Kerala’s Iconic Champions Boat League Returns This Month

Kerala’s celebrated Champions Boat League (CBL) is all set to make a splash once more as its 2025 edition launches this month. The vibrant water festival, inspired by the state’s centuries-old snake boat traditions, will bring three months of excitement, culture, and riverside celebrations.

Season 5 begins on September 19, 2025 with the inaugural race on the scenic Pampa River at Kainakary in Alappuzha, before winding its way across Kerala’s waterways and ending with the President’s Trophy on 6 December at Ashtamudi in Kollam. In total, 14 races will take place across 14 venues, giving travellers and locals alike a chance to witness Kerala’s famed oarsmen in action.

While much of the action is set in southern Kerala, the festival spreads its energy further afield with races in Malabar and central Kerala. Highlights include the buzz at Marine Drive in Ernakulam, the coastal charm of Beypore in Kozhikode, and the riverbanks of Thrissur’s Kottappuram. Alappuzha, the heart of Kerala’s backwater culture, will see several legs of the competition, including Pulinkunnu, Karuvatta, and Kayamkulam.

The reigning champions, Pallathuruthy Boat Club, will return to defend their four-year winning streak, promising another round of thrilling finishes.

Beyond the competition, the Champions Boat League offers visitors a chance to soak in Kerala’s festive spirit, from drum beats on the shore to colourful processions accompanying each race. For travellers seeking both tradition and spectacle, this year’s CBL promises an unforgettable experience on the water.