History

Former P.M Pt. J. Nehru visited the river in the 1950s. The historical moment that earned the boat race its prestige was when Nehru himself leapt on the boat despite his stature of a prime minister. The association of the prime minister himself made it a special festival of the entire nation.

The Trophy

As a continuation of the historical moment, Nehru gifted them a magnificent silver trophy out of gratitude and appreciation. The traditional snake race has been going on ever since under the name of Nehru Trophy which makes the boat race a list topper when it comes to THINGS TO SEE IN KERALA.

About

With the art of oars forming a huge part of the snake boat challenge, the snake boat race is one of the best places in Alleppey. The visually fantastic scene of the festival-cum-competition makes the wonderful snake boat race in Punnamada one of the BEST THINGS TO SEE IN KERALA.

Major Attractions

The Race

Over a hundred feet long boats with about a hundred oarsmen riding it is the look of the ultimate race which goes as long as 1.4 kilometres of the local lake of Punnamada. The boat is traditionally called the 'Aanjilithadi'. The 2nd Saturday of the eighth month of August everyyear is this premier race held in the renowned area of Kuttanad. 

The Art of Oarsmen

Innumerable oarsmen controlling the traditional (snake boats) ChundanValloms in perfect unison is a genuine rare art style in itself which is not found anywhere else across the globe, especially with that level of enthusiasm. Witnessing the art flowing live on the waters of Punnamada is an experience of a lifetime.

More About the Race

More than two lakh visitors visit the lush site to witness, enjoy and even capture the extraordinarily unique sight of innumerable hundred feet long boats brimming with oarsmen. The boat race is organized under multiple categories including the OdiVallam, KochuVallam, ChurulanVallam and much more which add to the excitement of the overall boat race.

All these things exciting and one of a kind attractions make the Nehru trophy boat race one of the best thing in Kerala and include in Alleppey tour packages. Plan your next Kerala trip in August to enjoy the wonderful festival