Another, unparalleled attraction of God's Own Country is boat races. Water sports like boating, yacking cannouwing, kayakking etc are prevalent in most parts of the world but the boat races held at the backwaters of Kerala are unique in their magnitude and splendor. This thrilling festival event held just before the festival of Onam in August or September every year. These annual races feature many classes of boats, but the most spectacular event is the race between the giant Snake Boats or Chundanvallams at the annual races or Vallamkalis held on the Punnamada Backwaters at Alappuzha. The famous snake boat races of Kerala are:

Nehru Trophy Boat Race:
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, this famous regatta on Vembanad Lake in Alleppey takes place on the second Saturday of August each year, with scores of long, low-slung chundan vallams(Snake Boats) competing. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the legendary songs. Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. Watched avidly by thousands of cheering spectators, the annual event celebrates the seafaring and martial traditions of ancient Kerala with floats and performing arts.

Aaranmula Boat Race:
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'. The event is marked by a colourful water carnival - an imposing effigy of Sree Krishna is taken out in procession on the lake with children dressed as nymphs and princesses. On the second day, snake boats decorated with silken parasols, carrying helmsmen, oarsmen and singers assemble near the temple early in the morning and then move away in pairs, creating a magnificent pageant. The boat race proper is held in the afternoon.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race:
This boat race is the oldest and most popular vallam kali (snake boat race) in Kerala. The race is held on river Pampa on the moolam day (according to the Malayalam Era) of the Malayalam month Midhunam. It is regarded as the oldest in all boat races. Since it is the most popular of all boat races, the turn over of people who come to witness the event is huge.

Ochirakali Boat Race:
It is yet another famous event of Kerala. Ochirakali is an annual event in the Sri Parabrahma temple, which aims at highlighting the martial skills of participants. Many people come to the sacred temple of Parabrahma. The unique thing about this temple is that there are no idols or sculptures that are worshipped. In Kerala, Ochirakali boat race is held on the place where former rulers of Kerala, namely, Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha are said to have fought a historic battle. The festival is held to honor that historical event.

Payippad Jalotsavam:
This race held at Payippad Lake, 35 km from Alappuzha district of Kerala in the month of September. The boat race is time to have fun and indulge in festivity in galore. The main attraction, are the 100 feet long boats that are decorated beautifully by local craftsmen.