Champions Boat League

Match	Date	Winner
Karuvatta, Alappuzha	19/09/2026	Aroma Chundan, Aroma Boat Club
Kallada, Kollam	23/09/2026	Aroma Chundan, Aroma Boat Club
Pandanad, Alappuzha	26/09/2026	Melpadom Chundan, Pallathuruthy Boat Club
Kottappuram, Thrissur	04/10/2026
Marine Drive, Ernakulam	10/10/2026
Piravom, Ernakulam	17/10/2026
Thazhathangadi, Kottayam	24/10/2026
Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha	31/10/2026
Kainakary, Alappuzha	07/11/2026
Kayamkulam, Alappuzha	14/11/2026
President's Trophy, Kollam	21/11/2026

CBL Boat Races

With the rhythm of 'Arppo-Irro', the boat races in Kerala encapsulate the heart and soul of Kerala's cultural vistas. The idyllic shores of Kerala's backwaters come alive with resolute support and enthusiastic cheers, reflecting the crowd's passion for the races.

Karuvatta Boat Race

The Karuvatta boat race or the Brothers Trophy Boat Race is held every year during the Onam season at the Karuvatta village in Alappuzha district. A variety of spectacular cultural activities are organised during the race. The snake boat race is currently part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).The event was founded by the Karuvatta Brothers Arts & Sports Club in 1966. The race is held on the Karuvatta leading water channel and it was initially known as the Karuvatta Leading Channel Boat Race. The bunds on either side of the channel are used as galleries during the event.The race track is 1200 metres long and it stretches from Thaivypinkadavu to St. Joseph's Church. There is a permanent pavilion at the church premises. The Brothers Trophy Boat Race was initially conducted for smaller snake boats like Churulan, Odi and Veppu vallams. Nowadays, all major snake boats vie for this trophy. Vibrant festivities including a colourful procession are held during the event.

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Kallada Boat Race

The Kallada Boat Race is an annual event held at Munroe Thuruthu in Kollam district. The race is held on the 28th day of Onam, which falls in the Malayalam month of Kanni. So, this is the last boat race during the Onam season. As a prominent snake boat competition in south Kerala, the Kallada Boat Race attracts major snake boats and boat clubs to the event. The race is held on a 1,400-metre track on the Puthiraparambu Karuthrakadavu Nettayam in the Kallada river. The race that enjoys a huge fan following among the local residents is now part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).

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Pandanad Boat Race

The Pandanad Boat Race is held at the namesake village in Chengannur Taluk in Alappuzha district. Celebrated as a water carnival by the residents of Chengannur, this race has been recently inducted into Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL). The race is held on the Pandanad Mithramadam Nettayam on the Pamba river. Both chundan vallams (snake boats) and palliyodams (a variety of snake boats) participate in the event. Pandanad follows the tradition of Aranmula Palliyodams. The village boasts of five palliyodams representing five different karas or localities - Pandanad, Keezhuvanmazhy, Vanmazhy, Muthavazhy and Prayar. The event begins with a majestic procession involving all five palliyodams. Apart from the race, the festival hosts cultural events and symposiums.

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Kottappuram Boat Race

The Kottappuram Boat Race is one of the two prestigious snake boat races held in Kerala's Thrissur district. The race was launched 26 years ago and it is conducted on the Kodungalloor-Kottappuram Lake. The event was not held for several years in between due to organisational and financial challenges.The race got a new lease of life with the intervention of Kerala Tourism. Now the event is held every year as a water carnival. The Kottappuram Boat Race is also part of the Champions Boat League (CBL), which makes it one of the much-awaited water sports events in the state.

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Marine Drive Boat Race

The Marine Drive Boat Race, also known as the Indira Gandhi Boat Race, was a forgotten snake boat contest in Kerala. The inaugural race was held in 1989 and it was named after Late Indira Gandhi, India's former prime minister. The event ran regularly for three years, but it slowly went into oblivion due to financial and organisational issues.The race was revived by Kerala Tourism after being added onto the Champions Boat League (CBL) roster in 2019. Today, it's a gala event with day-long cultural activities that attracts foreign as well as domestic tourists.The race is held at the Marine Drive area in Kochi. The track on the Kochi Lake, which is a stretch of the Vembanad Lake, extends from the Goshree bridge to the Marine Drive boat jetty. It is one of the most difficult snake boat races in Kerala, as it is held on a shallow track that has little or no undercurrents. So, victory depends on the strength and stamina of the paddlers. Apart from the energetic display of sportsmanship by the competitors, visitors are also treated to various traditional and modern cultural events.

