Lake of the Lilies
Witness a breathtaking natural spectacle as hundreds of acres transform into a vibrant pink lily paradise, especially magical at sunrise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lilies in full bloom, magical light
Lake of the Lilies
Best Time
Lilies in full bloom, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness a breathtaking natural spectacle as hundreds of acres transform into a vibrant pink lily paradise, especially magical at sunrise.
"Stepping here in the morning feels like entering a different world, with endless stretches of pink water lilies."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Bloom
Visit between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM for the best lily views before they close.
📸 Photography Paradise
Sunrise offers surreal light for capturing the vibrant pink lilies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pink Water Lily Fields
Malarikkal, Kottayam, Kerala
Vast expanses of pink water lilies creating a surreal, fairytale-like landscape. A photographer's dream at sunrise.
Birdwatching Haven
Lake of the Lilies
Abundant waterfowl and diverse bird species make this a prime spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Sunrise Spectacle
Lake of the Lilies
Witness the magical transformation of the lake as the sun rises, illuminating the blooming lilies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Bloom
Embrace the Serenity, Respect the Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Bloom
Visit between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM for the best lily views before they close.
📸 Photography Paradise
Sunrise offers surreal light for capturing the vibrant pink lilies.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Walk along the roadways or sidewalks for scenic views and birdwatching.
💧 Respect Nature
Help preserve the beauty by not littering and respecting the wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Bloom
Visit between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM for the best lily views before they close.
📸 Photography Paradise
Sunrise offers surreal light for capturing the vibrant pink lilies.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Walk along the roadways or sidewalks for scenic views and birdwatching.
💧 Respect Nature
Help preserve the beauty by not littering and respecting the wildlife.
📍 Near Alleppey
Conveniently located about 40 km from Alleppey, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of the pink water lilies, describing the Lake of the Lilies as a surreal and magical experience, especially during sunrise. The abundance of birdlife also makes it a prime spot for nature lovers and photographers. Some note the lack of dedicated pathways, but find the surrounding roads offer pleasant walking routes.
"What a great place to birdwatch in a quiet neighborhood. No pathway around the lake but easy walking along roadway or on sidewalks to reach different areas of the lake."
Gerald Z
"lots of waterfoul and photography options."
Richard Wellington
"Great 360 view of the lake with a small but quaint bird sanctuary at its corner. As long as people respect the wildlife and do not litter, this lake will be priceless for many years to come."
Jera Nicole Piper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lake of the Lilies, also known as Malarikkal, is located near Kottayam in Kerala. You can reach Kottayam by train or bus. From Kottayam town, local buses or taxis can take you to the lake. It's also about 40 km from Alleppey. 
Yes, local buses operate from Kottayam to areas near Malarikkal. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available for a more direct route.
Driving is a convenient option, and there is road access around the lake. Parking availability might vary, especially during peak bloom season.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the roadways and sidewalks surrounding the lake to take in the views and spot birds.
While there isn't a continuous pathway around the entire lake, the surrounding roadways and sidewalks offer accessible routes for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no entry fees to visit the Lake of the Lilies. It's a natural landscape open for public viewing.
The lake is accessible during daylight hours. However, the best time to visit for the lily bloom is early morning, typically from sunrise until around 9:30 AM.
Yes, the water lilies bloom most vibrantly between August and September, though the season can sometimes extend to December.
While official guided tours might not be widely advertised, local guides or boat operators may be available. It's best to inquire locally upon arrival.
Visiting at night is generally not recommended as the lilies close, and visibility would be poor. The magic is truly in the early morning light.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour during sunrise is considered the most magical time for photography, offering soft light and vibrant colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the lily fields, while a telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
The edges of the lake where the lilies are densest, and areas with reflections of the sky and surrounding greenery, are particularly picturesque.
Absolutely! The lake is a haven for waterfowl, making it a fantastic spot for bird photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
The lake is rich in waterfowl and various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
While the entire lake offers opportunities, a small bird sanctuary is noted at one corner, providing excellent viewing points.
The water lilies found here are locally known as 'aambal'.
The bloom can cover over 650 acres of paddy fields that transform into a lake filled with lilies.
While walking along the roadways and sidewalks is generally safe, exercise caution near the water's edge, especially in the early morning mist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Birdwatchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magical Bloom of Malarikkal
For the most enchanting experience, early mornings are paramount. As the sun begins to rise, the lilies unfurl, painting the water in stunning shades of pink. However, this magic is fleeting; by mid-morning, the petals start to close, and the vibrant spectacle begins to fade. This ephemeral nature makes timing your visit crucial for capturing the full beauty of the Lake of the Lilies.
+1Many visitors describe the scene as stepping into a fairytale or a dream. The tranquility of the early morning, combined with the visual feast of the blooming lilies, offers a deeply peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. It's a reminder of nature's incredible artistry and the fleeting beauty that can be found in the world.
Birdwatching and Nature Photography
While there isn't a dedicated, continuous pathway around the entire lake, the surrounding roadways and sidewalks provide excellent vantage points for spotting birds and capturing photographs. Some visitors mention a small, quaint bird sanctuary located at one corner of the lake, which can be a focal point for wildlife enthusiasts.
To make the most of your photography experience, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive lily fields and a telephoto lens for closer shots of the birds. The soft light during sunrise is particularly beneficial for photography, enhancing the colors and details of both the flora and fauna.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit