Malarikkal Kottayam

Malarikkal (near Thiruvarppu, Kottayam) becomes one of Kerala’s most photogenic monsoon-season destinations when the paddy fields turn into shallow “polders” filled with pink water lilies. In peak bloom, the view looks like a giant pink carpet, and local boats glide through narrow paths between lily pads. This is not a theme-park style attraction. It is real village tourism, so your experience depends on bloom strength, weather, and how early you arrive. If you plan it right (early morning + weekday + light rain the previous day), Malarikkal feels magical and surprisingly peaceful.

Best Time to visit Malarikkal (Season + Best Hours)

• Best season (Water Lily Bloom): Late June to mid September, with August often giving the densest “pink blanket” effect.
• Best time of day: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM (flowers open most in early morning and start closing later).
• Peak crowd time: Weekends and holidays in July to September.

Hidden tip: Reach before 7:00 AM on a weekday. The lilies look fresher, the light is softer for photos, and boat operators are less rushed.

Malarikkal Entry Fee, Timings, Opening days

Malarikkal is a village-side nature spot, so there is no single “official gate” like a park. Most visitors pay for parking and boating, not for “entry”. (Charges can vary by season and by local operator.) The District Tourism page lists the place as Malarikkal Village Tourism and provides reach details, but does not publish a fixed ticket structure.

Typical visiting window: Sunrise to late morning is best.
Best to treat as “open daily” in season, but boating may pause during heavy rain or strong winds.

Hidden tip: If you arrive after 10:00 AM, do not judge the bloom based on photos online. Lilies can look flatter by late morning.

How to Reach Malarikkal

Malarikkal is close to Kottayam town and Kottayam Railway Station. It’s often visited as a morning trip from Kottayam or Kumarakom. Approximate access distances are listed by public sources and the district site.

By train

• • Nearest major railhead: Kottayam Railway Station (about 7 to 8 km range depending on your exact viewing point).

By road (Taxi / auto / rental)

• • From Kottayam town: quick ride, best for sunrise trips.

  • From Kumarakom: easy add-on after lily visit (or stay in Kumarakom and do lilies at dawn).

By KSRTC / government bus

The official district page lists KSRTC Kottayam as the bus access point and provides the enquiry number. Use KSRTC to reach nearby hubs like Thiruvarppu area and take local auto for the last stretch, since “exact stop to lily fields” can shift by season and viewing point.

KSRTC Kottayam Enquiry (from district site): 0481 2562908

Hidden tip: For sunrise, book an auto or cab the previous night. Early morning local buses may be limited depending on the exact route.

What to see in Malarikkal (Most visited Spots)

1) The pink water lily fields (Main view points)

The main attraction is the vast lily-filled polders in the upper Kuttanad side of Kottayam. The visual “wow” is strongest when the bloom is thick and the water level is calm. In-season tourism is big enough that organized boating has become common, with many local families earning through tourism support services.

Best photo moments

• Sunrise glow on pink lilies

• Low angle shots near the waterline

• Wide shots showing the “pink carpet” effect

Hidden tip: A light drizzle the day before often makes the lilies look more vibrant in the morning.

2) Malarikkal Boat Ride

Boat rides are the signature experience because they take you into the middle of the lily spread, where photos look dramatic. During peak season, many boats operate to ferry tourists through lily-filled lanes.

What to expect

• • Short rides for photos

  • Longer village-waterway style rides depending on operator and crowd

  • Prices vary by day and season

Hidden tip: Tell the boat operator you want a slow ride for photos. Many will otherwise keep moving fast to finish batches.

Adventure Activities and Family-friendly Things to do

Malarikkal is mostly a soft-adventure, nature, and photography destination. Here’s what travelers usually enjoy:

• Boat ride through lilies (most loved by families too)

• Photography walk on bund roads (early morning)

• Birdwatching (monsoon season often brings good sightings around wetlands)

• Cycle ride around village roads (best after morning bloom)

• Kuttanad style canoe / village backwater add-on (combine with Kumarakom)

Kids-friendly

• Quick boat ride + short bund walk + snack break works best

• Avoid long sun exposure after 9:30 AM

Hidden tip: For kids, carry spare slippers and a small towel. Wet mud splashes are common near bund edges.

Malarikkal Safety Tips

• Do not step into Lily fields. It damages plants and can be risky in soft mud.

