Payippad Boat Race Festival in Kerala

About Payippad Boat Race

The state of Kerala in India is a tourist’s delight with its amazing beautiful back waters that run throughout the state. The best way to enjoy these back waters is to witness the amazing boat Race festivals held here every year across different seasons. One of the most famous boat Race festivals in Kerala is the Payippad Boat Race.The Payippad Boat Race is a three-day event organized in the month of September each year. It is held in the Payippad Lake in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This festival is celebrated in the commemoration of the installation of the idol at the Subramanyan Swamy Temple in Haripad. Payippad boat race is a spectacular event that is held every year in the month of either August or September. In Kerala, Payippad boat race is a major event that draws a huge crowd from all nearby places. The Payippad boat race of Kerala is held in Payippadu near Harippad in Kerala. The boat race is a time to have fun and indulge in festivity in galore.

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.

As the name suggests this festival has a major attraction of boat Races. The boats used in this festival are termed as Snake boats as they resemble snakes in their appearances. These 100 feet long boats can accommodate around 100 people at a time. A single boat generally comprises of oarsmen and musicians who sing and shout throughout the event making the environment rise in verve and energy.

This one boat race is enough to set the river on fire what with thousands of enthusiastic people flocking the venue to enjoy this event. The main attraction, are the 100 feet long boats that are decorated beautifully by local craftsmen. These boats are popularly known as “snake boats” and can accommodate more than 100 people at a time. Usually, musicians who sing and play instruments, accompany the oarsmen to keep up the energy levels and at the same time make the atmosphere lively and electrifying.It is all about team spirit and the boat race held annually on the Payippad River is a real crowd puller. Here, speed does matter and so do the high decibel cheering of the spectators that liven up the spirits of the rowers throughout the course of the race. The attractions of the event include snake boat races, extravagant water pageants with floats, decorated boats and many folk art performances.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Harippad, about 5 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha.

Interesting things to Visit

QST and R block kayal
These regions are famous for farming over reclaimed land from the backwaters.

Arthunkal
Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha.The feast of St. Sebastian is held here in every January.

Ambalappuzha
The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala’s more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple’s main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Punnamada Lake
Lake near alappuzha where the annual nehru trophy boat race is held

Karimadi
This town is close to Ambalapuzha. There is a 9 th century black granite statue of Budha (called locally Karimadi Kuttan) which is of historical importance

Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as “side dishes”. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.

Pathiramanal (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island is accessible only by boat.

Karumadikuttan
Karumadikuttan situated 3km east of Ambalapuzha is the feted 11th century statue of Lord Buddha to which interesting legends are associated.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most colourful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second saturday of every August. This prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alleppey the main attraction of which is the sportive sprits among the participants of the race. This trophy named as NEHRU TROPHY was donated by the late Prime Minister of INDIA Jawaharlal Nehru to the winners of the first boat race which was an impromptu one conducted in 1952 in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha

Houseboat Cruises
One of the chief attractions of Alappuzha is the houseboat cruises. You can glide through the azure backwaters and enjoy the dreamy, reposeful setting.

Chavara Bhavan
Ancestral home of the blessed Kurikose Elias Chavara

Krishnapuram Palace
The Palace was built in the 18th century during the region of Marthanda Varma. The place display the typical Kerala style of architecture by water of its gable roofs, charmar windows and narrow corridors. There is a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles in the palace. on the western end of the ground floor is a large mural called Gajendra moksha. The palace pool is also nearby. the palace is 47 km from Alleppey at Kayamkulam, on the way to Kollam. Kayamkulam is 41 km away from Kollam

Edathua church
Dedicated to St.George established in 1810.

Alappuzha beach
The Alappuzha beach, with its beautiful garden on the shore, gives an exclusive sight. Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlooks the shore. The long pier which darts over to the sea is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house at the other end. Vijay Park and Sea view park are situated near the beach. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.

Karumadi
Famous for 9th or 10 century black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan.

Krishnapuram Palace
He 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Pandavan Parra
The Pandavas of the Mahabarata are said to have stayed in a cave here.

Light House
This lighthouse was built in 1862 and was the first lighthouse raised on the western coast.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
This temple is located near Harippad ,32 km south of Alappuzha. This age old shrine that is dedicated to serpent God Nagaraja is renowned throughout the world.

Champakulam Church
It is one of the ancient churches in Kerala and is believed to have established by St. Thomas. The annual banquet at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October and the feast of St. Joseph is observed on March 19th.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Marrarikulam Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India 0478 2862391

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India 0477 2222222

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Ambalapuzha Police Station
Ambalapulai, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Muhamma Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Chingavanam Police Station
Kerala State, India

West Police station
Puimoodu junction NH 220,Kerala, India

East police station
Kerala, India

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Thrikkunnapuzha Police Station
Thattarambalam Thrikkunnapuzha Road, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Nearest Hospital:

District Ayurveda Hospital
Alapuzzha, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital, Pvt Ltd.
Alappuzha 13 Opp to Boat Jetty Thathampally, P.O. Karala, India, Alappuzha 13 Opp to Boat Jetty Thathampally, P.O. Karala, India, India

Vandanam Medical College Hospital
Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass, Ernakulam, Kerala 682304, India 0484 2302666

St Anthony’s Hospital
Kainakary Kerala india, Kainakary Kerala india, India

Bharath Hospital
Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple, Kottayam, Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India 0481 2582947

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church, Mulanthuruthy, Ernakulam, Kerala 680314, India 0484 2740315

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019, India 0484 2301922

Location info

Address:Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha district of Kerala
District: Alappuzha
Nearest City: Payippad
Best time to visit: Month of September

History of Payippad Boat Race

According to legends, the residents of Haripad village once decided to build a temple, with the presiding deity being Sree Ayyappa. Before the idol was installed the villagers had some kind of a prophetic enlightment in which they were directed to install the idol of Sri Subramanya Swamy which could be found under a whirlpool in the Kayamkulam River.As obedient devotees, divers and swimmers from the village rowed to the whirlpool and brought back the Subramanya vigrah in a boat. This idol was then installed in the temple, amid much jamboree. So in mark of respect to this legendary episode,Kerala Payippad Jalotsavam is conducted every year.

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 Payippad Boat Race

Payippad 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 Payippad Boat Race

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town 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 Payippad 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

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Things to do at Payippad Boat Race

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

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.