Champakkulam "Moolam Vallamkali"
The boat race season in Kerala commences in June- July with the Champakkulam boat race. The race popularly known as the 'Moolam Vallamkali ' is held in the waters of the Champakkulam river at Champakulam, about 26 km from Alappuzha. Moolam signifies a Malayalam asterism (star ) of the Malayalam month of Mithunam (June- July). The boat race is held in remembrance of the installation of the famous idol of Lord Krishna in the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishnaswamy Temple brought from the Karinkulam temple in Kurichi near Kottayam. One of the most popular boat races of Kerala, the highlights of the water festival are a ceremonial procession on the water, spectacular water floats, decorated boats, and of course, the race of the majestic ' Chundanvalloms' or Snake boats– so called because the stern resembles the raised hood of a snake), each 100 feet long, on the waters of river Champakkulam accompanied by the songs of the oarsmen known in local dialect as 'Vanchipattu'. 

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada- August)
Nehru Trophy Boat race, is one of the most significant and colourful boat races in Kerala. It is a world renowned event, held annually on the second Saturday of the month of August in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. Boats of all sizes compete in different events in the boat race and . The most prestigious and interesting event among the races is the competition of the "Chundan Vallam" or the snake boats. These majestic boats measuring a length of 30 to 60 metres (over 100 ft) with a raised prow, are quite impressive and can accommodate around 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheer leaders. The boats are well decorated with colourful trimmings and umbrellas during the race. Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophy. The huge boats racing through the blue backwaters is a spectacular sight. The venue is 5kms from Alappuzha railway station and a walk able distance from Alappuzha bus stand.

This race became a regular annual event after the visit of India's 1st prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 to Alappuzha. He was so impressed with the impromptu race conducted on his behalf that he donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus, with the words "To the winner of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore - Cochin" inscribed on it. The next year onwards the race came to be conducted on a regular basis in commemoration of his visit. 

Contact Address:
Revenue Divisional Officer
Alappuzha
Phone : 0477- 2243441, 2242320 (Office) 
Mobile Number: 09447207584 
E-mail : Contact I, Contact II
District Collector, Alappuzha
Phone : 0477- 2251720, 2251549 (Office)

Rajiv Gandhi Trophy Boat Race (Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race- August/September)
This boat race is held, two weeks after the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is held at Pulinkunnu,10 km away from Alappuzha town. The boat race is conducted in memory of Late Mr.Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister. The trophy awarded to the winners named as Rajiv Gandhi Trophy was donated by former Chief Minster of Kerala Mr. K. Karunakaran. Processions of ornamented boats and water floats are held, besides the boat races.

Payippadu Boat Race (Payippad Jalotsavam - August/September)
Payippadu Jalolsavam is held on the Payippad Lake, 35 Km from Alappuzha, in memory of the 'Prathista' (Installation) ceremony of the deity at the Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple. There is a legend behind the installation of the deity- the deity is believed to have been recovered from the Kayamkulam lake according to a vision of one of the devotees of Subrahmanya. The Jalosavam which commences on the festival day of Onam in August/ September, is celebrated for three days and includes boat processions and races. Spectacular Snake boat (Chundanvalloms) processions are taken out accompanied by Vanchipattu (song of the oarsmen) on the first two days. The competitive boat-race takes place on the third day.