Snake boat races in kerala
About the Journey
Snake boat races, also known as vallamkali, are a traditional boat race that takes place in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Kerala, with its winding stretches of backwaters, is famous for its native boat races held in different parts of the State during the harvest season. These races are held annually between July and September.
The boats used in these races are called chundan vallams, which are long and narrow boats that can accommodate up to 100 rowers. The boats are decorated with colourful umbrellas and flags, and each boat is manned by a team of rowers who sit in pairs and row to the rhythm of a song.
These boat races are a vibrant celebration of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, and provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique traditions and customs of the region. These races attract large crowds of spectators, both locals and tourists, who come to watch the colorful spectacle and cheer on their favorite teams.
So plan your trip to Kerala and experience this unique boat race .
The Champakulam Boat Race,( 03 July) is an annual snake boat race that takes place in Champakulam, a village in the Alappuzha ( Alleppy ) district of Kerala. It is one of the oldest races with a rich history, dating back over 500 years.
The Champakulam Boat Race marks the beginning of the boat races of Kerala. According to legend, the race was started by the local king as a way to welcome the arrival of a new idol at the Champakulam church. The king ordered the construction of a new boat, which was later used for the race. Over time, the race became an annual tradition, and today it is one of the most popular boat races in Kerala.
In addition to the boat race, the Champakulam Boat Race also features various cultural programs and performances, including traditional dances and music.
The most famous snake boat race in Kerala is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, (12 Aug ) takes place on the second Saturday of August every year in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha ( Alleppy ) .
In addition to the boat race, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race also features various cultural programs and performances, including traditional dances and music. The event also includes a spectacular water carnival, in which various boats of different sizes and shapes are decorated with colorful lights and paraded on the lake. The race has also gained international recognition, with several international teams participating in recent years.
The Aranmula Boat Race, ( 02 September 2023) also known as the Aranmula Vallamkali, is an annual boat race that takes place in the village of Aranmula ( 50 kms from Alleppy )
Unlike other boat races in Kerala, the Aranmula Boat Race does not involve snake boats Instead, the boats used in the race are called palliyodams, which are smaller and more ornate than snake boats. Each boat is decorated with colorful silk umbrellas and flags, and is manned by a team of rowers who row to the rhythm of traditional songs and music.
The Aranmula Boat Race is unique in that it is not a competitive race, but rather a celebration of the cultural heritage and traditions of the region. According to legend, the Aranmula Boat Race has its origins in a temple festival that dates back over 1700 years. The race is said to be a re enactment of a boat journey undertaken by Lord Krishna and his disciples and also accompanied by various cultural programs and performances, including classical music and dance.There are several other snake boat races during the months of July – September. Let us know your dates of travel and we can identify a race that you can witness .
Duration
5 days
Tour Type
City Tours, Cruises
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