Fast Facts:
Venue: Champakulam, around 26 kilometers from Alaphuzza
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Alapuzzha (26 kilometers) and nearest airport is Cochin around 85 kilometers.
Special Highlights: Spectacular water floats in the decorated boats and Vanchipattu (songs by the oarsman)
Champakulam Boat Race is the first ever race that is held in Kerala. The race takes place every year according to the Malyalam calendar. Usually the boat race takes place on Moolam Vallamkali, wherein Moolam signifies the Malyalam star or Nakshatram in the month of Mithunam. The Champakulam Boat race is celebrated in the river Pampa and is even considered as the oldest race of the country. This boat race is one of the most huge event where people gather to witness the event. This boat race is having the great legend behind it.
On the advice, the royal priest Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri constructed a temple in Ambalappuzha. Before the installation of the idol the king came to know that the idol was inauspicious. Therefore, king told the ministers to bring another idol. When the ministers gone to bring another idol they spent one night at Champakulam to perform Puja. The Champakulam Boat Race is held in Kerala with the age old tradition which is kept alive till date. It is the time to cheer and to spread happiness all around. From there the boats from the entire area, was accompanied with the idol with the colorful and ceremonial procession from lake to temple. Whole of the procession is done with the same enthusiasm. The songs of the oarsman is very melodious which adds as an attraction to the event.
The blue flowing water of Pampa river sets the water on fire with the majestic snake boats at their pace. The boats move so swiftly and elegantly that each boat comes out with colors with the real photo finish sessions. The real backwater village redefines the level of excitement with the very best boat race of the country. The spectators from all around the globe experiences the best boat race with the ultimate fun.
Reaching for Champakulam Boat Race:
By Air:
The nearest airport from Champakulam is Cochin which is around 85 kilometers from the Champakulam.
By Rail:
From Champakulam the nearest railway head is Alapuzzha at the distance of 26 kilometers from where people can find the local transport to reach Champakulam.
