If you ever get an opportunity to visit God’s Own Country Kerala in the months of August and September, DO NOT think twice!
As Kerala’s monsoons hit its peak in the months of August and September, its backwaters become more than a mere spectacle. Uniquely designed snake boats pave their paths around the lagoons in a most rhythmic fashion. Not to mention, the pride and enthusiasm displayed by each residents of the surrounding villages; boosting their morale.
The Legend Behind Kerala’s Boat Races: The Champakulam Story
There are several stories associated with some of Kerala’s popular boat races. One such story includes the tale of the Chempakulam Boat Races.
This even can be traced back to the days of the Chembakassery king, approximately 400 years ago. He used to reside in the kingdom of Ambalapuzha (currently situated in Kerala’s Alleppey district).
Legend says that the king wanted to establish at temple here as instructed by his astrologers. However, it was found that the idol, that was meant to be placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, was not ‘pure.’ His minister had then suggested that the idol could be replaced with the idol placed at the Karinkulam Temple located in Kurichi (part of present day Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu). This idol was said to have been given by the Pandava warrior – Arjuna.
On their way back, they halted at a village called Champakulam (part of Alleppey district). The idol was kept safely at house which belonged to a Syrian Christian family. The head of the family Mappilassery Itty Thommen was, in fact, the king’s loyal subject and confidant. The following day, the king, his ministers and a large number of subjects as well as Itty Thommen’s family headed towards the Ambalapuzha temple to place the deity. As a token of his gratitude, the Chembakassery Raja had conducted a grand carnival which showcased the boat races.
Most Popular Boat Races in Kerala:
There are about 47 boat races conducted in Kerala during the months of August and September. These races take place at several areas situated across the state of Kerala.
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alleppey:
The most popular boat race in Kerala is the Nehru Trophy (Punnamada) Boat Race at Alleppey. This race is usually conducted in August. It is also called the Punnamada Boat Race as it is happening on Punnamaza lake near Alleppey. These races are characterized by the unique boats known as Chundan Vallams (which translates to beaked boats). They are also called snake boats. This event is also funded by the state government.
Why is It Called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
In the year 1952, a group of people had organised a boat race at the Punnamada Lake during Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru‘s visit to Kerala in the month of December. The unique display was widely appreciated and a silver trophy was sent from New Delhi by the former Prime Minister and handed over to the winners of the race.
From this date, Kerala government is organizing Nehru trophy boat race every year.
2. Aranmula Boat Race, Pathanamthitta District:
The Aranmula Boat Race is one of the most sacred boat races in Kerala, held on the Pampa River near the famous Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta district. Unlike other races, this one is more of a temple ritual than a sport. It is celebrated to honour Lord Krishna, worshipped here as Parthasarathy, and forms part of the Onam festivities.
A grand feast called Vallasadya is offered to the boat crews as a mark of devotion. The snake boats here are treated as sacred vessels, not just racing boats. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather on the riverbanks to witness this beautiful mix of faith, tradition and rowing skill, making it a must-visit event for anyone travelling to Kerala during Onam.
3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Alappuzha District:
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, held on the Pamba River in Alappuzha district, is considered the oldest snake boat race in Kerala. It marks the official start of the boat race season in the state. This race is linked to the legend of the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, where the idol is believed to have arrived by boat along the Pampa river centuries ago.
The race is held every year on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month of Midhunam (June-July), and the winning team is awarded the Rajapramukhan Trophy. If you are planning your Kerala trip early in the season, this is the first big boat race to watch, packed with rituals, boat songs and community spirit.
Other Notable Boat Races in Kerala:
Apart from this, here are some of the notable boat races in Kerala which you can experience during the August and September every year. The list includes:
- Kumarakom Boat Race, Kottayam district
- Uthradam Thirunal Pamba Boat Race, Alleppey district
- President’s Trophy Boat Race, Kollam district
- Thazhathangadi Boat Race, Kottayam district
- Uthara Malabar Boat Race, Kasargod
When and Where Are Kerala’s Boat Races Held?
| Boat Race | Location | Usually Held In |
| Champakulam Moolam Boat Race | Champakulam, Alappuzha district | June/July |
| Nehru Trophy Boat Race | Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha | August (2nd/3rd Saturday) |
| Aranmula Boat Race (Uthrattathi) | Pamba River, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district | August/September |
| Uthradam Thirunal Pamba Boat Race | Pamba River, Aranmula, Alappuzha district | August/September |
| Kumarakom Boat Race | Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, Kottayam district | August/September |
| Thazhathangadi Boat Race | Thazhathangadi, Kottayam district | August/September |
| President’s Trophy Boat Race | Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam district | November |
| Uthara Malabar Boat Race | Kasargod district | October |
The Art and Tradition Boat Racing in Kerala:
Kerala’s boat races are unique in several aspects, especially the design and rowing techniques. This is an art that is most often passed on from one generation to another. Boat racing to the local residents is more than a mere sport. It is a matter of pride and perhaps the one way in which they strive towards upholding certain traditions.
