Waterlily Blooms in and Around Kumarakom, Kerala

About this activity

Ultimate Travel Guide to Waterlily Blooms in and Around Kumarakom, Kerala

Waterlily blooms Kumarakom create one of Kerala’s most breathtaking monsoon attractions, but many visitors miss peak bloom timings, correct access points, facility information, and boat hire options. This fully expanded, SEO-friendly guide provides accurate details on where to go, when to visit, and how to experience these magical pink carpets across Kumarakom and Kottayam.

Best Time & Season Guide for Waterlily Blooms

Peak Bloom Window

• Peak Bloom Season: August to October
• Densest Blooms: Late August to Late September
• Moderate Blooms: Early October
• Fading Season: November

Best Time of the Day

• Best Viewing: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• Flowers Close: After 11 AM

Weather Notes

• Overcast mornings enhance pictures.
• Post-rain mornings offer bold colors.

Top Locations for Waterlily Blooms (Comparison Table)

Malarikkal (Malarickal) Waterlily Fields

Malarikkal is one of Kerala’s most iconic waterlily bloom sites, famous for its sweeping pink carpets across post-monsoon wetlands.

Highlights

• Largest lily spreads in the region
• Golden-pink glow at sunrise
• Perfect for drone and landscape photography

How to Reach

Route: Kottayam → Illikkal Junction → Thiruvarppu Road → Malarikkal

Boat & Access

• Canoe rides available throughout the season
• Ride Duration: 30–60 minutes

Facilities

• Seasonal snack stalls
• Local paid parking
• Basic restrooms

Photography Tips

• Best time: 6:15 AM – 7:00 AM
• Use polarizers to reduce glare
• Avoid windy mornings

Aymanam Village / Puthukkari Wetlands

Known for its peaceful canals and minimal crowds, Aymanam is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter lily viewing experience.

Highlights

• Calm, narrow backwater canals
• Lotus + waterlily combinations in some areas
• Frequent bird activity

How to Access

Reach via village roads from Kumarakom. Canoes operate from several micro-jetties.

Facilities

• Tea stalls and local food
• Homestay parking access
• Guided rides available early morning

Ideal Visitors

• Photographers seeking peace
• Solo travelers
• Couples on romantic sunrise tours

Kavanattinkara Jetty & Vembanad Backwater Lily Zones

This zone blends lily viewing with the charm of Kumarakom’s famous backwaters.

What Makes It Unique

• Easy access from major resorts
• Large clusters of lilies across calm waters
• Beautiful misty sunrise views

Boat Access

• Shikara boats
• Motorboats
• Traditional rowboats

Facilities

• Secure paid parking
• Public restrooms
• Life jackets for all passengers

Boat Hire & Cost Guide

• Book sunrise slots early.
• Carry cash for local villages.
• Confirm bloom hotspots with the operator.

Where to Stay

Visit https://visitkumarakom.com/kumarakom-hotels-resorts/ for a detailed list of Hotels & resorts in Kumarakom

Tip: Staying overnight ensures easy access to the early-morning bloom window.

Facilities, Parking & On-Site Services

Parking

• Kavanattinkara Jetty: Secure paid parking
• Malarikkal: Limited; locals offer small paid spots
• Aymanam: Best via homestays

Available Facilities

• Drinking water kiosks
• Seasonal restrooms
• Tea & snack stalls
• Life jackets provided by licensed boats

Photography Tips

• Shoot between 6 AM – 8 AM
• Macro lenses capture petal texture beautifully
• Lower your angle to capture reflections
• Avoid flash to reduce water glare

FAQs

When is the best time to see waterlily blooms in Kumarakom?

Between August and October, with the best visibility between 6–9 AM.

Do I need a boat to see the waterlilies?

Yes, a boat ride is essential for reaching most bloom hotspots.

Can I see blooms all year?

No, blooms are seasonal and depend on monsoon-fed wetlands.

How long does a boat ride last?

Typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Final Thoughts

Waterlily blooms in and around Kumarakom offer an unforgettable seasonal spectacle. With clear guidance on locations, access, facilities, boat hire, and timing, you can plan the perfect lily-viewing trip and enjoy Kerala’s magical pink carpets at their absolute best.