Pallom, a quiet village located just around 7 km from Kottayam in Kerala, is slowly emerging as one of the most interesting monsoon travel spots in 2026. During the rainy season, the shallow paddy fields and wetlands around this region come alive with blooming pink and white water lilies, creating a striking natural landscape that is now gaining attention among travelers and photographers. This seasonal Kerala water lily bloom is making Pallom a new alternative to popular destinations like Malarikkal in Kottayam.
What was once a lesser-known rural stretch is now being discussed as a scenic monsoon escape for those looking to experience Kerala’s backwaters in a quieter and more natural way.Explore more Kerala monsoon destinations.- Best Places to Visit in South India in June for Cool Weather and Monsoon Travel
What is Kerala Water Lily Season?
The Kerala water lily season is a monsoon phenomenon that occurs between June and September, when shallow wetlands, paddy fields, and backwater areas across regions like Kottayam, Malarikkal, and nearby districts become covered with blooming pink and white water lilies. The seasonal rains and waterlogged fields create ideal conditions for these flowers to spread across large areas, forming natural floral carpets.
This bloom is especially visible in village wetlands where farming fields remain waterlogged during the monsoon. In places like Pallom, this seasonal event is now attracting attention as a scenic alternative to established spots such as Malarikkal.
Why Pallom Is Emerging as a New Alternative to Malarikkal
Pallom is emerging as a new alternative to Malarikkal because of the seasonal Kerala water lily bloom. Every monsoon, the Kerala water lily transforms paddy fields and backwaters into a stunning pink landscape. As a result, more travelers now visit this quiet village.
- Seasonal Pink Bloom : Thousands of water lilies bloom across the wetlands every monsoon. Consequently, the landscape turns into a beautiful pink canvas. Nature lovers and photographers visit Pallom to witness this seasonal spectacle.
- Social Media Buzz : Moreover, Instagram and Facebook reels have made Pallom popular. Visitors share sunrise views and colourful landscapes. These posts inspire more people to explore the village.
- A Paradise for Photography : The calm waters create beautiful reflections of blooming flowers. Drone photography captures the vast pink landscape from above. Meanwhile, close-up shots highlight the delicate beauty of each flower.
- Scenic Country Boat Rides : Traditional country boats take visitors through the blooming fields. Therefore, visitors can enjoy the flowers from a unique perspective. The ride also creates excellent photography opportunities.
- A Peaceful Experience : Unlike Malarikkal, Pallom still receives fewer visitors. Instead, travelers enjoy a quieter atmosphere and a more relaxed monsoon experience.
How to Reach the Pallom Water Lily Fields
The Pallom water lily fields are located about 7 km from Kottayam town. The Kerala water lily bloom attracts visitors during the monsoon season. Follow these simple routes to reach the fields easily.
By Car or Two-Wheeler (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Start from Kottayam town center.
- Drive south on NH 183 (MC Road) towards Changanassery.
- Pass through Kodimatha and Nattakom areas.
- Continue straight until Pallom Junction.
- Turn right towards Pulinthara Sree Mahadeva Gurunadha Temple.
- Follow the narrow village road for 1–2 minutes.
- You will reach the water lily fields (Ambal Padam).
By Bus (Step-by-Step Guide)
Go to Kottayam KSRTC Bus Stand or nearby private bus stand.
- Board a bus heading towards Changanassery or Tiruvalla.
- Ask the conductor to stop at Pallom Junction.
- Get down at Pallom Junction.
- Take a local auto-rickshaw from the junction.
- Reach Ambal Padam (water lily fields) in 2–3 minutes.
By Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi
- Hire an auto-rickshaw from Kottayam Railway Station or town center.
- Tell the driver: “Pulinthara Temple Ambal Padam, Pallom”.
- Drivers usually know the water lily field location during season.
- Taxi services are also available for direct drop.
- Travel time is around 15–20 minutes.
Nearest Railway Station
The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, located about 7 km from Pallom. It is well connected to major cities in Kerala and India. From the station, visitors can easily hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the water lily fields within 15–20 minutes.
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located around 90 km from Pallom. It connects Kerala to major domestic and international destinations. From the airport, travelers can hire taxis or rental cars, and the journey to Pallom usually takes about 2 hours depending on traffic.
How to Explore Pallom Water Lily Fields
Exploring Pallom offers a calm monsoon experience through the Kerala water lily landscape. Moreover, visitors enjoy canoe rides, sunrise views, photography, and slow travel moments. The pink blooms spread across flooded paddy fields and create a peaceful natural setting.
- Canoe Cruise Through Water Lily Fields : Visitors enjoy a canoe cruise through dense water lily fields. Local villagers operate traditional wooden canoes called Vallam. Moreover, the canoe moves slowly through pink blooming patches. Travelers experience close views of flowers at water level. This ride creates a peaceful and immersive nature experience.
- Sunrise Canoe Ride Experience : Early morning canoe rides create a magical experience in Pallom. Visitors start the journey before sunrise for the best views. Moreover, soft light blends pink lilies with orange skies. The reflections on water create a stunning visual effect. Travelers also enjoy calm silence during sunrise hours.
