Malarikkal is making sure tourists don’t leave when the lilies close. From VR and 3D experiences to kayaking, canoeing and country-boat rides, the backwater village is adding a host of new attractions to turn its famed seasonal spectacle into a full-day outing experience. The Malarikkal Tourism Society, a community-led tourism initiative here, has introduced the new attractions this flowering season as part of efforts to diversify the village’s tourism offerings while retaining its rural charm.

“Water lilies bloom early in the morning and close by 9.30 a.m. Visitors usually leave after seeing the flowers. We are now trying to keep them here throughout the day with other activities. The VR and 3D centre is the first step towards this,” said society president Shajimon V.K.

At the new centre, visitors can use VR headsets to explore tourist destinations across the world, underwater wonders and even outer space. A 3D gallery showcases images of prominent historical and tourist landmarks in Kottayam, including Cheriyapalli, Valiyapalli, Kurishupalli, Juma Masjid and CMS High School.

A new binocular-viewing facility offers panoramic views of the sprawling water lily polders, with visitors able to see places as far as Marthandam, around 10 km away, according to the society. A 3D photo booth has also been set up, while a facility to convert photographs brought by visitors into 3D images is also available.

The society also plans to position the centre as an educational attraction, encouraging schools and students to experience emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D learning. Plans are also afoot to introduce water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and country-boat rides through the polders. An oral theatre is also in the works to narrate the history and stories associated with Malarikkal and prominent historical sites in and around Kottayam.

Published - August 21, 2026 06:59 pm IST