The Snake Boat Races of Kerala, monsoon season not only calls for vacations to exotic locations, but it also ushers in the vibrant snake boat races in Kerala, India. However, if you believe that the snake-filled boats compete with one another, you are mistaken, and you need not be concerned because the name is derived solely from the boat shapes. It has nothing to do with snakes apart from that.
The Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat) race is a big event in Kerala and is well-known around the world. This boat racing event is a popular tourist attraction, and people travel from all over the world to witness the snake boat race session. Every year in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a well-known boat race affair.
Vallam Kali is a traditional boat war in The Snake Boat Races of Kerala and usually a canoe style boat is used by the locals in this boat racing event. In Kuttanadu region of Kerala; every village of the region participate in the snake boat race event with their very own snake boats and rowers. It is a grand event in Kerala and hence also a matter of pride for the villagers participating in snake boat race.
The History of Snake Boats
The history of snake boats dates back to 17th century and is around 400 years old. According to the legend, it is said that the kings of Alappuzha and the vicinity area used to fight with each other in boats on the backwaters. In this fight, one of the king suffered heavy losses and then he called the boat architects to build a better vessel and hence that’s how the snake boat was born The Snake Boat Races of Kerala.
However, the competitor king also sent one of his spies to his place to know how the boat was created but failed as the design is not very easy to pick up. Later on, the snake boat races were started and all the villages near Kuttanadu region started to participate.
Types of Boat Races in Kerala
Kerala the enchanted land situated in the Southern part of India is well-known amongst tourists for its martial sports, Kathakali and boat races. Boat racing is amongst the widely held water sports conducted during the monsoon period in some of the topmost lakes and back waters in Kerala. Boat races comprise to be a crucial part of the amusing traditional magnificence of Kerala. Not just this but boat races of Kerala are a crucial part of Kerala tourism.
Here’s a list of the best boat races of Kerala and everything that you need to know about the amazing boat races:
Nehru Trophy Boar Race
This is amongst one of the most thrilling and exciting boat races of Kerala. The race is conducted in the fond memory of Jawaharlal Nehru. It attracts a massive tourist crowd in Kerala each year and is considered as a commercial affair. You need to purchase prior tickets if you wish to enjoy a closer view of this race from the bamboo decks. The Snake Boat Races of Kerala This race is usually held in the second week of August at the Punnamda Lake in Alleppey. If you are planning a monsoon vacation to Kerala, a visit to this delightful boat race is one of the must things to do in Kerala.
Champakkulam Moolam (Snake) Boat Race
The Champakkulam Moolam or snake boat race is celebrated to express joy for the holy day when the Krishna idol was set up in the Shree Krishna Temple of Ambalappuzha district. You will enjoy a mesmerizing view of the lake that is covered with colourful boats. On these boats are many artists who platform their skills in admiration of the Krishna idol and the boat races. This is one of the oldest boat races of Kerala and is considered as one of the best boat races that tourists absolutely love. This boat race usually takes place in the month of June or July, The Snake Boat Races of Kerala.
Aranmula Vallamkali Boat Race
Also one of the oldest boat races of Kerala, Aranmula Vallamkali Boat Race is a two-day race that takes place during the most famous festival of Kerala, Onam. Nearly 26 Palliyodam boats participate in this race. It is a delightful sight to see children dressed in fancy attires near the grand statue of Lord Krishna. The race usually takes place in the month of August or September on the holy Pampa River located at Aranmula region and is visited by many national and international tourists.
How to Visit the Spots of Snake Boat Races?
There are several modes of transportation which one can use to reach at the spots of snake The Snake Boat Races of Kerala. However, below is the detailed guide which may help you.
The nearest airport to Alapuzzha is in Kochi and is nestled 85 kilometers away. However, prepaid taxi is available 24*7 from there and it will cost you around Rs.2500. You might need to pay extra in the night depending upon the driver. Moreover, Uber and Ola app based taxies are also available from there. Alappuzha also has a railway station which is located in the southwest of the town center.
The nearest railway station to Kochi Airport is Aluva which is situated opposite Aluva Rajiv Gandhi Bus Station.
However, one can also opt for bus from the airport as there are many buses from Kochi to Alleppey offered by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.