CBL and Other Boat Races | Kerala Tourism

CBL Races 2025

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).

Dharmadom Boat Race

The Champions Boat League, hosted on the Ancharakandi River in Dharmadam, Kannur, is one of the most captivating boat race events in North Malabar. Competitions like these play a key role in drawing both domestic and international visitors to the region.

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.

Cheruvathoor Boat Race

The Champions Boat League at Cheruvathoor in Kasaragod district is one of the most prominent boat races in North Malabar. Hosted on the scenic Tejaswini River at Kottappuram, the event showcases thrilling competitions between traditional boats such as Chundan Vallam, Churulan, and Irutukuthi. Adding to the festive spirit, a vibrant water procession is also organized as part of the celebrations.

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).

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.

Beypore Boat Race

The Beypore Boat Race is a new entrant into Kerala's traditional water sports arena. The event was launched by Kerala Tourism to expand the indigenous sport to the northern regions of the state. The race is held on the Chaliyar River at the historic port town of Beypore in Kozhikode district. The race is part of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League, but it does not involve chundan vallams (snake boats). Only churulan vallams (small sporting boats) compete in this event. The race track is located between the old and new Feroke bridges. Teams from the northern regions participate in this race, which is quickly gaining popularity in the state. The Beypore Boat Race is held during Kerala Tourism's annual adventure water sports carnival - The Beypore Water Festival. A celebration of Malayali spirit and an international showcase of the state's potential as an adventure sports destination, this gala has become one of India's biggest water fests. Apart from the boat race, the event also hosts canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, speedboat racing, wooden log racing and timber rafting competitions. The Beypore Marina Beach and the eco-friendly Oceanus Chaliyam stretch on the opposite shore are the venues of this spectacular event, which also features rocking musical evenings, delectable food fest, international symposiums, kite festivals, naval and coast guard aviation displays and much more.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy or the Prime Minister's Trophy is like the Oscar of snake boat racing. Every boat racing club and every snake boat owner dreams of lifting this coveted cup every year. Held every year at the Punnamada backwaters in Alappuzha, the championship's origins trace back to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's state visit to Kerala in 1952. An exhibition boat race was held on December 22, 1952 to honour the premier's visit to Alappuzha. Nehru was so excited with the spectacle that he broke protocol and rode on the winning boat - the Nadubhagam Chundan - to Alappuzha city.After returning to Delhi, Nehru sent a silver trophy with his autograph and it was decided that the boat race would be held every year. The championship was later renamed as the Prime Minister's Trophy, but the event is still popular as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.The first official Nehru Trophy Boat Race was held at Kainakari Meenappilli backwaters in 1954. Kavalam Chundan was the winner in the inaugural event. But adverse conditions led to the cancellation of this venue after this race. The organisers earmarked a 1,380-metre track on the Punnamada lake, making it the permanent venue for the event.The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is counted among Kerala's most celebrated sporting and cultural events, which attracts tourists from across the world. The race was inducted into Kerala Tourism's ambitious Champions Boat League (CBL). The season kickstarts with the Nehru Trophy race.

Aranmula Boat Race

The Aranmula Boat Race in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district is a singularly spectacular snake boat race unlike any other in Kerala. Held on the Uthrittathi day in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September), this event is a cultural extravaganza rooted in Aranmula's rich history and traditions. The legends and stories associated with the origins of this race make this race an unmissable thrill ride for residents and visitors alike. The race is closely associated with the rituals of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. It's believed that all snake boats and rowers receive special blessings for participating in the race. A famous ritual held during the festival is the Aranmula Valla Sadya (feast on a boat). This follows the story of a rich brahmin, the Bhattathiri of Kattoor Mangadu Illam, who dreamt of Lord Krishna ordering him to serve a sadya (traditional Kerala feast) at the Aranmula Temple. That year onwards, Bhattathiri began bringing sadya on a boat known as the Thiruvonathoni to the temple. Thiruvonathoni's arrival is a spectacle in itself with a host of snake boats accompanying it. This recreates the time when the Bhattathiri and the Thiruvonathoni were saved from bandits by local residents on snake boats. Unlike other snake boat races in Kerala, the Aranmula Boat Race is not held on chundan vallams. A special type of snake boats called Palliyodams, dedicated to the temple's deity Lord Parhasarathy, compete in the race. The Aranmula Boat Race also has its own unique vanchippattu (boat songs) set to the Eastern vanchippattu style. The Palliyodams are categorised as A and B grades and the race is held on the Pamba river.

Champakkulam Boat Race

The Champakulam Boat Race in Kerala's Alappuzha district kicks off the snake boat season in Kerala every year. The race is held with great fervor on the Champakulam river, an extension of the Pamba river. The origins of the Champakulam Boat Race dates back to four centuries making it the oldest event in this category. It is connected to the re-dedication of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple during the reign of the Chempakasery dynasty. As the idol in the temple was found to be impure, a suitable replacement was found at the Kurichi Karikkulam Parthasarathy Temple. The king ordered his minister and the team accompanying the idol to halt at the Mappilassery family in Champakulam to avert the attack of bandits. The next morning the king himself came to Mappilassery and the idol was taken to Ambalappuzha with the accompaniment of a grand procession. The Champakulam Boat Race is held to commemorate this procession. Every year, a team from Ambalappuzha comes to Mappilassery carrying palpayasam, a famous dessert prepared at the Ambalappuzha temple. Special prayers and rituals are held before the race begins. In 1927, the Champakulam Boat Race was inaugurated by the Travancore Diwan M E Watts. In 1952, the last king of the Travancore royal family, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, came to watch the race. He instituted the Rajapramukhan Trophy. Major chundan vallams (snake boats) and boat clubs vie for this trophy every year on the Champakulam river.

