Kottayam is known for different refreshing backwaters in Kumarakom, Thazhathangady, Meenachil etc. The months of July, August and September mark the beginning of harvest seasons and Onam festival, when several boat races are being conducted on and off. Two major boat races conducted in Kumarakom are Sree Narayana Jayanti boat race, popularly known as “Kumarakom Boat Race” and Kavanattinkara boat race.
Thazhathangadi boat race is a splendid sight to watch being held at the Meenachil River in Kottayam. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) in association with Kottayam Municipality conducts this boat race with grandeur. It is one of the oldest boat races dating back to 1887 when Mr T. Ramarao, then district collector, popularised the event widely. In earlier days, Travancore Royal family funded the event, later Kottayam YMCA and finally, Gas Authority of India Ltd. are the current sponsors.
This extensively beautiful water regatta is an exciting and thrilling event to enjoy in Kerala. Different types and shapes of boats come majestically to compete with each other in order to win the trophy. Like ways, there are numerous boat races conducted in Kottayam district to be enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike.
