Munroe Island, also known as Mundrothuruthu, is a scenic island located at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in Kollam district, Kerala, India. Here are the full details:
Geography and Climate
1. *Location*: Munroe Island is situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, India.
2. *Elevation*: The island has an average elevation of 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.
3. *Climate*: Munroe Island experiences a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F).
Places to Visit
1. *Dutch Church*: A historic church built by the Dutch in 1878, showcasing a unique blend of Dutch and Kerala architectural styles.
2. *Munroe Island Village*: Explore the traditional village life, interact with locals, and experience the island's culture.
3. *Ashtamudi Lake*: Enjoy boat cruises, fishing, and birdwatching in the scenic Ashtamudi Lake.
4. *Kallada River*: Take a boat ride along the Kallada River and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
5. *Coconut Plantations*: Walk through the lush coconut plantations and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Activities
1. *Boat Cruises*: Enjoy boat cruises in the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River.
2. *Fishing*: Try your hand at fishing in the lake and river.
3. *Birdwatching*: Spot various bird species, including migratory birds, in the island's surroundings.
4. *Village Walks*: Explore the island's villages and experience traditional life.
5. *Cycling*: Rent bicycles and ride through the island's scenic roads.
How to Reach
1. *By Air*: The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located 70 km (43 miles) from Kollam.
2. *By Rail*: The nearest railway station is the Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN), located 30 km (19 miles) from Munroe Island.
3. *By Road*: Munroe Island is connected to Kollam by road, and regular bus services are available.
Accommodation
Munroe Island offers various accommodation options, including:
1. *Homestays*: Experience traditional Kerala hospitality in homestays.
2. *Resorts*: Enjoy luxurious stays in resorts overlooking the lake.
3. *Guesthouses*: Opt for budget-friendly guesthouses and lodges.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Munroe Island is from September to May, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Language
The official language of Munroe Island is Malayalam, but many locals also speak English, Tamil, and Hindi.
Cuisine
Munroe Island offers a range of traditional Kerala cuisine, including:
1. *Seafood*: Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, including fish, prawns, and lobsters.
2. *Coconut-based dishes*: Savor traditional Kerala dishes made with coconut, including curries and desserts.
3. *Rice and tapioca*: Try traditional Kerala staples, including rice and tapioca.
The Dutch Church in Kollam, also known as the Munroe Island Dutch Church, is a historic church located on Munroe Island in Kollam, Kerala, India. Here are the full details:
History
1. *Built in 1878*: The church was built by the Dutch in 1878, during their colonial rule in India.
2. *Dedicated to St. Peter*: The church was dedicated to St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Architecture
1. *Dutch-Kerala architecture*: The church showcases a unique blend of Dutch and Kerala architectural styles.
2. *Red brick construction*: The church is built using red bricks, which were brought from the Netherlands.
3. *Wooden roof*: The church has a wooden roof, which is adorned with intricate carvings.
4. *Stained glass windows*: The church has beautiful stained glass windows, which filter in natural light.
Features
1. *Bell tower*: The church has a bell tower, which houses a large bell.
2. *Graveyard*: The church has a graveyard, where many Dutch and British colonizers are buried.
3. *Inscriptions*: The church has several inscriptions, which provide valuable information about the church's history.
Current Status
1. *Inactive church*: The church is no longer active, and is now a historical monument.
2. *Managed by a single family*: The church is managed by a single Christian family, who reside in the locality.
Visiting Information
1. *Location*: The church is located on Munroe Island, which is accessible by boat from Kollam.
2. *Timings*: The church is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. *Entry fee*: There is no entry fee to visit the church.
How to Reach
1. *By Air*: The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located 70 km (43 miles) from Kollam.
2. *By Rail*: The nearest railway station is the Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN), located 30 km (19 miles) from Munroe Island.
3. *By Road*: Munroe Island is connected to Kollam by road, and regular bus services are available.
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