Kumarakom Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi Boat Race

This annual race is held in the honour of Kerala's great social reformer and spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru's visit to Kumarakom in Kottayam district. Guru was taken to Kumarakom from Alappuzha via boat accompanied by a big procession for the function in 1903. He dedicated the idol, which was a picture of Lord Subrahmanyan, at the Sri Kumarakamangalam Temple. The annual Kumarakom Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi Boat Race is held as a gala to commemorate the Guru's grand arrival in 1903. The competition began in 1952 and is held on a 900-metre track at Kottathodu. The race begins after a grand water procession in decorated boats carrying an idol of Lord Subrahmanyan and a picture of Sree Narayana Guru. Iruttukuthis (smaller snake boats) are more prominent in this event than chundan vallams (snake boats). The race enjoys huge participation with over 1,000 rowers matching their skills aboard major snake boats and Iruttukuthis.

Payippad Boat Race

The Payippad Boat Race is a grand spectacle that has a unique place in Kerala’s water festivals. This is a three-day gala, a celebration that blends religion, culture and sportsmanship in a way that only Kerala can. The track is on Achankovil river in Payippad, a village in Kerala’s Alappuzha district. The race is organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board.Like many of the water festivals in the state, the Payippad Boat Race is linked to a religious occurrence. According to local lore, the priest of a Muruga temple named Keezhthrikkovil in Harippad dreamt that there is an idol of Lord Subrahmanyan beneath a whirlpool on Kayamkulam lake. The dream proved to be true and the retrieved idol was dedicated to the Harippad temple.The procession carrying the idol was welcomed at Payippad on the way to Harippad. The idol was kept at Aranazhika Nelpurakadavu until the Harippad temple’s renovations were over. After the works were completed, the idol was taken to Harippad and dedicated to the temple. The Payippad Boat Race is conducted in memory of this event.Thiruvonam is the first day of the event. Competing Chundan vallams (snake boats) will gather at Aranazhika Nelpurakadavu and proceed towards the Harippad temple singing vanchipattu (boat songs). The race begins in the afternoon. Colourful water processions are held on Avittam, the second day. And the exciting final race is held on Chathayam, the third day.The boat race is not limited to snake boats. There are competitions for other indigenous boats like iruttukuthi, veppu and churulan.

Neerattupuram Boat Race

Held on the Pamba River every year, the Uthradam Thirunal Neerattupuram Boat Race is conducted on Thiruvonam day. The boat race was founded in 1957 by a group of youngsters from Neerattupuram Library and Union Library. Also known as the Pamba water festival, the race is held on a 1km track at the Neerattupuram Water Stadium.An interesting aspect about this race is that it happens on the border of two districts - Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. The north and east portion of the track is in Pathanamthitta while the south and west sides are in Alappuzha.The track is narrow and only three snake boats could race at a time. So, in the initial years, only veppu vallams (small snake boats) competed in the event for the Pulikeezhu Pampa Sugar Factory Trophy. Later, snake boats entered the race. Today, competitors vie for the Mamman Mappila Trophy, instituted by the Malayala Manorama Group.The race is currently managed by the Pamba Race Club founded by Kuttanad farmers in 1957.

Kandassankadavu Boat Race

The Kandassankadavu Boat Race is one of the oldest snake boat competitions in Thrissur district. The event is held on Thiruvonam day according to the Malayalam calendar at the Conolly Canal.The event, which began in 1956, had a sporadic run until 2011. The first race was kind of an exhibition match between two churulan vallams (small snake boats), which was organised as part of the Kerala Day celebrations. The next event happened in 1962 during the Onam celebrations. It ran for six years until coming to a stop in 1968.In 1977, a few of the organisers of the debut race initiated and revived the event. The water fest went on without a break till 1990. The race was almost forgotten for 20 years until the district administration, Manalur Grama Panchayat and Thrissur DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) came together to revive it.Now, the Kandassankadavu Boat Race is held as part of a 10-day Onam festival. The race track on the canal is 990 metres long, which extends from the Pulam Puzhakkadavu to Kandassankadavu Boat Jetty. Major snake boats and boating clubs compete for the Chief Minister's Ever Rolling Trophy every year.

Mahatma Mannar Boat Race

This annual boat race is held at Mannar in Kerala's Alappuzha district. Debuted in 1971, the event's name was derived from Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The race is held on Chathayam, the fourth day of Onam, in the Malayalam month of Chingam.The race is held on the Nettayam river, which is a part of the Pamba river. The 1km track is 100 metres wide. The race happens from west to east and this part of the river is deep with strong undercurrents, making it a challenging track for competitors. Races are held in all boat classes in this competition, which is managed by the Mannar Boat Race Committee.The winner's trophy is instituted in the memory of A C Thomas, from the Mannar Arikupuram family, who was instrumental in founding this event.

Ponnani Boat Race

The Ponnani Boat Race is one of the most iconic water sport events in northern Kerala. The residents of Ponnani in Malappuram district hail this race as the 'Water Carnival of Malabar'. The event is a major highlight of Ponnani Taluk's Onam celebrations. Unlike the majority of the races, this competition only features country boats of local origin. The Ponnani Boat Race is a major event in the northern leg of Kerala Tourism's Champions Boat League (CBL). Earlier the race used to happen on the Pookkaitha Kadavu, the point where Kanoli canal and the Kanjiramukku river flow into the Arabian Sea. In 1983, the venue was shifted to the Biyyam Lake. The lake is renowned for its scenic beauty and its potential for being a centre for adventure water sports.

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