The Champions Boat League 2026 is Kerala's snake boat racing season, and it runs from 19 September to 21 November. Eleven races are held on backwaters and lakes across five districts, and seven of them still lie ahead on 5 October. The rounds suit anyone who is already planning a Kerala trip, especially travellers who want to pair a houseboat stay in Alappuzha with a live race.
What is the Champions Boat League?
The Champions Boat League, usually shortened to CBL, is a points-based league for chundan vallam, the long snake boats that carry dozens of rowers. Kerala Tourism organises it on the model of cricket's Indian Premier League: each race scores points, and the boat with the most points over the season is declared champion. Nine boats take part this year, three of them newcomers. From this season, teams carry the names of their boats rather than separate team names.
What is the 2026 schedule?
Four rounds are over: Karuvatta (19 September), Kallada (23 September), Pandanad (26 September) and Kottappuram (4 October). Aroma Chundan won the first two and Melpadom Chundan the next two. The remaining rounds, based on the Kerala Tourism schedule, are:
| Date | Race | District |
|---|---|---|
| 10 October | Marine Drive | Ernakulam |
| 17 October | Piravom | Ernakulam |
| 24 October | Thazhathangadi | Kottayam |
| 31 October | Pulinkunnu | Alappuzha |
| 7 November | Kainakary | Alappuzha |
| 14 November | Kayamkulam | Alappuzha |
| 21 November | President's Trophy, Ashtamudi Lake | Kollam |
Dates can shift, so check the official Kerala Tourism page a few days before you travel.
Which race is easiest from Kochi?
The Marine Drive round on 10 October is held in Ernakulam, the mainland side of Kochi, so it needs no long journey if you are already staying in the city. It is the simplest choice for a short Kochi stop. The Piravom round on 17 October is also in Ernakulam district, but it lies away from central Kochi, so allow extra time and ask your hotel about the route.
Which races suit a backwater holiday?
Alappuzha, also called Alleppey, hosts three rounds in a row: Pulinkunnu on 31 October, Kainakary on 7 November and Kayamkulam on 14 November. Alappuzha lies roughly 60 to 70 km south of Kochi, and October to February is the cooler, drier part of the year for a backwater cruise. A two or three night stay with a houseboat or a canal homestay lets you visit a race on one day and cruise on another. The Kollam finale on 21 November suits travellers heading south towards Varkala or Thiruvananthapuram.
How should you plan to watch?
Race days are crowded and the viewing points are along the water, so a little preparation helps:
Arrive early. The best spots along a bank fill before the first heat.
Carry water, a hat and a light rain cover, as showers can still come in October and November.
Check seat prices and booking details on the official Kerala Tourism page, and confirm whether a round has paid galleries.
Book rooms early for the Alappuzha weekends, because the races coincide with the opening of the cool season.
Ask your driver or host about road closures near the venue on race day.
Is it worth building a trip around the races?
If you enjoy sport, local culture and crowds, yes. A race gives a lively few hours that a cruise does not. If you prefer calm water and quiet mornings, plan your cruise on a non-race day, since boats, roads and jetties near a race venue are busy. Either way, the season lines up with Kerala's best weather for a backwater trip.
