Kerala tourist destinations are famous not only for its beauty but also for its unique culture and colorful festivals. Kerala offers something special to its tourists every day of the year. One of the most important and famous festivals in Kerala is the Kerala boat festival that is well known throughout the world. Every year tens and thousands of people come to witness the fierce vallom kallies and water carnivals that erupt in the backwaters of Kerala. These boat races provide expression to the spirit of the athletic and fearless people born and bread near water. It is a sport that showcases the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people in Kerala.

The great harvest festival of Onam is followed by the water carnivals and snake boat races at Aranmula on the Pamba River in the Kuttanad region, at Papiyad near Quilon and at Thayathangadi near Kottayam. Boat race is Kerala’s most important event and many people from all over the country and even from different parts of the world gather to have a glimpse of this great spectacle.

Nehru Trophy Boat race is a very famous event and people from all races of life throng the watersides of Allapuzha to witness the event. Provision for the spectators is provided in the middle of the Punnamada Lake which is the venue of the race.

The oldest and the most popular boat race in Kerala is the Champakulam Moolam boat race that is closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake to celebrate the day of installation of the deity of the temple.