Champions Boat League Season-6 to get under way on 19 September 2026
Season 6 of Kerala’s Champions Boat League (CBL) is shaping up to be a spectacular showcase of tradition and tourism.
Event Overview
- Dates: September 19 – November 21, 2026
- Format: 11 races across 11 venues, modeled after the IPL format.
- Opening: Karuvatta, Alappuzha (Sept 19).
- Finale: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam (Nov 21), coinciding with the President’s Trophy Boat Race.
Race Venues & Schedule
- Sept 23: Kallada, Kollam
- Sept 26: Pandanad, Alappuzha
- Oct 2: Kottapuram, Thrissur
- Oct 10: Marine Drive, Kochi
- Oct 17: Piravom, Ernakulam
- Oct 24: Thazhathangadi, Kottayam
- Oct 31: Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha
- Nov 7: Kainakari, Alappuzha
- Nov 14: Kayamkulam
- Nov 21: Grand Finale – Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam
Cultural & Tourism Impact
- Teams will now be identified by the names of their snake-boats, adding authenticity.
- Kerala Tourism aims to brand the snake-boat tradition globally, enhancing visibility for “God’s Own Country.”
- Visitors can enjoy not just the races, but also the backwaters, riverine ecosystems, and local culture.
Leadership & Planning
- Tourism Minister P C Vishunadh emphasized global branding.
- Planning meeting included Ministers M Liju (Co-operation & Excise) and Anoop Jacob (Food & Civil Supplies), along with District Collectors and senior officials.
This season promises to be both a heritage celebration and a tourism booster, blending Kerala’s cultural pride with international appeal.