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Piravom Boat Race

Launched in 1958, the Piravom Boat Race is one of the oldest snake boat races in Kerala. The founding of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race inspired the people of Piravom in Ernakulam district to have a similar event of their own. Conducted on the Muvattupuzha River, this is one of the hardest snake boat races because competitors have to paddle against the undercurrents. Initially, smaller vessels like odi or iruttukuthi and kadathu (ferry) boats participated in the race. In 1962, parunthuvalans or veppu vallams (a type of smaller snake boat) were introduced to the contest. The Parthasarathy Chundan was the first snake boat to participate in the race and in the later years other major snake boats tested their mettle against the currents of the Muvattupuzha River. The 27 sections of the Piravom Municipality is divided into 9 karas (localities) and the races are held under the names of each division. The race begins at Kalamboor Aattutheeram Park and ends at the finishing point near the Piravom bridge. Every year, boat clubs from across the state arrive here to showcase their skills and raw power to win this title, which is now part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).

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Thazhathangadi Boat Race

Snake boat races are an integral part of Kerala's cultural heritage. The origin of the current format of systematic snake boat races began at Thazhathangadi in Kottayam district in 1887. Diwan Peshkar (Chief minister) Rama Rao of the Travancore kingdom is credited with founding the Thazhathangadi Boat Race.The Thekkumkoor kings reigned Kottayam before the Travancore rule. They used to conduct boat races at Thazhathangadi for the entertainment of the royal family. During the Thekkumkoor rule, Thazhathangadi used to be the capital and commercial centre. It was Diwan Rama Rao who built the Kottayam town and shifted the capital there.Being interested in snake boats and the utility of various kalivallams (sporting boats), the Diwan gave shape to the Thazhathangadi Boat Race. He divided the races based on different boat classes. This led to the birth of Kerala's first ever systematic public snake boat race. The event became a matter of pride for local residents whose enthusiasm turned it into an annual event.In 1937, Sri Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, the last ruling Maharaja of the Travancore kingdom, came to watch the race. Following his visit, the race was renamed as Sri Chithira Boat Race. Later in 1956, when Emperor Hayley Salasi of Ethiopia visited Kottayam, snake boat race was held in his honour at Thazhathangadi. After that the event was christened as Hayley Salasi Ever-rolling Trophy.The boat race wasn't conducted for many years due to various reasons until the West Club at Kottayam took the initiative to revive the tournament in 1998. Every year since, the Thazhathangadi Boat Race is conducted by the Kottayam City Corporation annually where major clubs and snake boats vie for the Golden Jubilee Ever-rolling Trophy.

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Pulinkunnu Boat Race

The Pulinkunnu Boat Race is another major snake boat contest held in Kerala's Alappuzha district. The event is held at the Pamba river in the memory of India’s late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The premier had visited the Kuttanad area in 1985 and the local residents had organised a snake boat show to welcome him.After Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991, the residents of Pulinkunnu decided to hold an annual snake boat race in his honour. Kerala's former Chief Minster K Karunakaran sponsored the Rajiv Gandhi Trophy for this event, which is held on the last Saturday of August every year.All major boating clubs and snake boats vie for this trophy. This race has also been inducted into Kerala Tourism’s Champions Boat League (CBL).

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Kainakari Boat Race

Kainakari is a scenic locale in the Kuttanad region of Kerala's Alappuzha district. The lush paddy fields and the proximity to various water bodies including lake, rivers, canals and ponds make this village an enchanting destination for travelers. Five major rivers originating from the Western Ghats, including Pamba, feed the massive Vembanad Lake at Kainakari.As a land deeply linked to the waters, its people are adept at using various kinds of boats for business and commutation. This village is also home to the greatest snake boat rowing team in Kerala, UBC (United Boat Club) Kainakari. The team has an unbeaten record of 14 Nehru trophy wins.The Kainakari Boat Race is unique as it is conducted on the Pamba River, unlike other races that are held on backwaters. This annual event is now part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).

