Often referred to as God’s own country, Kerala is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India. With its growing popularity, however, the state also sees millions of tourists every year and some of its popular tourist spots can get rather crowded. So if you are craving for a place that is off the popular tourist route, the Malarikkal Water Lily Fest may just be for you. In the bustling city in Kottayam is one of Kerala’s most beautiful hidden gems; the quaint hamlet of Malarikkal and the stunning Malarikkal water lily fest.
Everything You Need To Know About the Malarikkal Water Lilies
Go off the beaten path and explore one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Kerala. The Malarikkal Water Lily Fest offers guests a soothing experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else. In This blog is a comprehensive guide about the Malarikkal water lilies and everything you need to know about this stunning place.
1. What Are the Water Lilies Found in Kottayam?
Every year in the month of August, the paddy field of Malarikkal transforms into a sea of pink-coloured water lilies. In Malayalam, these water lilies are known as Aambal and stretch as far as the eyes can see. The blossoming of these water lilies is known as Aambal Vasantham and lasts for at least a month and a half. To celebrate, the hamlet of Malarikkal even hosts its own Kottayam Malarikkal water lilly fest! The fest is held till September 10th and has many activities guests can take part in.
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2. How to Reach Malarikkal Water Lily Pads
Image Credit: Lonely Explorer for Wikimedia Commons
Reaching the hamlet of Malarikkal and Malarikkal water lily location is fairly simple. To arrive at the Malarikkal water lily location, you first have to reach the Illikal Junction from Kottayam. Once you arrive at the junction, take a left turn to the Thiruvarppu road. From here, you can reach Malarikkal via Kanjiram Boat Jetty road which comes after the Kanjiram bridge. However, if you are coming from the Kumarakom side, then turn right to the Thiruvarppu road at Illickal.
3. Significance of Malarikkal Water Lilies
The picturesque water lilies of Malarikkal are not only beautiful flowers to look at but hold great cultural and environmental significance to the locals. These water lilies play a vital role in the ecological balance of the region. The presence of pink waterlilies in Malarikkal village signifies a balanced ecosystem and provides habitat and foot to various aquatic organisms in the area. The pink waterlilies also serve as an environmental indicator and proof of the people’s harmony with nature. Water Lilies are known to be highly sensitive to water quality and pollution levels. Hence, even the slightest change in the colour of these lilies or a decline in bloom can suggest changes in water or an ecological imbalance.
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4. What is the best time to visit Malarikkal?
The water lily season in Malarikkal generally occurs around the month of August. Hence, it is advised to visit this amazing place during this period. For the best experience, it is also recommended to visit the fields early in the morning when the crowd is fairly low. For a small fee, you can even enjoy a pleasant boat ride through the water lilies and get an up-close view of the stunning Malarikkal water lilies.
5. Things To Keep In Mind
Image Credit: Arun Gopan for Wikipedia Commons
The paddy field where the water lilies are seen belongs to a private party. Hence, this is no permission to foray. You can travel in small crafts and boats through the water where the water lilies are floating. If you wish to take some lilies with you, you can find women who are selling them for a small price. It is also to be kept in mind that parking on the road is strictly prohibited. However, a parking spot can be arranged in nearby houses and compounds where vehicles can be parked for a fee of Rs. 30 per vehicle. The washroom facilities available in the nearby houses can also be used but for a small payment.
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6. Nearby Attractions
Image Credit: Jaseem Hamza for Wikimedia Commons
Some nearby attractions that you can check out along with the Malarikkal water lilies are mentioned below:
- Vaikom: Home to some of the most scenic backwaters of Kerala, Vaikom is one of the most popular places around Kottayam. The serenity of this charming town is simply unbeatable and provides the perfect place to sit down and enjoy the amazing view.
- Elaveezha Poonchira: Surrounded by three majestic hills – Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala, and Thonippara – Elaveezha is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. This popular tourist attraction provides a perfect spot for a picnic or a trek. Elaveezha is also dotted with spectacular waterfalls and secret alcoves.
- Nadukani: Nadukani is one of the most beautiful hill stations near the field of Malarikkal water lilies and is a popular picnic spot. Covered in dense forests, rivers, and vibrant flora, Nadukani is the perfect spot for a relaxing evening.
- Island of Pathiramanal: Located in Vembanad Lake, this quaint and picturesque island of Pathiramanal is just a short trip away from Malarikkal. The island is covered in lush farmlands and thick forests that provide tourists with a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with nature.
- Kottathavalam: Located just 70 km from Malarikkal, Kottathavalam is a popular hill station in Kerala. The terrain consists of rock-cut trails, and dense forests that provide for an unmatched sense of thrill and exhilaration. Here you can also find a 1000-year-old temple.
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Kerala is one of the most popular and stunning places in India. Its natural landscape, rich culture, and lush tropical vegetation make it one of the most visited places in the country. Even then, however, the quaint hamlet of Malarikkal remains one of its most underrated hidden gems. Home to over 600 acres of paddy fields that come alive with pink water lilies and lotus flowers every September and October, it is a view no other place in the world can replicate. So on your next trip to Kerala , stray off the beaten path and feast your eyes with one of the most beautiful spectacles in India.
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Cover Image Source: Badal Chandra Sarker for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Malarikkal Water Lilies
Which district is Malarikkal in?
The enormous field of Malarikkal water lilies is situated in the Kottayam district of Kerala. The small tourism hamlet is situated in Thiruvarpu panchayat and is one of India's rising tourist destinations.
What is the best time to visit Malarikkal?
To experience the water lilies of Malarikkal and explore this quaint tourism hamlet, the months between August to October are considered ideal. During this period, the weather is pleasant and the famous sunset point in Malarikkal offers a more vivid and dramatic spectacle.
What seasons do water lilies bloom?
The blooming of water lilies in Kerala majorly happens in mid to late October in the paddy fields and waterways. The clusters of these beautiful flowers usually go as far as the eyes can see and are often a sight to behold.
How do I reach Malarikkal water lily?
There are several ways you can reach the quiet hamlet of Malarikkal. If you are arriving by flight, the nearest airports to Malarikkal are the Cochin International Airport and the Ernakulam District & Trivandrum International Airport. If arriving by train, Railway Station Kottayam is just 7.6 km away from the hamlet.
How big is the Malarikkal water lilies field?
The sprawling fields of Malarikkal water lilies span across 600 acres. The enormous field covered in a shade of pink is quite a sight to behold.
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