Malarikkal is a beautiful place in Kerala, located where the Meenachilar and Kodular Rivers meet. From July to September, it is known for its stunning water lilies, which bloom in bright colours like pink, white, and crimson. These flowers are celebrated as the national flower of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, symbolising beauty and culture.
Unique Flowering Season
This year, the blooming season started later than usual, but visitors can still enjoy the amazing sight by taking boat rides through the fields filled with these lovely blossoms. Interestingly, the water lilies are not the main crop; they grow as weeds in the muddy beds of paddy fields, adding a wonderful splash of colour to Kerala’s scenery.
Affordable Boat Rides
Visitors can take a boat ride for just INR 100, with boatmen ready to help as early as 5:30 am. It’s best to go between 5:30 am and 8:00 am to see the flowers at their best because they start to wilt once the sun rises. The cost of the boat rides may change depending on how long visitors want to take pictures or enjoy the beauty of the water lilies. The flowers will continue to attract tourists until October, after which they will begin to wither.
Thriving Tourism
The Malarikkal water lily festival takes place from August to mid-October and has become a popular attraction. Last year, it generated over Rs 1 crore in just three months from parking fees, flower sales, and boat rides. The Malarikkal Tourism Society reports that local communities benefit directly from the many visitors.
Accessibility
To get to Malarikkal, travellers can come from Kottayam or Kumarakom. If driving from Kottayam, head to Illikkal Junction, turn left onto Thiruvarppu Road, and cross the Kanjiram bridge. The area is also reachable by air, with Cochin International Airport about 84.3 km away, and by train, as Kottayam Railway Station is roughly 7.6 km from Malarikkal.
Seasonal Growth
The water lilies grow in the large Thiruvaykkari polders, creating a stunning display every year before the paddy cultivation starts again in mid-October. Tourists are encouraged to visit between 6 am and 10 am to see the flowers at their most vibrant, as they begin to wilt after 10 am. Malarikkal offers a beautiful experience for anyone looking to enjoy nature and the rich culture of Kerala.