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Kayamkulam Boat Race

The Kayamkulam Boat Race is held on the Kayamkulam Lake in Alappuzha district. Launched in 2010, it is one of the most recent snake boat racing events in the state.Though the event is new, Kayamkulam is significant in the history of snake boats. The origins of Kerala's signature snake boats traces back to the feud between the princely states of Chempakassery and Kayamkulam. It is said that these boats were crafted to conduct warfare on the backwaters.The Kayamkulam Lake is Kerala's third largest lake. The race track, located between Karthikapally church and Panmana, is 1,200 metres long and 70 metres wide. The track is set on the shallow portion of the lake and special pavilions have been constructed in the middle of the waters to mark the starting and finishing points.The Kayamkulam Boat Race falls in the last leg of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).

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President's Trophy Boat Race

The President's Boat Race is held annually at the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district. The first race was held here on August 31, 2011. The then President Smt Pratibha Patil was present to watch the event. That's how the tournament got its name.The race is now a part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL).The 1200-metre race track extends from the Thevalli bridge across Ashtamudi Lake to the boat jetty near the KSRTC bus station. The President's Boat Race used to offer the second biggest cash prize after the Nehru Trophy. Now the winnings are based on performance in the League.The inaugural race was a grand success as 16 snake boats participated in it. Ganeshan Chundan rowed by Kollam St. Francis Boat Club won the cup in the debut event. Races for other snake boat categories like Veppu, Iruttukuthi and Thekkanvadi were also held.

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CBL Venues

Alappuzha

Alappuzha district is the snake boat race capital of Kerala. With its crisscrossing lakes, canals, rivers and proximity to the Arabian sea, Alappuzha is aptly described as the 'Venice of the East'. So, it's no surprise that water and boats are integral to life and culture in natural paradise.The network of backwaters - Punnamada Lake, Vembanad Lake and Kayamkulam Lake - rivers - Manimala River, Achankovil River and Pamba River - as well as numerous canals make Alappuzha the ideal venue for snake boat races. Five of Champions Boat League (CBL) races - Nehru Trophy, Karuvatta, Kainakari, Pulinkunnu and Kayamkulam boat races - happen on various water bodies in Alappuzha. Other major events are Champakulam, Neerattupuram, Payippad and Pandanad boat races.Visit Alappuzha district during the Onam season (Aug-Sept) to experience the thrill of snake boat racing and exceptional facets of Kerala traditions and culture.

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Ashtamudi Lake

The Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district is a stunning water body and a biodiversity hotspot that attracts tourists from across the world. The backwater is the venue of the President's Trophy Boat Race, the final snake boat event in Champions Boat League (CBL) calendar. The race offers the highest CBL prize money after the Nehru Trophy.The race happens on a 1,200-metre track on the lake stretching from Thevally Bridge to the KSRTC Bus Station.The Ashtamudi Lake is easily accessible and a host of luxury resorts and homestays are available in the vicinity at competitive prices.

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Punnamada

This enchanting backwater in Alappuzha district is the venue for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most prestigious snake boat event in Champions Boat League (CBL). This grand race marks the beginning of the CBL season and winning this trophy is a matter of pride for every snake boat owner and every boating club in Kerala.The lake is an extension of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s longest and largest lake. Punnamada is a pristine locale that offers great opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of rustic Kerala. The lake is easily accessible by road and water. There are excellent accommodation facilities nearby.

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Marine Drive

The Marine Drive at Kochi is a hotspot for residents and visitors alike. This is also the venue of the Marine Drive Boat Race, which is held during the Onam season (Aug-Sept).The event is a part of Champions Boat League (CBL). This is one of the most challenging races in the league owing to its shallow track and lack of undercurrents. So, rowers have to depend on their raw power, stamina and skill to win here.The beautiful 3 km-long Marine Drive promenade offers a stunning view of the Kochi Lake, which is part of the Vembanad Lake, and the harbour. The walkway is adorned with the Rainbow Bridge, Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, and House Boat Bridge as well as shopping centres and a host of eateries.

