A view of the water lillies in full bloom at Malarikkal, Kottayam.
| Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP
Visitors to Malarikkal , the picturesque backwater village famed for its breath-taking water lily blooms on monsoon mornings, will be able to enjoy the spectacle for a few extra hours each day from next season onwards.
The Meenachil–Meenanthara–Kodoor river relinking initiative, which hosts the annual water lily festival named Ambal Vasnatham at Malarikkal, is planning to install solar-powered lights at the site. This will allow visitors to admire the pink floral carpet right from midnight, when the flowers begin to bloom.
According to K. Anil Kumar, convener of the collective, there are plans to establish a sanctuary for migratory birds at Malarikkal. As part of this initiative, a study on the migratory birds visiting the area will be conducted in collaboration with TIES Kottayam.
“Innovative ideas are being tested to make the location even more appealing. For instance, Shajimon V.S., president of the Malarikkal Tourism Society, introduced a honeymoon package at his homestay during the season, transforming the site into a romantic destination. It was a grand success,” he noted.
Meanwhile, this year’s water lily bloom at Malarikkal is expected to conclude by October 5. The festival stretches across Thiruvaarppu J. Block (1,800 acres) and Thiruvaikkari (850 acres), after which paddy cultivation for the next cycle will begin.
Organisers say farmers have already begun installing motors in the paddy fields to prepare for cultivation. Once electricity connections are in place, water drainage can be completed within seven days, although the timeline may extend if there is rainfall.
This year’s Ambal Vasantham festival has grown remarkably, expanding to over 200 fields compared to 120 last year, with the season lasting more than 100 days. The steady influx of visitors has brought significant benefits to the local community, generating an estimated ₹5 crore through tourism. Homestays in the area have also seen a notable increase in demand.
Published – September 28, 2025 07:55 pm IST
