FESTIVAL
Kumarakom Boat Race
A hundred-rower snake-boat sprint on the Vembanad backwaters — the loudest day of the Kottayam calendar.
Kumarakom's snake-boat race is part sport, part procession, part neighbourhood rivalry. Crews train for months. Villages put up their savings to sponsor a boat.
Get there by 8am for the qualifying heats. The finals happen at golden hour and you'll want a seat on the south bank for the better light.
More in Events in Kottayam
Kottayam Book Festival
Nagampadam • Literature
4.7
Three weeks of readings, signings, and translation panels at the Co-operative Society — the heart of Malayalam publishing.
Vaikom Music Festival
Vaikom • Music
4.5
A two-night classical Carnatic + Sopana Sangeetham festival inside the temple grounds.