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Kottappuram

A charming little village in Kerala's Thrissur district, Kottappuram was once part of the historic port city of Muziris. The Kottappuram-Kodungalloor Lake is the venue of one of the tightly fought races in Champions Boat League (CBL).The venue is 5 km away from Kodungalloor, a port town that once was the centre of international trade in Kerala. Today, it has been turned into a travel destination with picturesque walkways, waterside seating, kiosks, restaurants, and a lively eat street serving a cornucopia of Kerala delicacies.

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Piravom

The beautiful Muvattupuzha river in Piravom is the venue of Champions Boat League race. The village is in Ernakulam district and borders the neighbouring district of Kottayam.The event is one of the oldest and toughest races in the league. The locality is renowned for its natural beauty and religious harmony. The lush green paddy fields, alluring hillocks and rivers are sights to behold in Piravom.

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Thazhathangady

The historic town of Thazhathangadi in Kottayam district is just 2 km away from the city. A major leg of Champions Boat League (CBL) is held on the Meenachil River in Thazhathangadi.Once a centre of trade and commerce during the reign of Thekkumkoor kings in the 17th and 18th century, Thazhathangadi also has a centuries-old connection with snake boat races.

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Pulinkunnu

Pulinkunnu is a picturesque village in Alappuzha district. The stunning locale is the venue of the Pulinkunnu Boat race, which is part of Champions Boat League (CBL). The race is held on the Pamba River in the memory of India's former Prime Minister, Late Rajiv Gandhi.The village offers a glimpse into Kerala's village life. Visitors can lodge at homestays or resorts here to enjoy what Pulinkunnu has to offer.

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Kainakary

Kainakari is another idyllic village in Alappuzha district, famous for its snake boat tradition. This beautiful locale is the venue of the Kainakari Boat Race, which is part of Champions Boat League (CBL). The race is held on the backwaters of the village.The lush paddy fields, network of various water bodies, make Kainakari a must-visit destination in Kerala. One of the intriguing aspects of Kainakari is that it's the point where the Pamba River merges with the Vembanad Lake.

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Beypore

The scenic and historic port town of Beypore in Kozhikode district, is the only northern Kerala venue of Champions Boat League (CBL). Renowned for its centuries-old wooden ship (Uru) building prowess, Beypore is an exemplary centre for Responsible Tourism.The boat race is held on the Chaliyar River between the old and new Feroke bridges. The enchanting locale is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Chaliyar River, Kadalundi River, and Kallayi River. The beach here is the venue of the Beypore Water Festival, one of India's largest water carnivals.

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Karuvatta

Karuvatta village in Haripad Taluk, Alappuzha, hosts the only Champions Boat League (CBL) race on a canal. Held annually on the Thottappally Spillway, the canal that carries waters from Achankovil and Pamba River to the Arabian Sea.The picturesque village also offers scenic views of paddy fields, coconut lagoons, rivers and backwaters.

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Kayamkulam

The origin of snake boat race back to Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district. This historic town hosts one of the key competitions in Champions Boat League (CBL) on the Kayamkulam Lake.It's the feud between the Kayamkulam and Chempakassery kingdoms that led to the founding of the chundan vallams (snake boats). These speedsters were used to be war boats.The Kayamkulam is a scenic spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The town also houses several historic monuments.

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Munroe Island

Munroe Thuruth (island) in Kollam district is the venue of the famous Kallada Boat Race. This event is part of Champions Boat League (CBL). The race is held during Onam season (Aug-Sept).The island is composed of small islets and coconut lagoons. Visitors get to enjoy the tranquility of village life, the workings of the traditional coir industry and cycling expeditions through the rustic roads.

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Results 2026

CBL Boat Races

CBL Venues

Prizes

₹ 25 Lakh

₹ 15 Lakh

₹ 10 Lakh

Snake Boats

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

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Other Boat Races

CBL Seasons