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Water Lily Bloom at Malarikkal


Kerala, with its natural beauty and abundant natural resources is no longer left behind.  In the past few years, Water Lily bloom  have become a phenomenon across different parts of  Kottayam district, in the Indian Sate of Kerala.  Malarikal, which is situated adjacent to the Thiruvarpu Road at Illikkal Town, near Kottayam,  has been the most visited place this year for witnessing the Water Lily bloom.

From Kass plauto in Maharashtra to the Neelakurinji bloom in Munnar, blooming of seasonal flowers tempt me to visit the places in a celebrated mood. And this time, it was the turn of water lilies at Malarikkal. This year, blooming of water lilies (Nymphaea Stellata or ambal in local parlance) will last only till the mid of November.

Me and my wife started at 5 am in the early morning from Kochi. The flowers bloom during the night and wither during daytime. It is better to visit the place before 11 am.

When we reached the place, the vast stretch of paddy fields were seen blanketed in an unearthly pink shade.  People were flocking Malarikkal for taking photos. Parked my car far away from the actual spot and walked a long way by crossing the bridge.


We walked some distance between the water lilies in the paddy field and then took a boatride between the pink beauties. They charged Rs.100 per head.

The  900-acre water lily or Ambal flowers blooms when there is no farming in the field. As and when the water level starts receding, the farmers  prepare the land for cultivation, by spraying pesticides to remove these flowers.

A day trip to  Malarikal for “water lily bloom viewing” is a favourite pastime for many Keralities during this season.  It’s time to refresh your eyes with the beautiful sight of blooming flowers.

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