• Bund edges can be slippery, especially after rain.

• Mosquitoes can be strong in monsoon mornings. Carry repellent.

• Respect private farming zones. Many viewing spots are near active agriculture.

Hidden tip: Wear closed shoes with grip (or good sandals). Flip-flops slip easily on wet bund paths.

Malarikkal Food Facilities

Malarikkal itself is village-style, so food options near the fields can be limited early morning. Plan like this:

• Breakfast: Eat in Kottayam town, or pack light snacks.

• After lily visit: Go toward Kottayam / Kumarakom for proper meals.

Must-try Kottayam side foods

• Kerala puttu + kadala curry (₹80 to ₹160 range)

• Appam + egg curry (₹120 to ₹220 range)

• Kappa + fish curry (₹180 to ₹350 range depending on fish)

• Chaya (tea) + pazhampori (₹20 to ₹60)

Hidden tip: Pack water and a small snack anyway. Early morning shops may not be open near the viewing points.

Malarikkal Parking and Restroom Facilities

Because it is seasonal village tourism, facilities vary year to year.

• Parking: Usually available in designated seasonal areas, sometimes paid (managed locally).

• Restrooms: Not guaranteed at every viewpoint. Better to use facilities in Kottayam town before you leave.

Hidden tip: If you’re traveling with elders or kids, plan a stop at a petrol pump or town-side facility before entering the inner village roads.

Best Shopping Areas near Malarikkal

Malarikkal is not a shopping destination, so shop in Kottayam:

• Kottayam town markets: spices, banana chips, Kerala snacks

• Handloom / textile shops: mundu, sarees, simple souvenirs

Hidden tip: Buy snacks and water in Kottayam the night before. Prices can spike near seasonal tourist points.

Malarikkal Nearby Tourist Places

• Kumarakom backwaters and bird sanctuary area (half-day or full day add-on)

• Vaikom (temple town feel)

• Thiruvarppu Sree Krishna Temple (close cultural stop if you like temples)

Hidden tip: Do Malarikkal first (sunrise), then do Kumarakom later. That order matches the light and the heat.

Simple Itinerary for a perfect Malarikkal Morning

• 5:45 AM: Start from Kottayam / Kumarakom

• 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM: Lily viewing + photos

• 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM: Boat ride (choose your slot)

• 9:30 AM: Breakfast in Kottayam town

• Late morning: Kumarakom / Vaikom / Kottayam sightseeing

Malarikkal Important Travel Tips

Malarikkal Kottayam Traveller Reviews

🟡 The Good

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Pink water lilies look magical in the morning.”
We reached around sunrise and the entire area looked like a pink carpet. The flowers were fresh and fully open, and the calm water made it very peaceful. Definitely worth waking up early.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“One of the best photography spots in Kerala during monsoon.”
If you love nature photography, this place is amazing. The reflections, mist, and soft light in the morning make photos look beautiful even on a phone camera.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Boat ride through lilies was the highlight.”
The short boat ride through the lily-filled water was slow and relaxing. The boatman stopped at good spots for photos. It felt unique compared to regular backwater rides.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Nice and calm on weekdays.”
We visited on a weekday morning and it was very quiet. No rush, no noise, just nature. Much better than crowded tourist spots.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Good short trip from Kottayam.”
This is perfect for a 2 to 3 hour outing. Easy to reach from Kottayam town and can be combined with Kumarakom or Vaikom on the same day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Kids and elders both enjoyed it.”
The walking paths are easy, and the boat ride does not require much physical effort. Our parents and kids both enjoyed the experience.

❄️ The Not So Good

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Very crowded on weekends and holidays.”
We visited on a Sunday and it was extremely crowded. Parking was messy and there was a long wait for boat rides. Weekdays are much better.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Flowers depend on season and timing.”
We came late in the morning and the lilies were partly closed. If you do not come early or during peak season, the view may not match photos online.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Facilities are basic.”
Restrooms are limited and not well maintained during peak crowd. Do not expect tourist-spot level facilities here.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Parking and pricing feel unorganized.”
Parking and boat charges vary depending on the day and crowd. There is no fixed rate board, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆“Not a full-day destination.”
After one or two hours, there is not much else to do here. It works best as a morning stop, not as a standalone full-day trip.