Onam Boat Races in Kerala That Will Hook You: The Game of Snakes & Backwaters

Do you think you could win the title of champion of the backwaters? So does every boatman rowing the iconic snake boats during the boat races in Kerala! It’s a match decided by rowing, instead of rolling the dice.

During the festive season, the gentle backwaters turn into boating grounds for the Vallamkali boat race, mostly held between the months of July and November. Hop on cheap flights to Kerala to admire the snake-like boats, namely Chundan Vallom, propelled by 50 to 110 rowers aboard.

Scroll to guess who will rule the waves!

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Among the most popular boat race in Kerala 2025, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is in the number one position! It draws hundreds of eyes from all over the globe to Lake Punnamada. Secure all-inclusive Kerala tour packages to admire to magic of 100 to 120 feet long boats glide with passion over the gentle waters. The villagers of Alappuzha are the participants. Obvious by the name, the Nehru Trophy Boat Races in Kerala honour the former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, and have been going strong yearly since 1952. Click here to reserve the best hotels in Alleppey on a budget.

While the magnanimous size of the impressive snake boats is the main reason to attend, the Onam snake boat race is a friendly display of bonding. Packed with friendly competition, professional skill, and uniform rowing motions that make for the most captivating scenes, how can you say no? Don’t forget to pre-book your tickets in advance!

Highlight: The winning team gets a trophy donated by former PM Nehru himself!
Nehru Kerala Boat Race Date 2025: 30th August 2025
Location: Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha.
Nehru Kerala boat race price: INR 100 to INR 25,000
AT Tip: Want to see who finishes first? Secure a seating spot near the finish line!

Champakkulam Boat Race

The iconic, oldest boat races in Kerala at the Pampa River are called Champakkulam. It’s the first to kick off in Kerala at the beginning of the monsoon season on the day of Moolam. It is a vibrant and quick-moving display of Kerala’s vibrant culture and religious heritage, as the locals compete to celebrate the installation of the idol of Lord Krishna at Ambalapuzha!

Champakkulam Kerala boat race 2025: 9th July
Location: Pampa River, Alappuzha
Highlight: The boat race begins with exciting musical and dance performances and cultural events.
Ticket Price: Free

Aranmula Boat Race

Bringing the Pampa River to life during Onam 2025, right beside the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. It is a part of the celebration of the Temple’s festival, organized yearly in the Parthanamthitta District. The event is a sacred one, held in honour of the Uthritthati asterism to honour Lord Krishna.

Unlike other races, this is the slowest Kerala boat race festival, where elegance and emotion are prioritized over speed. The rowers enjoy the Onam festival snake boat race so much that they sing melodious boat songs, mainly Vanchipattu, during the contest and oar to its rhythm! The snake boats at Aranmula are a sight to behold, decked up with luxurious silk umbrellas and delicate brass lamps.

Race date: 18th September 2025.
Location: Pampa River, Aranmula
Highlight: Gentle rowing to the Vanchipattu song in snake boats decorated with brass lamps and silk umbrellas.
Ticket price: Free

Kallad Boat Race

Visiting Kerala at the end of the Onam 2025 date? No worries, you’re right in time to catch one of the last boat races in Kerala, the Kallad boat race! Held on the 28th day of Onam, it coincides with Thiruvonam. This magnificent backwater boat race is undoubtedly the most beautiful experience, set in front of a stunning backdrop of Kollam’s Munror Thurthu.

The palm trees line the banks of the backwaters, making it look like a track especially crafted by God for the snake boat race festival. The decorated snake boats compete in the Kallada River, at Puthiraparambu Karuthrakadavu Nettayam.

Race date: 10th September
Location: Kallad River, Kollam
Highlight: The most beautiful view.
Ticket price: INR 100 to INR 3,000

Explore: Onam: Celebrating 10 Days of the Harvest.

Payippad Boat Race

One day is never enough for the boat festivals in Kerala that are so mesmerizing, so here is a 3-day-long Payippad Boat Race! Bringing alive the Payippad River with snake boats and the cheering of locals, the Payippad boat race celebrates the installation of the deity at Haripad’s Subramanya Swamy Temple.

