Ambattu Kadavu

Ambattu Kadavu, situated near Puthupally in the Kottayam district of Kerala, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of nature and culture. This village, located approximately 9.5 kilometers from Kottayam town, is famous for its scenic beauty, water lilies (Aambal in Malayalam), and rich biodiversity.

Witness Water Lily Bloom at Ambattu Kadavu

The water lilies bloom in a 100-acre field near the Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple, creating a breathtaking pink carpet that covers both sides of the road and attracts tourists from far and wide. The bloom season usually takes place from October to November, with the best time to witness this stunning sight being around 6-9 am.

Visitors can wade knee-deep into the waters to admire the flowers up close or take a boat ride to explore the fields’ interiors. Ducks and water birds can also be spotted, adding to the place’s charm. The green fields and blue sky form a mesmerizing backdrop for the water lilies.

The water lilies bloom annually in fields near the hamlet of Malarikkal on Kumarakom Road, as well as in surrounding villages like Ambattukadavu. The flowers, known as Aambal in Malayalam, bloom at night and wilt during the day. They appear in fields after harvest, and country boatmen ferry people up and down the pink expanse.

The Aambal blooms only in cultivated fields, and by August-September, they start appearing cluster by cluster. After the paddy is harvested, the seeds of the lilies that were deposited earlier in the field grow, and the plant completes its life cycle in two-to-three months. The water lily bloom has as much potential as the Neelakurinji of Munnar, offering a visual spectacle every year.

Cultural Richness at Ambattu Kadavu

In addition to its scenic beauty, Ambattu Kadavu is a culturally rich destination. The Panachikkadu Temple, located nearby, is an ancient temple devoted to Goddess Saraswati, who represents learning and arts. The temple hosts a grand festival every year during Navratri, drawing thousands of devotees seeking blessings from the goddess.

Ambattu Kadavu Island is home to diverse flora and fauna, such as mangroves, coconut palms, water birds, fish, and turtles. The island has a long history of human habitation dating back to ancient times. Once a part of the Travancore kingdom, it later became a part of the princely state of Cochin. Several temples, churches, and mosques on the island reflect the religious diversity and harmony of the area.

The annual boat race that occurs during the Onam festival in August or September is one of Ambattu Kadavu’s main attractions. This traditional sport, which is popular in Kerala, is a significant event in Ambattu Kadavu.

Plan Your Visit to Ambattu Kadavu

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime boat ride through the pink water lilies in Ambattu Kadavu, Kottayam. Tourists can now enjoy this breathtaking sight by taking small boat services that have been launched to take them to the fields near Ambattukadavu in Kottayam.

The best time to visit Ambattukadavu is during October and November, particularly in the morning between 6 AM to 9 AM. Visitors do not have to pay any entry or parking fees, but they would need to compensate the locals for the boat rides.

Visitors can access Ambattu Kadavu by driving from Kottayam town via the Kollad-Puthupally Road or the MC Road, or by taking a bus or taxi from Kottayam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport. Parking facilities are available near the temple and water lily fields.

Photo by: ente_ambattu_kadav