Aaranmula Boat Race in Kerala

About Aaranmula Boat Race

Aranmula boat race is loacted in Aranmula, Near chengannurPathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. The Aranmula Boat Race is organized during the Onam festival which takes place in the month of August/September. This interesting race is held at Pampa Lake in Aranmula, Kerala. It is a two-day event and has a very intriguing legend behind the celebration.The Aranmula Boat Race takes place at Aranmula, India near a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to watch the snake boat races. Nearly 30 snake boats or “chundan vallams” participate in the festival. The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs and wear white dhotis and turbans. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a show of pageantry too. Every year the boats are oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water. The village carpenter carries out annual repairs and people take pride in their boat, which is named after and represents their village. The snake boats are usually 100 feet long, that have a tapering end, which stands up like a scorpion’s tail. It is capable of accommodating more than 100 people. There are usually around 100 oarsmen, 20 singers and 4 helmsmen on a single boat. The objective of the race is not winning a trophy. The boats have keep up with each other’s speed and try to reach the finish line simultaneously. All boats are destined to try their best to reach the finishing line simultaneously. Thus the concept of competition is eliminated and there is more of merriment, cheerfulness, and friendly rivalry.Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple.

The Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali is organized on the Pampa Lake where the legend is enacted. A fleet of thirty boats participate in the race. On the first day of the race, a water carnival is held on the lake, with huge idol of Lord Krishna and children dressed as nymphs and princesses. On the second day, snake boats are assembled near the temple; each boat representing a village along the banks of the Pampa River. The boats, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers, are beautifully decorated with silk parasols and golden lace. The proper race begins in the afternoon amidst great euphoria.This promotes healthy attitude among people and everyone enjoys while cheering and watching the boatmen trying to keep up with each other. The boats are beautifully decorated and ornamented with red silk umbrellas. It is basically the time to enjoy and spread cheer.Since 1971 this procession has taken the present form of a race conducted by the Palliyoda Seva Sangh.

Interesting things to Visit

Pandalam:

This is a township in Pathanamthitta District. It is one among the fastest growing towns in Kerala, India. It is considered as a holy town. Pandalam is also a well known educational and health care centre in central Travancore.Pandalam hosts a lot of educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to Post Graduate, Training, Ayurveda, Medical and Engineering Colleges.

Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple:

The Mahaganapathi Temple at Pampa 8 Kms from Sabarimala, has an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage as it is the main halting point. The temple is reached by climbing about 102 steps. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other holy places enroute.

Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple:

Located 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta on the banks of Achankovil river, is the Valiyakoyickal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha. Believed to be constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, this Ayyappa shrine has been modeled on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the major events associated with the ‘Makaravilaku’ festival is the procession carrying the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ (sacred ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Valiyakoyical temple to Sabarimala. This is performed three days prior to makaravilakku.

Vinjana Culture Centre :

The dance dramas of the Kerala performed in traditional costumes, are a major attraction here. These dances are integral to visitor experience.

Kathakali Dance Dramas :

It exhibits energy in its five forms - Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Space or Air.

Thiruvamundur Temple:

This is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attributed to Nakul, one of the five pandava brothers.

Parumala Church:

It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church take his eternal rest . The ormapperunnal celebrated on the first and second of every November.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police station
Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Police Station
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Changethu Bhaskaran Nair Memorial Hospital
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

BODHI HOMOEOPATHY
ABAN TOWER, ABAN JUNCTION, PATHANAMTHITTA,
Kerala 689645 - Tel:09447364380

Muthoot Medical Centre
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Poyyanil Hospital
Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Elanthur, Elanthoor
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Location info

Address: Aranmula, Nera chengannur, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
District: Pathanamthitta district
Nearest City: Trivandrum,Vachoochira and Adoor.
Best time to visit: August and September.

History of Aaranmula Boat Race

The story tells of a Brahmin who pledged to feed one pilgrim each day. Then one day Lord Krishna disguised himself as a pilgrim and appeared before the Brahmin. Overjoyed at getting “darshan” of the Lord, he swore to offer 51 measures of rice and the provision for the Thiruvona Sadya (Onam feast) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, situated near the Pampa Lake.

Things to do at Aaranmula Boat Race

You can see the other three temples of lord Shree Krishna besides this temple and watch the Arunamala Snake boat race.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Aaranmula Boat Race

Aaranmula Boat Race takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Aaranmula Boat Race

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Aaranmula Boat Race — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Sabarimala Temple, Aranmula Temple, Perunthanaruvi Waterfall, Gavi, Konni Elephant Camp, Pampa River, Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.