Kerala's new water lily hotspot to hold a fest from Sunday

Malarikkal might be the OG water-lily tourist spot in Kerala, but it isn't the only one. Kottayam district's Paral village, which is just about a km away from the Changanassery market, is all set to hold a water lily fest from June 28, Sunday and will go on till the end of the season. Visitors get to check out a 'pink spring' filled with flowers in the paddy field here. Tourists capture pictures, make reels, and have a gala time here, and the 'Ambalotsavam' fest will offer them many more fun avenues around the flowers.

The fest is organised in the Kadambadam paddy field at Paral, under the leadership of the Kadambadam –Cherikkalakam Paddy Field Committee and Vadakkumbhagam VIBE. The project aims to leverage Paral's rural tourism potential, with lovely views like Malarikkal.

What tourists get to do
Tourists can travel by boat amidst the blooms across the 355-acre Kadambadam paddy field. Boats are available at a fixed rate. The beauty of the flowers can be enjoyed from 6 am to 9 am. The flowers will fold inward as the sun gets intense.

How to reach the spot
a)You can reach the Kadambadam – Cherikkalakam paddy field by travelling more than a kilometre through the concrete road from Paral Arakkall Bhagavathi Temple to Aarattu Kadavu.
b)Since it is a narrow road, it is better to come by a two-wheeler.
c) Organisers have informed that auto-rickshaws can be arranged from near the temple for those coming by car.

Flowers at Odetti paddy fields too...
Lilies have started blooming on both sides of the Paral – Kumarakary road in the Odetti paddy fields in Changanassery as well. It will be possible to enjoy them in full bloom from the beginning of next month. White lilies can also be seen in Odetti.