Legend of Boat Races : Kerala boat races (Vallamkali), the story goes back to 400 years in the history of Kerala. The Rajas of the earlier kingdoms of Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam ,Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) and Vadakkumkoor (Kottayam) in the old Travancore area, often had wars between them. All these places now belongs Alapuzha district of Kerala. The Chempakasseri Raja and his troops suffered severe losses in the war they fought in the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Raja found out that the defeat was because of the defects in his war boats.

Kerala boat race event that takes place every year in the month of August or September in Alapuzza. Representing the unique cultural heritage and traditional inheritance of Kerala, the boat race of the state is one of the electrifying socio-cultural events of the state.

(1) Nehru Trophy Boat Race : the annual water festival at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colorful boat pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a amazing treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the renowned songs. Jawaharlal Nehru who was fascinated by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. This boat race attracts a huge number of tourists. It is to remember the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru to this place.
To be held in: 08th Aug-2009

(2) Aaranmula Boat Race : The Aranmula Boat Race is the oldest river boat Race in Kerala, the south western State of India is held during Onam (August-September). It takes place at Aranmula back water, near a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The Aranmula Boat Race is a two-day celebratory event rather than a sports competition. It is held in strict devotion to traditions during the festival of Onam.
To be held in: 06th Sept-2009

(3) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race : It is one of the oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala that is closely associated to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the day of the installation of the deity at the Temple. An exotic demonstration of water floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts greets the viewer before the race. The Boat race is held in various stages for different categories of boats.
To be held in: 26th june-2010

(4) Payippad Jalotsavam : The three day annual fiesta on the Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha, commemorates the installation of the deity at the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Haripad.
To be held in: 4th Sept-09

(5) Indira Gandhi Boat Race : Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. The event takes place in the last week of December, it is a closing moments to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the world.
The sixteen royal snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a exclusive sight. The popular trophy of the race was instituted in reminiscence of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

(6) Orchirakali Boat Race : It is yet another famous event of Kerala. Ochirakali is an annual event in the Sri Parabrahma temple, which aims at highlighting the martial skills of participants. Many people come to the sacred temple of Parabrahma. The exclusive thing about this temple is that there are no idols or sculptures that are worshipped. In Kerala, Ochirakali boat race is held on the place where former rulers of Kerala, namely, Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha are said to have fought a historic battle. The festival is detained to honor that historical event.