Rs 1 crore revenue: Kerala's Malarikkal welcomes visitors with water lily festival

Kottayam's Malarikkal is once again in the limelight as the water lilies have started blooming, drawing tourists from across Kerala. The Malarikkal Tourism Society reported that the region generated over Rs 1 crore in just three months last year, with the income coming from parking fees, flower sales, and boat travel fees. The figures were prepared based on information from local residents, highlighting the direct benefit to the community.

The Malarikkal water lily festival runs from August to mid-October, with water lilies blooming until September 30 this year. Visitors can explore the fields by boat until October 15, with 120 boats registered with the Malarikkal Tourism Society. The panchayat has set a rate of Rs 100 per person per hour, with additional charges of Rs 1000 for extended trips spanning more distances.

The water lilies thrive in the 950-acre Thiruvaykkari polders of J Block 9000 and 1800 acres of Thiruvarppu Panchayat. After the annual harvest, the flooded fields become a canvas of blooming water lilies, which only bloom once a year. Paddy cultivation resumes from mid-October to March. Visitors are advised to arrive between 6 am and 10 am, as the flowers begin to wither after 10 am.

How to reach Malarikkal

From Kottayam, head to Illikkal Junction and take a left on Thiruvarppu road. Continue via the Kanjiram bridge on the Kanjiram boat jetty road to reach Malarikkal. The site is accessible by traveling 9 km from Kumarakom and 7.5 km from Kottayam.