Get ready to enjoy one of Kerala’s most exciting cultural events – the Champakulam Boat Festival 2025, happening on July 9, 2025, in the peaceful backwaters of Champakulam, Alappuzha. This festival is the first boat race of the season in Kerala and is also called Champakulam Moolam Vallam Kali. It is a beautiful celebration of Kerala’s tradition, faith, and togetherness, held for many generations.
Rooted in over 500 years of tradition, the festival commemorates the installation of the idol at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple. The grand event is headlined by the thrilling snake boat races, where Chundan Vallams (snake boats), rowed by hundreds of oarsmen in rhythmic harmony, glide fiercely through the waters, accompanied by traditional Vanchipattu (boat songs) and drumbeats that electrify the air.
Drawing thousands of spectators from across the globe, the Champakulam Boat Festival offers more than just adrenaline-pumping races—it’s a vivid display of Kerala’s rich spiritual and cultural identity. From ceremonial processions to folk performances, every moment reflects the soul of God’s Own Country.
Plan your Kerala journey around Champakulam Boat Festival 2025 with Adotrip and experience tradition, thrill, and natural beauty all in one place.
Date & Venue of Champakulam Boat Festival 2025
The enchanting Champakulam Boat Festival occurs during the Moolam asterism in Midhunam, usually observed in July. This year, in 2025, the festival will grace us with its presence on the auspicious day of 9th July. The picturesque Pampa River, nestled in the idyllic village of Champakulam, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, serves as the venue for this captivating celebration
History of Champakulam Boat Festival - The Religious Folklore
Every year, as the tides of the Pampa River in Alappuzha ebb and flow, a remarkable festival unfolds, serving as a cherished emblem of a time-honoured maritime tradition. This momentous occasion coincides with the propitious day of the moolam nakshatra, a celestial alignment in the Malayalam calendar known as Madhunam. It holds a special significance as it commemorates when the revered Ambalapuzha Temple, dating back to the 17th century, welcomed its principal deity, Lord Krishna, into its sacred grounds
The festival's religious sanctity is deeply intertwined with its historical roots. Legend has it that during the 15th century, the illustrious ruler of Chembakassery recognised the paramount importance of maritime prowess and devised a strategic plan to bolster his naval strength. Thus, he commanded his fleet to construct formidable boats that would outmatch their adversaries in times of war. Little did he fathom that this endeavour, initiated as a military strategy, would endure as an enduring testament to his nautical legacy
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Beautiful Places in Champakulam
- Champakulam Church (St. Mary’s Forane Church): One of the oldest Christian churches in India, known for its ancient architecture and peaceful surroundings.
- Champakulam Chundan (Snake Boat): Visit the place where the famous Champakulam Chundan is docked and maintained. A symbol of pride and tradition.
- Pamba River Backwaters: Enjoy a serene houseboat or canoe ride through the scenic backwaters and lush green landscapes of Champakulam.
- Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Just a short drive away, this temple is famous for its traditional architecture and the delicious Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge).
- Kuttanad Region: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” this area has scenic paddy fields, coconut groves, and beautiful canals.
- Champakulam Market: A local market where you can experience authentic village life, buy handicrafts, and taste traditional Kerala snacks.
- Chavara Bhavan: Birthplace of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, accessible via a short boat ride; a peaceful spiritual spot.
- Traditional Coir Factories: Watch how coir (coconut fiber) products are made by hand in small village units.
Major Attractions of the Champakulam Boat Festival 2025
The Champakulam Boat Festival, also known as the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, is a famous annual event held in Kerala, India. It takes place on the Champakulam Lake in the Alappuzha district and is one of Kerala's oldest and most renowned boat races. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and attracts many visitors from around the world. Here are some major tourist attractions of the Champakulam Boat Festival
1. Snake Boat Race: The festival's main highlight is the thrilling snake boat race. Colourfully decorated long traditional boats, known as "chundan vallams," compete against each other in a breathtaking display of synchronised rowing and team spirit. These snake boats can be as long as 100 feet and accommodate more than 100 rowers. The race is a spectacular sight to behold, with the rhythmic sound of rowers, the energetic cheers of the spectators, and the vibrant atmosphere
2. Traditional Ceremonies:The Champakulam Boat Festival is not just about the race but includes various traditional ceremonies and rituals. The festivities begin with a grand procession featuring beautifully decorated idols of deities from nearby temples. The idols are carried traditionally on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by the beats of traditional musical instruments like drums and cymbals. The procession adds a spiritual and cultural element to the event
3. Cultural Performances: The festival offers a platform for showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Along with the boat race, visitors can enjoy traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Theyyam performances. These classical dance and theatrical forms are vibrant and colourful, with elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling. Cultural performances add an extra layer of entertainment and cultural immersion to the festival.
