle for 50rs per day. I found a bicycle sufficient for getting around the island … it is an enjoyable thing to do.
INTERNET / WIFI
I had an Indian SIM Card from Airtel. I had a strong 4G signal everywhere.
AROUND THE ISLAND
Munroe Island or Mundrothuruthu is an inland island group located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. It is a group of eight small islets comprising a total area of about 13.4 km2 (5.2 sq mi). As of the 2011 Indian census, the total population was 9599.
Munroe Island is also known as the “Sinking Island” however, after detailed investigation, this has been shown to be untrue … only heavy buildings (not built to ‘code’) are sinking.
MY ACCOMMODATION
I used AGODA to book 4 nights in a Deluxe Double Fan Room at the Eternal Isle Inn. I paid 1,030rs / US$12 per night.
I was happy with my room. The fan was enough, the wifi was good, and I enjoyed sitting out on the patio working. Another plus was that they had a Washing Machine and I was able to launder all of my clothes.
One minus: No hot water shower.
EAT & DRINK
Immediately across the road from my homestay was a local restaurant (the Mundro Riverside Restaurant) with meals at typical prices. A Kerala Thali (which includes fish) was 100rs and scored 7/10.
You will find several local cafes / restaurants scattered around the island … you shouldn’t have to go far from your hotel to find one.
There are also many small grocery stores scattered around the island where you can buy necessities at local prices. E.g. for snacks, I used to buy 1kg of bananas for 35rs.
DRINK
There is no Kerala State Beverages Outlet on Munroe Island. The nearest one is in Kollam. If you like a drink, I suggest that you bring what you need with you.
WHERE TO STAY
Munroe Island is small … you can stay anywhere.
That said, there are so many picturesque backstreets and country lanes that I see no need to book a place on a busy main road.
GETTING AWAY
I booked a 3rd Class seat on the 7:50am train from Munroe Island to Varkala. The price was 45rs before fees.
The journey takes 45 minutes.
YOUR GRANDPAcking COSTS
A GRANDPAcking couple should have ‘Money to Burn‘.
CONCLUSION
Munroe Island is a picturesque and relaxing place. Unspoilt.
Many GRANDPAckers will enjoy a few days here … but you may run out of things to do after a few days.
Why not FOLLOW US to stay up to date with our Postings and Reviews.
