The extremely telegenic pink waterlilies of Kerala's Malarikkal in Kottayam have started blooming this year. The spot, which has become a haven of photographers, regional and non-Kerala tourists, and videographers for months around mid-year, is still a favourite. However, many similar water lily spots have come up in recent times. Many reels have also started doing rounds on social media, beckoning tourists to Malarikkal. However, according to the Malarikkal Tourism Society, it's not the right time yet to visit the spot. 

VK Shaji, President of the society, explains, "What we term the 'Malarikkal water lily bloom' (Malarikkal aambal vasantham) is when the flowers bloom on either side of the road for 1.5 km in the J Block 9000 fields of the region. Flowers haven't blossomed there yet. However, there are a few flowers in the western end of the field. They are only accessible by boat." At the end of the aforementioned road, there is also the Thiruvaikkari fields, where too the flowers have blossomed. But, tourists will have to ride a boat for around 45 minutes to reach the blooming spot," adds Shaji. This can cost a boat approximately Rs 1,000 as well. This means that if tourists visit Malarikkal now, they wouldn't be able to enjoy the flowers where they usually are on a grand display. 

Apparently, the first water lily blooms of the year were destroyed during the onset of monsoons. "What we have now is the second phase of the blooms. Once this is over, around July 15 would be the right time for tourists to enjoy Malarikkal in full glory." In Shaji's opinion, those with immediate requirements, like photoshoots or functions, may find visiting Malarikkal now useful. "It's best for other tourists to wait till the blooms peak in July," Shaji says. 

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