This boat race in Kerala is hidden in a watery shroud of myth, having its own legendary story stating that the villagers were directed to Kayakulam Lake, where they found the idol. The 3-day festival comprises:

• Day 1: Temple rituals and a flag hoisting ceremony.
• Day 2: Snake boat race, cultural performances, dance, and music. The day ends with some delicious community flavours in a hearty meal.
• Day 3: Closing temple ritual, award giving, and some dance and music.

Race date: 21st August 2025.
Location: Payippad River, Alappuzha.
Highlight: The sacred events and rituals.
Ticket Price: Free
AT Tip: If you’re looking to try the Onam Sadhya the local way, Payippad Boat Race celebrations should be your go-to!

Kumarakom Boat Race

Dedicated to the beloved social reformer Sri Narayan Guru in Kerala, the Kumarakom boat race perfectly captures Kerala’s rich historical past. It is believed that Sri Narayan Guru arrived at Kumarakom on a boat in 1903 and built a school beside the idol statue of Lord Subramanyam.

Many locals gathered to inaugurate the school with great enthusiasm despite the heavy rainfall. He was moved by the love offered to him and urged the organizing committee to give them some Sarakara Payasam, a sweet made of Jaggery. This mithai remains the major highlight of the boat race!

Did you know? The Kumarakom boat race does not include snake boats, but the smaller Iruttu Kuthi boats.

Race date: 28th August 2025
Location: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom.
Ticket Price: INR 100 to INR 25,000
Highlight: The smaller Iruttu Kuthi boats and the sweet jaggery mithai.

Explore: Updated List of Kerala’s Top Places to Celebrate Onam 2025: Can You Guess the Best?

President’s Trophy Boat Race

One of the most enjoyable and famous boat races in Kerala, the President’s Trophy Boat Race commemorates the birth of Kerala as a state! Organized in the Kollam district in Ashtamudi Lake, the Vachipattus (boat songs) accompany the oarsmen, who row rapidly to the rhythm.

You’ll arrive to be left in awe with the 1250-meter-long race track, starting at Thevally Palace and finishing at the houseboat terminal. There are a total of five races here, categorized by the kinds of boats racing. So, if you want to see the best of the boat races in Kerala, arrive right in time for the President’s boat race!

Race date: 1st November 2025
Location: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam.
Highlight: Five kinds of races, incorporating all the types of boats.

Click here to secure the budget and luxury hotels in Kovalam, a short drive from Kollam. Seen all the races in Kerala? Apply for online visa services for 180+ countries and escape to see something new abroad!

Summing Up

The most exciting event to experience during Onam is the passion-packed boat races in Kerala. These boats are called Chundan Valloms, pushed forward by up to 110 oarsmen, depending on the size. Most can go up to 120 feet long. The Nehru Trophy boat race in Kerala is the most popular. You can attend the races between July and November, with no fee or one starting at Rs. 100.

FAQs: Boat Races in Kerala

Which is the famous boat race in Kerala?
The most popular boat race in Kerala is the Nehru Trophy boat race. A few others you can also add to your bucket list include Kumarakom Boat Race, Payippad Boat Race, Kallad Boat Race, and Champakkulam Boat Race.

Where is the Kerala Boat Race 2025?
You can attend the Kerala boat races at multiple locations, including Ashtamudi Lake, Payippad River, Vembanad Lake, Pampa River, Kallad River, etc, in 2025.

What is the festival of boat in Kerala?
The boat races in Kerala, also called Vallam Kali, which is connected to the Onam festivities.

Which is oldest river boat festival in Kerala?
The Aranmula Boat Race is the oldest in Kerala.

What is the traditional boat of Kerala?
Kettuvalam is the traditional houseboat of Kerala. These were originally rice barges, now converted for tourism.

Continue the Adventure…Also Read:

• Onam Festival: Celebrating 10 Days of the Harvest Festival.
• Shine the Festive Spotlight on Kerala’s Best Places to Celebrate Onam 2025
• Think You Know Everything About the Kerala Sadhya? This Will Prove You Wrong.

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