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Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations in India, wherein the mesmerising lotus-filled lakes provide solace and peace to nature lovers. The Lotus lakes in Kerala become an incredible sight when the lotuses bloom, covering large expanses of water with varying hues of pink and white. These lakes are not only scenic wonders but are also an important part of Kerala’s ecological system as they provide habitats for migratory birds and sources of livelihood for local communities that engage in lotus farming. With Kerala’s lotus lakes being fairly unexplored, you get a chance at some peace and offbeat travel experiences.
Top Lotus Lakes In Kerala
The most beautiful lotus lakes in Kerala are worth seeing, from large lakes and rivers with clear, serene waters to lovely lakes encrusted with lotuses.
1. Malarikkal, Kottayam
Photo: Lijovklm / Wikimedia Commons
Wonders of nature can be found in Malarikkal near Kottayam, famed for its blooming flowers, especially the water lilies. Unlike any other lotus lake in Kerala, Malarikkal is crowded with pink water lilies (Nymphaea stellata), which bloom at sunrise and form a dreamscape. Found close to the Aymanam village, this beautiful wetland is bordered by khaddar (rice) fields all around it. Tourists and photographers visit Malarikkal to catch the scenery of the early morning bloom, as the lilies shut by mid-morning. Taking traditional wooden boats through the flowers is the best way to explore the lake in a slow and immersive manner.
Location: Malarikkal, Aymanam, Kottayam district, Kerala
Nearby Attractions: Kumarakom Backwaters, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
2. Valiyaparappur Thamara Kayal, Malappuram
Photo: Irshadpp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another spectacular lotus lake in Kerala is Valiyaparappur Thamara Kayal; it is nestled within the moist Thirunavaya Lotus Wetland system, where vibrant pink lotuses flourish. The lake is encompassed by verdant paddy fields and tiny canals that create an unblemished countryside. It is completely a community-driven lotus farm planted in the lake by local villagers. Lotus flowers and seeds are harvested, which the farmers sell to temples and Ayurvedic centres. During the blooming season, you can take traditional wooden boats to paddle through the blooming lotus fields.
Location: Thirunavaya, Malappuram district, Kerala
Nearby Attractions: Thirunavaya Temple, Bharathapuzha River, Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple
3. Vellayani Lake, Thiruvananthapuram
Photo: Thejas Panarkandy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, Vellayani Lake, is about 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram, spanning an area of over 7.5 square kilometres. There are pink and white lotuses blooming in patches, especially around the southern banks of this lake. Add to the scenic charm of the lake, lush coconut groves, paddy fields, and small temples. Another unusual thing about Vellayani Lake is the floating lotus gardens, which are tended by local fishermen. It is famous not only as a beautiful body of water but also for hosting the well-known Vellayani Boat Race, one of the major attractions of the Onam Festival.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Nearby Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Vembanad Lake
Photo: Sourav Niyogi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, spans three districts in Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam. Its famous stretches of pink lotus and water lilies are especially brilliant around Kumarakom. The lotus blossom adds to the lake’s beauty, making it a wonderful spot for nature lovers and photographers. Its quiet waters also harbour colourful houseboats, migratory birds and abundant aquatic life. Kerala’s backwater tourism thrives on opportunities for houseboat cruises and birdwatching on Vembanad Lake. Its beauty has made it a popular place to visit, especially with the pristine greenery and the old way of living of the village people.
Location: Spanning across Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.
Nearby Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island, Alappuzha Backwaters
5. South Pallar Lotus Lake, Malappuram
Photo: Redboston / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
South Pallar Lotus Lake is one of several lakes in Thirunavaya, Malappuram, Kerala, that are famous for having a lot of lotus plants around them. The lake is part of the larger Thirunavaya area. In this area, hundreds of farmers grow lotuses on about 400 acres of land, which includes South Pallar, Veliya Parapoor, and Cheriya Parapoor. Growing lotus plants in Thirunavaya is a sign of peace between different groups of people. Muslim farmers send flowers to important Hindu temples in Kerala, like the Guruvayur Temple.
Location: Thirunavaya, Malappuram, Kerala
Nearby Attractions: Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple, Thirunavaya Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Ayyappanov Water Falls
Where To Stay
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From budget homestays to luxury resorts, accommodation around the Lotus Lake in Kerala suits all pockets. Budget accommodation in Thirunavaya costs around ₹1,500 a night at Thirunavaya River Retreat, while Tamarind KTDC Easy Hotel offers mid-range stays at ₹2,800 a night. If you want to have a more lavish stay, The Raviz Kadavu Resort offers luxury amenities starting from ₹7,500 per night. In Malarikkal, Kottayam, inexpensive stays such as Green Grove Homestay start at ₹1,200 per night, while premium stays such as Backwater Ripples Resort charge around ₹5,500 per night.
Where To Eat
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The food scene in Kerala caters to everything from budget meals to fine dining. Paragon Malappuram in Thirunavaya serves delicious seafood and Malabar biryani for ₹300 to ₹600 per meal, while Ruchi Kerala Mess offers budget meals for ₹150 to ₹250 per person. Malarikkal’s Hotel Aryaas also serves good vegetarian food for ₹100 to ₹250 and Karimeen The Restaurant offers Kerala-style fish dishes for ₹400 to ₹700 for seafood lovers. For a fine dining experience, consider Ettukettu at Kumarakom Lake Resort, which is about ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
Best Time To Visit
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The peak season to witness and explore any lotus lake in Kerala is between July and September, when the lotus flowers bloom in full and cover the surface of the water like a colourful pink carpet. Immediately post-monsoon means the lakes are full, and the surrounding greenery is lush. The best time to view these beauties is early mornings, around 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM, when the lotuses open with the rising sun to create a memorable scene. The months post-monsoon, from October to February, are optimum for birdwatchers when migratory birds begin arriving at wetlands.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
Kerala’s lotus lakes can also be enjoyed wherever you lie in the range from budget to luxury. An economic trip (homestays, local food, public transport) can be around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per head per day. A mid-range experience with decent accommodation, private transfers, and guided tours can cost you around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per person per day. For those whose itinerary included luxury resorts, private boat rides and gourmet dining, it could easily exceed ₹15,000 per person per day. Boat rides on the Lotus lakes cost between ₹300 and ₹1,500 per person, depending on the time and type of boat.
Tips For Travellers
- Taking light cotton clothes is prudent because Kerala is hot and humid throughout the year and you can also carry a hat, sunglasses and mosquito repellents.
- Local guides and boat rides with local fishermen can also provide a more in-depth experience, with insight into lotus cultivation and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Take care of your environment by not littering, and do not use products that are not 100% ecological.
- If you are lucky, checking the calendar for local festivals can be rewarding too, as some temples in the vicinity hold special rituals that use lotus flowers.
Lotus Lakes in Kerala ia a unique showcase of nature that needs to be experienced by everyone, especially offbeat travellers and nature lovers. Each lotus lake is suitable whether you want to lose yourself among the peaceful lotus-strewn waters, watch the sky light up at sunrise, or delve into a world of lotus farming and temples. With an extensive range of experiences catering to budgets of every size, plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy the idyllic landscapes of Kerala.
Cover Photo: Vitthal R / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