4. Food and Local Delicacies: The Champakulam Boat Festival is an excellent opportunity to savour the authentic flavours of Kerala cuisine. Numerous food stalls and vendors line the festival area, offering traditional dishes such as appam, puttu, karimeen fry (pearl spot fish), fish curry, and many more. Visitors can indulge in these local delicacies and experience the unique taste of Kerala
5. Festive Atmosphere: The Champakulam Boat Festival is a celebration that brings together people from different communities and backgrounds. The festival ground buzzes with excitement and a festive spirit. Visitors can witness the enthusiasm of the participants and the cheering crowds, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The vibrant colours, lively music, and overall festive ambience make it a memorable experience for everyone.
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How to Reach Champakulam Boat Festival
Champakulam enjoys excellent connectivity through various modes of transportation, ensuring easy access to the Champakulam Boat Festival. Here's a guide on how to reach the festival venue:
- Nearest Major City: Alappuzha
- Nearest Airport: Cochin Airport
- Nearest Seaport: Cochin Port
- Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station
- Distance from Alappuzha: 10.7 Kilometres
By Air
To reach the Champakulam Boat Festival by air, Fly to Cochin International Airport, the nearest airport. From there, take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach Champakulam, where the festival occurs
- Distance from Cochin Airport (COK): 85 Km
By Train
To reach the Champakulam Boat Festival by train, Arrive at Alappuzha (Alleppey) Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Champakulam. Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus to the festival venue from there
- Distance from Alappuzha Railway Station: 15 Km
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By Road
To reach the Champakulam Boat Festival by road, Take a taxi, car, or bus to Champakulam, which is well-connected by road networks. You can reach Champakulam by taking the NH66 highway if coming from the north or south or by taking the SH11 highway if coming from the east
- Distance from Alappuzha: 10.7 Km
- Distance from Changanassery: 19.4 Km
- Distance from Kottayam: 27.5 Km
- Distance from Thrissur: 58.1 Km
- Distance from Kollam: 82.9 Km
- Distance from Kochi: 104.7 Km
- Distance from Pondicherry: 169 Km
- Distance from Bangalore: 354 Km
- Distance from Madurai: 360 Km
By Water
To reach the Champakulam Boat Festival by sea, Embark on a scenic journey from Cochin Seafort, located in Kochi, by hiring a private boat or joining a guided tour that takes you through the backwaters to Champakulam, where the festival is celebrated. Enjoy the serene waters, lush greenery, and traditional village life as you sail along the waterways, arriving at Champakulam to witness the vibrant boat festival.
- Distance from Cochin Port: 40 Km
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Frequently Asked Questions About Champakulam Boat Race
Q1. What is the Champakulam Boat Race and why is it celebrated?
A1. The Champakulam Boat Race, also known as Champakulam Moolam Vallam Kali, is Kerala’s oldest and most famous boat race. Held in Champakulam, Alappuzha, it marks the beginning of the boat race season in Kerala and commemorates the historic installation of the idol at Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.
Q2. When is the Champakulam Boat Race 2025 scheduled to take place?
A2. The Champakulam Boat Race 2025 is scheduled to be held on July 9, 2025. This date is based on the Moolam day in the Malayalam month of Midhunam, which is considered auspicious in Kerala's religious calendar.
Q3. Where does the Champakulam Boat Race take place?
A3. The race is held on the Pamba River in the village of Champakulam, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. The serene backwaters offer a perfect setting for this grand event, attracting thousands of spectators from across the world.
Q4. What are Chundan Vallams or Snake Boats in the Champakulam Boat Race?
A4. Chundan Vallams, commonly known as snake boats, are long, narrow boats traditionally used in Kerala’s boat races. These boats are over 100 feet long and are rowed by more than 100 oarsmen in perfect harmony, accompanied by drum beats and traditional Vanchipattu (boat songs).
Q5. How can tourists attend the Champakulam Boat Race 2025?
A5. Tourists can attend the Champakulam Boat Race 2025 by traveling to Alappuzha, Kerala. Local transport, houseboat services, and guided tours are available. For a hassle-free experience, travelers can book Kerala holiday packages with platforms like Adotrip, which include race-day access, sightseeing, and accommodation.
