Plan your trip

Munroe Island is about 25 km north-east of Kollam on Kerala's southern coast. Most runners fly into Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi, or take the train to Kollam.

Getting there

Distances and times are approximate road journeys to Munroe Island.

From	Distance	Time	How
Thiruvananthapuram airport (TRV)	about 90 km	2 to 2.5 hours	Taxi or pre-booked cab. The closest airport.
Kochi airport (COK)	about 140 km	3.5 to 4 hours	Taxi, or a train from Ernakulam to Kollam
Kollam Junction railway station	about 25 km	45 minutes	Taxi or auto. On the main Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi line.
Munroturuttu railway station	on the island	short ride	Local passenger trains from Kollam stop on the island itself

Race shuttle Shuttle plans between Kollam and the race venue are coming soon.

Where to stay

On the island

Munroe Island has small family-run homestays, many of them on the water. They are the closest beds to the race village, and there are not many. Book early.

In Kollam

Kollam town has hotels at every budget, about 45 minutes from the venue. Pick this if you want more choice or are travelling with family.

Partner stays

Coming soon. We are arranging runner rates with homestays and hotels, and will list them here.

Around the island

Come a day early or stay a day longer. The race finishes at 1 am, so Sunday is for slow mornings on the water.

Canoe through the canals. Local boatmen run country-canoe trips through the island's narrow canals, best at sunrise.
Ashtamudi Lake. Kerala's second-largest lake wraps around the island, with houseboat and ferry trips from Kollam.
Kollam town. Kollam Beach and the Thangassery lighthouse are an easy evening out.
Island food. Try fresh karimeen (pearl spot) and toddy-shop curries at the island's small eateries.

Sunset over the backwater with mangrove silhouettes — Sunset over the backwaters

A small boat passing through an arch of mangroves on the lake — Through the mangroves

A boatman poling a canoe across the lake under a pink dusk sky — A canoe at dusk

A red-roofed house and footbridge reflected in still water on Munroe Island — Houses on the water

Villagers in a canoe at sunset on the backwaters — Canals at sunset

Sunset over the railway bridge at Munroe Island, with a train crossing — The railway bridge

Further afield

Make a trip of it. Kerala's coast, lakes and hills are within easy reach of Kollam.

Kollam BeachSunsets over the Arabian Sea, in town
Thangassery lighthouseClimb it for views over the coast, in Kollam
Kollam's seafrontEvening walks and street food
Varkala cliffCliff-top cafés and beach, about an hour south
Jatayu Earth's CenterA giant sculpture on a hilltop, about an hour inland
HouseboatsOvernight on the backwaters, from Kollam or Alappuzha

Travel times are approximate, by road from Kollam.

What to pack

Besides your mandatory kit:

Light, breathable clothes for the heat
Sunscreen and a cap for the afternoon laps
Insect repellent for the evening
Sandals for between laps
Photo ID for bib collection
Some cash: island shops and autos may not take cards