Water lily paradises beyond Malarikkal: Spots, routes and things to know

Water lilies at Kerala's Malarikkal, in Kottayam district, have already captured global attention, drawing crowds of tourists to witness the spectacular  'ambal vasantham' (water lily spring). But Malarikkal is not the only place with this breathtaking bloom. Across Kottayam, there are several other spots where the scenery is just as magical. Let’s explore a few of them.

Spot 1: Panachikkad, Ambattukadavu 
Distance: 12 km from Kottayam
What to see: Here, water lilies blanket 110 acres of the Pranthan Pathankeri paddy fields, creating a stunning floral carpet.
Route: Kottayam – Chingavanam – Paruthumpara – Panachikkad Temple Road – Panachikkad Temple Eravinalloor Road

If travelling from Manarcad–Puthuppally region: Via Puthuppally–Thengana Road, then take Eravinalloor–Panachikkad Road from Eravuchira
Alternative route: Kottayam – Erayilkadav – Kollad–Puthuppally Road – Paraykkalkadav – Chozhiyakkad – Panachikkad Temple Road – Panachikkad Temple Eravinalloor Road

Spot 2: Kollad, Kizhakkupuram – 7 km from Kottayam
Distance: 5 km from Kottayam town
What to see: A breathtaking water lily bloom spreads across 210 acres of Kollad Kizhakkupuram’s paddy fields.
Route:
Kottayam – Kanjikkuzhi – Devalokam Road – Kollankavala – Kollad – Kizhakkupuram Road

Spot 3: Kumarakom, Mutherimada 
Distance: 15 km from Kottayam
What to see: The Pathupanku paddy fields here, spread over 300 acres, are transformed into a sea of pink when the water lilies bloom.
Routes: Kottayam – Illikkal – Kannadichal – Narakathara Bridge – Mutherimada Bridge
Alternative route: Kottayam – Kumarakom – Kumarakom Attipeedika Road – Bazar Junction – Thekkukara Ardhanaareeshwara Temple – Mutherimada
(The Pathupanku bund can be reached from Mutherimada either by motor boat or traditional country boat.)