- Photography Experience : Visitors can take their own photographs during the canoe ride. The pink background creates natural frames for travel shots. Moreover, drone photography captures wide landscapes of the Kerala water lily fields. Close-up shots highlight the delicate beauty of each flower.Professional photographers also offer services in Pallom. They capture reels, portraits, wedding shoots, and travel albums. Moreover, visitors can share their ideas for customized photography. Both options create high-quality visual memories.
- Slow Travel Experience : Pallom supports a slow and peaceful travel style. Visitors walk around field edges and observe village life. Moreover, the quiet environment enhances the experience of nature. The Kerala water lily bloom creates a relaxing atmosphere away from crowds.
- Explore Nearby Places : Pallom connects easily to nearby attractions in Kottayam. Visitors can explore Kumarakom backwaters and Malarikkal water lily fields. Moreover, Kottayam town offers food and cultural experiences. These destinations make the trip more complete and memorable.
Canoe Ride Pricing at Pallom Water Lily Fields
The canoe experience at Pallom depends on duration, boat type, and visitor needs. The Kerala water lily bloom attracts both tourists and photographers. Moreover, local villagers operate canoe rides during the monsoon season.
Canoe rides usually start from thirty-minute packages. Most visitors prefer one to three-hour rides for better exploration. Prices generally start from around INR 400 per person. However, costs increase with longer durations.Boat size also affects pricing. Small canoes carry two to four people comfortably. Meanwhile, larger boats accommodate up to twenty passengers. Therefore, group size influences the final cost.Photography sessions need more time than regular visits. One hour suits basic exploration. However, professional shoots require multiple hours. Moreover, photographers often use two boats for a single shoot. One boat carries guests, while another supports equipment.
Visitors prefer longer rides for sunrise and photography experiences. Early booking helps during peak monsoon season. The Kerala water lily bloom attracts high demand during this period.
Best Time to Visit Pallom Water Lily Fields
The best time to visit Pallom is during the Kerala water lily season, which usually begins by the end of June and continues until September. However, the bloom depends on the monsoon and local water levels. As rainfall increases, more paddy fields fill with blooming pink water lilies.Water lilies naturally open in the early morning and gradually close as the day becomes warmer. Therefore, plan your visit between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM for the best views.
For a memorable sunrise canoe ride, start before sunrise. Moreover, ask your boat operator to reach the centre of the main blooming area before the sun rises. The orange sky and pink Kerala water lily fields create stunning reflections, making this the best time for photography and drone shots.Weekdays usually offer a quieter experience than weekends. Therefore, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without large crowds.
Pallom vs Malarikkal: Which Water Lily Destination Should You Visit?
Pallom has emerged as a new alternative to Malarikkal this monsoon. The Kerala water lily bloom has already started in Pallom, while Malarikkal is still waiting for its peak season. Therefore, many visitors are choosing Pallom for an early monsoon trip.Malarikkal is Kerala’s largest and most famous water lily destination. During peak season, the bloom covers nearly 600 to 700 acres of waterlogged paddy fields. In contrast, Pallom is smaller but offers a quieter atmosphere and peaceful canoe rides.If you want to see the largest Kerala water lily bloom, visit Malarikkal during peak season. However, if you prefer fewer crowds or plan to travel early in the season, Pallom is the better choice.
Where to Stay Near Pallom Water Lily Fields
Most visitors stay in Kottayam, located about 3–5 km from Pallom. The Kerala water lily fields are easily accessible from this base. Moreover, Kottayam offers smooth road connectivity to the blooming paddy fields.Budget hotels in Kottayam start around INR 1500 per night. These stays offer basic comfort and convenient access to Pallom. Therefore, they suit travelers planning short monsoon trips.Mid-range and premium hotels are also available in the area. Five-star hotels usually range from INR 7000 to 10000 per night. Moreover, these options provide better comfort for families and longer stays.
During peak monsoon season, demand increases quickly. Therefore, early booking helps secure better rates and locations. Staying in Kottayam also allows easy access to Malarikkal and Kumarakom along with the Kerala water lily experience.For easy planning and booking, you can check hotel options here: [Book your stay in Kottayam (affiliate link)].
Must-Try Photography Experience in Pallom
Photography in Pallom is a must-try experience. The Kerala water lily fields create a natural pink backdrop during the monsoon season. Moreover, every corner offers a perfect frame for travel photos and reels.Visitors can capture photos, videos, and drone shots from canoe rides. The aerial views show the full spread of blooming water lilies. Therefore, even a short visit feels visually rich.
Professional photographers and drone operators are also available. They create portraits, reels, and cinematic travel shots. Moreover, visitors can turn their canoe ride into a complete photo experience. For photography and drone packages, you can check available options here: 👇
Conclusion – Pallom Water Lily Fields
Pallom offers a calm Kerala water lily experience during the monsoon season. Moreover, the early bloom and fewer crowds make it a strong alternative near Kottayam.Visitors can enjoy canoe rides, sunrise views, and peaceful village scenery. Therefore, every moment feels simple yet memorable. Photography also adds value to the experience.Pallom connects easily with Malarikkal and Kumarakom. Moreover, travelers can plan a short monsoon trip covering multiple destinations.If you are planning a visit, choose the Kerala water lily season for the best experience.
