Malarikkal Tourism — Attraction in Kerala

Malarikkal is a gem of a place during the Water Lily festival. We visited Malarikkal on 24th Sep 2024 and the flowers were in abundant. Here is a detailed review:

The Season: The current 2024 season is coming to an end but we spotted abundant lillies on 24th Sep. We were told by the boatman that it would be available for one more week but I would say don't expect much after 28th Sept. If you are in Alleppey or Kottayam upto 28th Sept 2024, make sure you visit Malarikkal without fail. Try to visit as early in the morning as possible between 6 am to 9 am.

The Location: The location pinned in Google Maps for Malarikkal Tourism is the accurate spot from where the boat ride begins. Reach this place and take a boat. If you are coming from Alleppey side, take a right turn at Illikkal Junction and keep coming straight on the jetty road and you will reach this spot.

The Cost: You can watch the flowers from land itself without paying anything but the boating experience is unmissable. The mechanical boats cost 100 rs per person for a 45 mins ride. The rate is same across anyone you hire a boat here and there is absolutely no loot unlike places like Alleppey. The local boatmen are very good people and give you great information and charge the standard 100 rs per person. There would be boatmen waiting on the road and you may avail services from any one of them.

The Roads and Parking: The road from Alleppey upto this pinned location are in good condition even for two wheelers. Paid parking is available with some local villagers at nominal cost of 30 rs and two wheelers can park near the road without any cost. The situation may be different on a weekend and this is my experience on a weekday.

Visiting Days: Try to visit on a weekday as you will have a wonderful experience with minimal crowd. We visited on a Tuesday and had the entire boat only for two of us for the nominal 200 rs (100 per person).

The Locals: The locals are very helpful and many of them also speak English if you don't understand Malayalam. The boatmen go out of their way and get out of the boat to click wonderful pictures of you.

Plucking the Flowers: There should be a complete ban on plucking the flowers. If you pluck a flower, remember that you are leaving one less flower for the next visitor to see and imagine what would be the case if the others did the same before your visit. Inform the boatmen beforehand that you don't want any flowers to be plucked.

Overall: If you are in Alleppey during the season, ditch the houseboat ride and visit Malarikkal once. This is an amazing experience that shouldn't be missed. The Instagram Reels and Photos don't do justice and being there and experiencing this beautiful place gives some next...

If you’re looking for a unique and breathtaking experience, you should definitely visit the paddy fields in Malarikkal, Kottayam. Every year, from late July to mid-September, these fields transform into a stunning sea of pink and white waterlilies. This natural phenomenon occurs when the fields get flooded due to the monsoon rains and the rising water levels of the nearby Meenachil River. The waterlily seeds, which lie dormant in the soil, start to sprout and bloom, creating a mesmerizing sight.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning, between 6 and 9 AM. During this time, the waterlilies are in full bloom, and the soft morning light makes the view even more magical. After 10 AM, the sun gets stronger, causing the waterlilies to wilt and close up.

Local residents offer canoe rides through the flooded fields, allowing you to get up close to the waterlilies. Prices start at Rs 100 per person for a 45-minute trip. However, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, as many tourists and professional photographers flock to the area.  The road leading to the fields is narrow and in poor condition, so expect a bumpy 10-minute drive.

The Malarikkal Waterlily Fest is a highlight of the season, attracting visitors from all over Kerala and beyond. The festival includes various activities and food stalls, making it a fun outing for families and friends. The paddy fields, covering around 650 acres, are privately owned, so visitors can only explore the area by boat. Parking is available in nearby houses for a small fee, and some houses also offer washroom facilities for visitors.

At other times of the year, these fields are used for rice cultivation. The waterlily seeds remain dormant in the soil, waiting for the next monsoon season to bloom again. This annual transformation of the paddy fields into a pink and white wonderland is a sight you won’t...

Tucked away in the heart of Kottayam district, Malarikkal is a hidden‑gem village that transforms into a breathtaking floral spectacle from July through October. During peak season, more than 600 acres of paddy fields burst into colour as pink and white water‑lilies blanket the shallow waters .

Blissful Boating Experience: Visitors can explore the blooms via traditional wooden canoes—best enjoyed at sunrise before the flowers gently droop under the midday sun .

Year‑Round Appeal: While the water‑lily bloom is the star attraction, Malarikkal also offers golden sunsets over lush paddy shoots during other seasons, making it a year‑round nature retreat .

Festival Vibe: The annual “Water‑Lily Festival” (started in 2018) transforms the area into a vibrant cultural hub—featuring local cuisine (fish delicacies!), art performances, bamboo seating, and guided walks through the fields .

Best Time July to October; aim for early morning (by 7 a.m.) How to Get There Just a 20‑minute auto‑ride from Kottayam railway station; parking available near Illikkal Junction Entry & Boat Fees Roughly ₹100 per person for boat rides What to Bring Cameras, sunscreen, insect repellent Ideal For Nature lovers, photographers, couples, families—especially those seeking offbeat beauty

Malarikkal is a discovery worth every effort—an idyllic spectacle that rivals Kerala’s famed backwaters with a uniquely floral twist. Whether floating amidst endless lotus petals at dawn, savoring local delicacies in open‑air setups, or simply soaking in the serene rural vibe, this place offers a...