6 epic boat races in Kerala this season

Credits: Canva Adventure Written by Aquib Nawab Reviewed by Shwetha Vasan

Kerala's rich culture

Kerala's boat races are a reflection of the state's rich cultural heritage. The traditional snake boats, the festive atmosphere, and the enthusiasm of the crowd all come together to create a unique experience. Credits: Unsplash [{ "selector": ".qfzjj-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-287px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".gxfif-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-324px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".ilerg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-491px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

1. Nehru trophy boat race

Held on the second Saturday of August every year, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the premier snake boat races in Kerala. The race takes place on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, attracting a massive crowd. Credits: Unsplash [{ "selector": ".brmof-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-322px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".isoge-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-319px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".itzdx-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-494px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

2. Aranmula boat race

The Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali is the most ancient and revered boat race in Kerala. Held on Sept 18, 2024 the day of the Uthrittathi asterism in the Malayalam month of Chingam, it is a grand spectacle that attracts thousands of spectators. Credits: kerala_boat_race, Instagram [{ "selector": ".oxxfg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 36px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".lgefk-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 35px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".fqrcj-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-429px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

3. Payippad boat race

The Payippad Boat Race is held on the mid-August Payippad River in Alappuzha, commemorating the installation of the idol of Sree Subramanya at the Subramanya Swamy Temple. It is one of the most anticipated boat races in Kerala. Credits: keralatourism, Instagram [{ "selector": ".bxxmg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-286px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".joxdi-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-323px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".keesg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-438px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

4. Marine drive boat race

The Marine Drive Boat Race will be held on October 5th at Marine Drive, Kochi. A temporary pavilion will be set up to host the enthralling boat races, which will be part of the Champions Boat League 2019. Credits: savad.monk, Instagram [{ "selector": ".ujrfz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 37px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".xkfsi-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 37px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".oucco-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-438px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

Kerala boat festival 2024 - A detailed guide! Credits: Unsplash [{ "selector": ".ffuln-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "rotate(-580deg) scale(0.1)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "rotate(0deg) scale(1)", "opacity": "1"} ] }] Check Now

5. Ponnani boat race

The Ponnani Boat Race will be conducted on October 19th at Biyyam Lake in Ponnani, as part of the Champions Boat League 2019. Thousands of spectators are expected to throng the backwaters to witness this race. Credits: iam_.joyal.varghese, Instagram [{ "selector": ".qxdwa-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-327px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".ifmiz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-324px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".ususe-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-415px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

6. Champions boat league

The Champions Boat League is an annual sporting event happens every August that takes place across 12 different venues in Kerala. The main objective is to popularize Kerala's traditional festivals and make the state a popular destination for travelers. Credits: ooruthendi15, Instagram [{ "selector": ".gwifu-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 37px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".ngcpz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 37px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".qomip-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-443px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

Thanks for reading!

Plan your trip to Kerala to experience the boat races and explore other attractions! Credits: Unsplash [{ "selector": ".wwuew-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "rotate(-580deg) scale(0.1)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "rotate(0deg) scale(1)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".wmdab-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 395px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }] Book Now