Kerala Is Famous For Boat Races, Do You Know Why?

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Kerala is one of the favorite destinations for Indians and travelers from around the world because of its infinite possibilities of charm and creativity. Every season there is either a festival or an activity that makes that season happening and Kerala a perfect destination. One of the exciting activities that attract many travelers every year is boat racing. Boat racing in Kerala starts with full rage in the monsoon season, making competitors ready for the race. It is a splendor to watch the unity of people of one and another community in the state.

God's own country comes alive during this season, as boat races are immensely popular globally, and have been part of the tradition and culture since ever. There are different varieties of boat races held every year in Kerala backwaters, and each one has its own story of origin. There are occurrences in Kerala history when boat races resolved conflicts among kings and chiefs. Kerala Tour Packages Several teams from different regions of Kerala compete in these boat races. Moreover, you will be fascinated by the types of races that happen every year in the different areas of the state. Following are some of the famous boat races that you should undoubtedly be a part of.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

The oldest and the most popular boat race in Kerala, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is held on the Pampa River at Champakulam near Alappuzha every year. This race is the first race starting in the monsoon season. This was traditionally regarded to signify the day when the idol of Lord Krishna was carried by boat and situated at Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Undoubtedly, the most famous snake boat race in the world, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the 2nd Saturday of August every year on the tranquil waters of Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. Moreover, it is one of the most competitive and popular boat races in Kerala. If you are visiting Kerala during monsoons, this is one of the top things to do in Kerala at this period. The popularity of this race is also amongst the ministers of the country as Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru commenced the competition in 1952.

Payippad Boat Race / Jalotsavom

Payippad Boat Race or Jalotsavom is another magnificent boat race of Kerala held every year on the Payippad River in Alappuzha. This Boat race is a three-day-long yearly competition held during the Onam festival, usually in August or September. This boat race is celebrated every year in the ceremony of the inauguration of Lord Subramanian idol at Haripad Subramanya Temple.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is also a prevalent annual boat race held along Kochi backwaters during the end of the year. Department of Kerala Tourism organizes this race every year in remembrance of former Prime Minister of India, Indra Gandhi. Many other boat races in Kerala iconize the state with their popularity in all over the world. To name a few, Sree Narayana Jayanthi Vallam Kali / Kumarakom Boat Race, Kallada Boat Race, and Aranmula Boat Race. These are the famous attractions of Kerala Tourism apart from the houseboats, waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife. Snake Boat Races, regionally known as Vallam Kali, in Kerala are possibly the most vigorous, prestigious and community-oriented water sports in India. So next time you are traveling to Kerala, make sure you watch the splendor of boat racing.