Kollam Boat Race (local)

About this place

The President’s Trophy Boat Race is one of Kollam’s major traditional snake-boat races, held on the scenic waters of Ashtamudi Lake and closely associated with the city’s vibrant backwater culture. First organised in 2011, the event was named after then President of India Pratibha Patil, who attended its inaugural edition. The race features Kerala’s iconic chundan vallams, or snake boats, along with other traditional boat categories, bringing together skilled rowers and boat clubs for a high-energy sporting and cultural spectacle. The official race course on Ashtamudi Lake extends between the Thevally area and the boat jetty near the Kollam KSRTC bus station, providing spectators with views of the long, narrow boats as teams compete through powerful, synchronised rowing. The rhythm of the oars, traditional boat songs and enthusiastic support from spectators create the distinctive atmosphere associated with Kerala’s vallamkali traditions. Ashtamudi Lake itself forms an important part of Kollam’s identity, with its extensive backwaters, waterways and rich aquatic ecosystem providing a striking setting for the competition. The President’s Trophy Boat Race has also been incorporated into Kerala Tourism’s Champions Boat League, connecting the Kollam event with a wider series of competitive snake-boat races held across the state. Recent editions have included competitive Chundan races as well as other traditional boat categories, while cultural and sporting programmes may accompany the main competition. The event provides visitors with an opportunity to experience an important aspect of Kerala’s living water-based heritage while exploring Kollam’s backwaters and surrounding attractions. The race is particularly appealing to travellers interested in Kerala’s traditional sports, local festivals, photography and cultural tourism. It should not, however, be described simply as a generic post-Onam regatta, since the President’s Trophy has been held on different dates in different years; the 2026 edition, for example, took place on January 10 as the Champions Boat League final. Visitors planning to attend should therefore check the latest announcement from Kerala Tourism or the Kollam district administration for the confirmed date, venue arrangements, spectator access and programme. With its combination of traditional boat racing, community participation and the distinctive landscape of Ashtamudi Lake, the President’s Trophy Boat Race remains a significant attraction for experiencing Kollam’s aquatic heritage and Kerala’s celebrated vallamkali tradition.

🚆 Nearest Railway Station & Distance: Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN) is the main railway station for Kollam. The exact distance to the President’s Trophy race course depends on the access point, but ~3 km is a reasonable approximate figure for the central Kollam race area; the exact venue should be confirmed for each edition. Kerala Tourism identifies the race course as extending to the boat jetty near the KSRTC bus station.

🚌 Bus Route from Nearest Town & Distance: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is directly adjacent to the race-area endpoint/boat jetty, making it the most relevant bus access point. The supplied “3–8 km” figure should not be presented as a fixed distance because the actual starting point and spectator entrance can vary.

🏨 Local Stay or Hotel Available: Yes - Hotels, resorts and homestays are available around Kollam and the Ashtamudi Lake area. Kerala Tourism specifically notes the availability of resorts and homestays near Ashtamudi Lake