Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's spectacular Champions Boat League (CBL) Season 6 is set to begin on September 19, 2026, bringing the excitement of traditional snake boat racing to major backwater destinations across the state.

The sixth edition of the Champions Boat League will feature 11 races, starting at Karuvatta in Alappuzha and concluding with the President's Trophy Boat Race in Kollam on November 21.

The league is expected to attract large crowds of spectators and tourists, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Kerala's famous Chundan Vallam (snake boat) races, traditional boat-race culture and the vibrant atmosphere of the state's backwaters.

CBL Season 6: Complete Schedule

According to the schedule released for the 2026 season, the races will be held at the following venues:

   No.   Venue       District          Date

1. Karuvatta    Alappuzha    September 19, 2026
2. Kallada    Kollam    September 23, 2026
3. Kaithakuzhi    Alappuzha    September 26, 2026
4. Kottappuram    Thrissur    October 2, 2026
5. Marine Drive    Kochi    October 10, 2026
6. Piravom    Ernakulam    October 17, 2026
7. Thazhathangadi    Kottayam    October 24, 2026
8. Pulinkunnu    Alappuzha    October 31, 2026
9. Kainakari    Alappuzha    November 7, 2026
10. Panangad    Alappuzha    November 14, 2026
11. President's Trophy    Kollam    November 21, 2026

The opening race at Karuvatta on September 19 will officially mark the beginning of the 2026 CBL season, while the President's Trophy in Kollam on November 21 will serve as the concluding event.

From Alappuzha to Kollam

A significant portion of the 2026 league will take place in Alappuzha, with races scheduled at Karuvatta, Kaithakuzhi, Pulinkunnu, Kainakari and Panangad. The concentration of races in the Alappuzha region highlights the district's important place in Kerala's traditional boat-racing culture.

The league will also take the competition to other prominent water-racing destinations, including Kallada in Kollam, Kottappuram in Thrissur, Marine Drive in Kochi, Piravom in Ernakulam and Thazhathangadi in Kottayam.

A Major Attraction for Kerala Tourism

The Champions Boat League has grown into an important tourism event, combining sport, culture, heritage and backwater tourism. The races provide domestic and international visitors with an opportunity to experience the energy and traditions associated with Kerala's famous Vallam Kali.

The sight of long Chundan Vallams cutting through the water with dozens of rowers paddling in perfect coordination is one of the state's most distinctive cultural and sporting experiences.

The CBL season is also expected to benefit the local tourism industry, including hotels, resorts, homestays, houseboats, restaurants, taxi operators and tour operators in and around the race venues.

Boost for Backwater Tourism

The 2026 schedule provides travellers with multiple opportunities to plan their Kerala holidays around the boat-race season. Visitors can combine the races with houseboat cruises, village experiences, cultural attractions and sightseeing in the surrounding destinations.

With races continuing from September 19 through November 21, the CBL is expected to create a festive atmosphere across Kerala's waterways during the post-monsoon tourism season.

The Champions Boat League Season 6 is therefore set to become one of Kerala's major tourism and sporting attractions in 2026, showcasing the state's traditional boat-racing heritage to visitors from India and around the world.