Champakulam Boat Race – Best Time to Visit and Schedule

Of many festivals in Kerala, the boat race has always intrigued me. I have attended Kochi Carnival, multiple Theiyyams, and Athachayam in Kerala, but the boat race is a holy grail of travel I have always wanted to touch. Multiple Snake shaped longboats racing in the pristine backwaters, trying to get ahead of each other, each having 100 participants making a collective effort to win, was just too fascinating. These sports show a different aspect of Kerala’s culture, that is for the people, by the people.

Back in 2018, I had planned to attend the Nehru Trophy boat race. Unfortunately, it got postponed due to the devastating floods that swept the state. I didn’t lose my heart and continued looking for the dates; the timing never matched. However, my wait to experience it finally ended in 2022 when I got the chance to witness the Champakulam boat race.

In this blog, I will collect all the important information about Champakulam Boat Race 2023 and Nehru Trophy to help you plan better.

How and When to Attend Champakulam Boat Race 

Boat races are an important part of the cultural heritage of Kerala. These races, also known as ‘Vallam Kali,’ involve rowers competing against each other in traditional longboats. Most of the boat races take place during the monsoon season. These races are local festivities and popular tourist attractions. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held in the backwaters of Alappuzha, is one of the most famous boat races that attract thousands of tourists. But many other races take place across the state.

Other important Boat Races of Kerala Include:

• Champakulam Boat Race
• Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali
• Payippad Jalotsavam
• Kumarakom Boat Race
• Kallada Boat Race
• Kottappuram Boat Race
• Karuvatta Boat Race
• President’s Trophy Boat Race
• Indira Gandhi Boat Race
• Thazhathangadi Boat Race

Champakulam is a picturesque village located in the Alappuzha district. It is known for its serene backwaters, lush greenery, and beautiful temples. The Champakulam boat race is a traditional event held before the main Nehru Trophy and during the beginning of the monsoon season. The colorful boats, enthusiastic participants, and lively atmosphere make it a unique and unforgettable experience. For travelers who wish to see a non-mainstream boat race in Kerala, this is the best one to be a part of.

Planning to Attend Champakulam Boat Race in 2023 – Everything You Should Know

Champakulam is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. I took a bus from Bangalore to Alleppey that dropped me at Alleppey at 5 am. From here, I hired an autorickshaw and paid 500 rupees for my destination.

Other options for reaching Champakulam include taking a train to Alleppey railway station, which is well-connected to major cities across India. You can also fly to Kochi International Airport and take a taxi or bus to the village. From Kochi Airport, the total journey will be close to 3-4 hours, and you’ll have to plan in advance.

There are several accommodation options available in Champakulam. It is also possible to stay in Alleppey and travel to Champakulam for the race, but it can be a long journey. You may get stuck in traffic jams because many locals and tourists travel on this road during the race. I recommend booking a stay in Champakulam to enjoy the best of the festival and local culture.

I stayed at the Triveni River Palace during my visit, which offered comfortable and luxurious rooms and easy access to the boat race venue. I had an entire traditional Kerala-style cottage just to myself. I booked my hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles, and it was worth it. Many homestays, resorts, and hotels are in all sorts of budgets.

The dates for the Champakulam boat race usually depend on the lunar calendar. You’ll only learn about the final date during the last week of April or early May. The race is traditionally held during the last week of July or early August. The winners of the Champakulam Boat Race then go to perform at Nehru Trophy too.

The race starts at 2 pm, but the best time to witness the excitement and take photographs is during the practice sessions, which take place a day in advance. During the practice sessions, visitors can watch the boats being prepared and witness the teams practicing their moves, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

Champakulam As a Tourist Destination

Champakulam is a year-round destination. For a traveler, there is a lot to experience and enjoy the culture and heritage of the state. You can participate in several other activities and attractions during the non-race seasons. Some of the must-see attractions in Champakulam include:

Visit the St. Mary’s Forane Church

This church dates back to the 9th century. It is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is known for its stunning architecture and intricate wood carvings. Visitors can attend the daily mass or simply admire the church’s beauty.

Explore the Backwaters

Champakulam is located on the banks of the Pampa River. You can enjoy a chill boat ride along the backwaters, enjoying the serene and picturesque surroundings and observing the local village life. There are hotels and resorts on the banks of the river that provide their own boating tours. It is a must-do activity during your stay.

Experience the Local Cuisine

You can sample local delicacies like fish curry, appam, and puttu at one of the village’s many local restaurants and eateries.

Champakulam is a perfect destination for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Alleppey and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of Kerala’s backwaters and villages.

Entry Fee at Champakualm Boat Race 

There is no entry fee for the Champakulam Boat Race. Visitors can enjoy the festival from the open areas without paying anything. However, if you book a place like Triveni River Palace, watching the race for free from the hotel’s vantage point will be easy. It’s a great way to enjoy the festival without worrying about extra charges.

Be Respectful 

Visitors to Champakulam and other parts of Kerala are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. It is essential to dress modestly, seek permission before taking photographs, and refrain from any behavior that may be considered disrespectful or offensive to the local community.