HostelExp, Munroe Island - A Community Experience — Hotel in Kerala

The sea and backwaters have always held a special place in my heart. I’ve long dreamed of visiting Varkala and Munroe Island—one, a serene beach town; the other, a picturesque backwater village. Both these places have a way of gently slowing down life. I often find myself returning whenever I feel the need to pause and breathe.

In July 2025, I travelled to Varkala and Munroe Island and had the chance to stay at a beautiful place called HostelEXP. It’s the kind of stay where you simply wake up, step out of the main door, and are greeted by the calming view of the backwaters.

I spent two unhurried days there, soaking in the tranquil pace of life that Munroe Island offers—life here moves even slower than you’d expect, in the most soothing way possible.

One of the highlights was kayaking through the backwaters. And how can I not mention the natural swimming pool right in front of the hostel—yes, the very backwaters themselves—where I spent hours floating and unwinding.

This trip brought with it a new experience I want everyone reading this to try at least once: I rented a cycle and rode along the enchanting roads of Munroe Island. It was liberating.

If you’re craving a still, soul-refreshing escape—where you’re surrounded by water and filled with small yet delightful adventures—don’t wait. Just step through the gates of HostelEXP in Munroe Island and let the...

I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s such a peaceful place, and the island itself is absolutely pristine. Aadil is a great host, super friendly and welcoming. I’ve met some amazing people during my stay, and the vibe is just perfect for connecting with others or just relaxing.

The kayaking experience was fantastic, and I even swam in the backwaters, which was such a refreshing experience. One of the highlights was when Aadil plucked a few coconuts for us. we shared them together, and it felt so wholesome.

They also have a great cook, and I absolutely adore the community kitchen here. It adds such a homely touch to the place.

I’ll definitely...

We were so happy when we found this little gem. Everything was new and in excellent condition. They had proper bicycles available—something we didn’t find at any other accommodation. The host was exceptionally friendly and helpful. You can tell that a truly special place is being created here, with great leisure activities. We were able to borrow yoga mats and test the SUP board. The food was delicious, and the Wi-Fi connection was stable enough for video calls. We’d gladly return anytime—thank you for the...