Water Lily Bloom at Malarikkal

Kerala has always been blessed with breathtaking landscapes, abundant natural resources, and a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. But every year, nature has a way of surprising us with something new. In recent years, the blooming of water lilies across parts of Kottayam district has become one such seasonal spectacle.

Among the many places where this magical transformation can be witnessed, Malarikkal, which is situated adjacent to the Thiruvarpu Road at Illikkal Town, near Kottayam, has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

From the spectacular Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra to the enchanting Neelakurinji blooms of Munnar, seasonal flowers have always tempted me to travel. There is something special about witnessing nature at its most fleeting—knowing that the spectacle will disappear in just a few weeks.

This time, it was the turn of Malarikkal.

An Early Morning Journey from Kochi

My wife and I set out from Kochi at around 5 a.m., eager to catch the flowers at their best. An early start is important because water lilies bloom during the night and gradually wither as the day progresses. If you want to experience the flowers in their full glory, it is advisable to reach Malarikkal before 11 a.m.

As we approached the destination, the excitement grew. We parked our car some distance away from the actual viewing area and continued on foot, crossing a bridge and walking towards the vast paddy fields.

And then, suddenly, the landscape opened up before us.

A Paddy Field Turned Pink

What we saw was almost surreal.

The vast expanse of paddy fields appeared to be covered with an unearthly pink carpet of water lilies. Thousands of flowers floated across the water, creating a scene that looked more like a painting than a real landscape.

People had arrived from different places, cameras and mobile phones in hand, eager to capture the fleeting beauty. Families posed for photographs, friends wandered through the fields, and photographers searched for the perfect frame.

The flowers, locally known as ambal, transformed the otherwise familiar paddy fields into a spectacular natural garden.

Walking Among the Water Lilies

After walking some distance along the fields, we decided to experience the flowers from a different perspective.

We took a boat ride through the water lilies, gliding slowly between the clusters of pink blossoms. The boat ride cost ₹100 per person.

From the boat, the experience was even more beautiful. Surrounded by flowers on all sides, we could appreciate the sheer scale of the bloom. The gentle movement of the boat, the morning light, and the pink flowers stretching into the distance created a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

It was one of those moments when there was little need to say anything. Nature itself provided the entertainment.

A Seasonal Spectacle

The water lilies spread across an extensive area of paddy fields—reported to cover around 900 acres during the blooming season.

Interestingly, these fields are not permanent flower gardens. The water lilies flourish during the period when the paddy fields are not being cultivated. As the water level begins to recede and the time for agricultural activities approaches, farmers prepare the fields for cultivation and remove the flowers, including through the use of pesticides.

This makes the bloom a particularly fleeting experience. The same fields that become a spectacular sea of pink during one season will eventually return to their agricultural purpose.

Why Malarikkal Is Worth Visiting

For many Keralites, a trip to Malarikkal during the water-lily season has become a favourite seasonal outing. It is an opportunity to step away from the usual tourist attractions and experience a quieter, more natural side of Kerala.

There is no grand monument here, no elaborate attraction and no artificial spectacle. Instead, there are paddy fields, water, flowers, boats, and the simple beauty of rural Kerala.

And perhaps that is what makes Malarikkal so special.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

If you are planning to visit Malarikkal during the water-lily season:

Start early: The flowers look their best in the morning and begin to wither as the day progresses.

Reach before 11 a.m.: Early morning offers better light and a more pleasant experience.

Carry a camera: The pink carpet of flowers provides countless opportunities for photography.

Try the boat ride: Seeing the flowers from the water offers a completely different perspective.

Check the blooming season: The flowering period is seasonal and can vary from year to year.

Respect the fields: These are working agricultural lands, so visitors should avoid damaging the plants or disturbing farming activities.

A Morning to Remember

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