At present, Uma Maheshawaran and Sabu Narayanan, the sons of ace snake boat designer Kozhimukku Narayanan Asari, are said to be the best designers.
According to a senior radio commentator and a former participant of the Punnamada Boat Race, Mr. Joseph Elamkulam, this is unlike any other competitive sport. Participants are trained to row according to the beats of the Vanji Pattu (boat song). Each race has a specific music genre for the race. While the songs of the Punnamada Lake display the flavours of folk music, the music at the Aranmula Boat Races is devotional in nature.
There aren’t any fixed rules concerning the number of participants per team. Interestingly, the winner of the 2016 Nehru Trophy, Team Karichal, that consisted of 79 members defeated a team that had 102 participants. “It should be noted that those rowing in the backwaters cannot necessarily row as effectively in a river or at sea. The techniques are different, so are the structures of the boat,” explains Mr. Elamkulam.
How to Reach the Venue:
Most boat race venues in Kerala are well-connected.
- By air, Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest for Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta races, roughly 80-85 km away, with taxis and buses available.
- By train, Alappuzha and Chengannur (for Aranmula) railway stations connect to major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai.
- By road, KSRTC buses run frequently from Kochi, Kottayam, and other districts. Most jetties and race points are within walking distance or a short auto ride from the local bus stand or railway station.
Where to Stay:
Accommodation near boat race venues ranges from budget lodges to premium backwater houseboats.
- Alappuzha offers the widest choice — houseboat stays (Rs 8,000-Rs 20,000+ per night depending on season and category), waterfront resorts, and budget hotels near the boat jetty.
- Kumarakom and Pathanamthitta have fewer options, so book early. During race season, prices rise sharply and rooms sell out fast.
It’s advisable to book hotels or houseboats 3-4 months in advance, especially for Nehru Trophy weekend, as this is Alappuzha’s busiest tourist period of the year.
Ticket Booking & Prices:
Major races like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race require tickets, sold through official government counters and online booking portals (check the official Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society website closer to the date). Typical categories include Tourist Gold (premium pavilion, often with refreshments, around Rs 3,000), Tourist Silver, and General/Lawn seating (more affordable, open viewing).
Smaller temple-linked races like Aranmula and Champakulam are usually free to watch from the riverbanks, though space is limited. Always book through official government sources to avoid overpriced resale tickets.
Tips for Attending a Kerala Boat Races:
- Arrive at least 1-2 hours early to get a good viewing spot, as crowds build up fast
- Book Nehru Trophy tickets or houseboat seats in advance — popular spots sell out quickly
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat, since races happen during monsoon season (Aug-Sept)
- Wear light, quick-dry clothing and comfortable footwear suited for marshy, wet ground
- Only travellers aged 18+ can participate as rowers, due to safety and swimming requirements
- Dress modestly and respect local customs, as Kerala’s backwater villages follow simple, traditional lifestyles
- Stay hydrated and carry water, as August afternoons can get humid despite the rain
So are you geared up for this year’s boat race?
Quick Facts for Visitors:
- Months: July – September
- Popular destinations for the races: Alleppey, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta
- Means of transport: Most of the venues are well-connected by buses. You could also resort to a train journey up to the nearest railway station and make arrangements for your own means of transport up to the venue.
- Tickets: Do contact your travel agent or the organizers for these details. You may also speak to the local residents for more information.
- Must haves: An umbrella, raincoat, monsoon footwear
- Remember: Though the presence of tourists does not frighten the local residents, Kerala’s villages follow a conservative lifestyle. Appropriate and comfortable clothing is advised for men and women. It would be wise to wear clothes that dry quickly for the races take place during the monsoons and the surrounding areas are marshy.
Conclusion:
Kerala’s boat races are more than a sporting event — they’re a colourful mix of tradition, community spirit, and monsoon magic. Whether you catch the grand Nehru Trophy at Alappuzha or a quieter temple race like Aranmula, the energy of the chundan vallams and vanchipattu songs stays with you long after. Plan your visit around August-September, book early, and you’ll witness one of Kerala’s most authentic cultural experiences firsthand.
FAQs:
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, is Kerala’s most famous snake boat race. It draws lakhs of spectators every August and is often called the “Olympics of the backwaters.”
Vallam Kali means “boat play” in Malayalam and refers to Kerala’s traditional snake boat races. These events, held during Onam festivities, feature long chundan vallams rowed by dozens of trained oarsmen.
Kerala’s Chundan Vallams are long, curved boats with a raised prow resembling a snake’s hood, which is why they’re popularly known as snake boats. Some stretch over 100 feet in length.
The best time to watch Kerala boat races is during Onam season, between June and September. Most major races, including Nehru Trophy and Aranmula, fall within this monsoon festival period.
Alappuzha district, known as the backwater capital of Kerala, hosts the highest number of snake boat races, including Nehru Trophy, Champakulam, and Uthradam Thirunal Pamba Boat Race.
