Kerala's boat races are legendary and if it's the first time you are hearing about this, then let us tell you all about it. Vallam kali as it is known in Malayalam is one of the oldest traditions of Kerala and involves 100-feet long snake boats or chundan vallams racing against one another. The boat races are typically held between August and September, coinciding with the harvest season and Onam. The event is quite a spectacle with oarsmen rowing in perfect sync, the boat songs or vanchipatu, and of course the festive fervour. We've picked up some of the best boat races to witness in Kerala this year, and truly get into the festive vibe in God's Own Country.
Best Boat Races In Kerala That You Must Attend At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
One of the most famous boat races in Kerala, the Nehru Trophy boat has completed 69 editions with the 70th one scheduled for this year. The boat race brings a huge crowd including tourists from all over the world and the event kicks off with water processions and beautiful water floats before the main race.
Where: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
When: Second Saturday of August every year. This year it'll be on Saturday, 10 August
Timings: 10 AM onwards
Tickets: INR 100 upwards
Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali
The Arnamula Boat Race is one of the oldest boat races in Kerala and it's held in River Pampa. The race is held during the Chingam month of the Malayalam calendar. The snake boats used during the race are called Palliyodams and the entire race is seen as an offering to the Lord Krishna who is the chief deity of Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple.
Where: River Pampa, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta
When: Chingam month, which is between August and September and coincides with Onam.
Timings: 10 AM onwards
Tickets: Yet to be announced
President's Trophy Boat Race
Another famous boat race in Kerala, the President's Trophy Boat Race is held annually in Ashtamudi Lake and the track length is around 1250 m starting from Thevally Palace to the houseboat terminal. Apart from the striking visuals of oarsmen rowing their oars in unison to the high-pitched chants of boat songs, the whole festive fervour brought by the crowd is truly amazing.
Where: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam
When: Usually end of November or early December. The dates are yet to be announced
Timings: Yet to be announced
Tickets: Yet to be announced
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
This is one of the oldest snack boat races in Kerala and it's the one that kicks off the boat race season in Kerala annually. The race is held in River Pampa in the village of Champakkulam in Alappuzha. Since this is the first race of the season, you will find hardcore boat race enthusiasts thronging the banks and watching the boats race against each other. All this is in the backdrop of the boat songs.
Where: River Pampa, Champakkkula, Alappuzha
When: Saturday, 22 June
Timings: Yet to be announced
Tickets: Yet to be announced
Payippad Boat Race
Unlike the races above, the Payippad Boat Race is a three-day event and the race happens during the Thiruvonam, Avittam and Chathayam days in the month of Chingam. The race is held annually with special races for Chundan, Iruttukuthi, Veppu, and Churulan as well. The final race happens on the day of Chathayam.
Where: Payippad backwaters, Alappuzha
When: On Thiruvonam, Avittam and Chathayam days in the month of Chingam. Yet to be announced.
Timings: Yet to be announced
Tickets: Yet to be announced
