Kerala Boat Races

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Boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world,the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.

The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs

Nehru Trophy Boat Race :
Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.

The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.

The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to a state of frenzy

Fauna :
It houses elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bisons, deer, bears, Monitor lizards and a variety of snakes are seen.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race :
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.

The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race :
The festive season of boat races commences with the event of Champakulam Moolam Boat Race held every year in the first week of July. It is the oldest and one of the most popular snake boat races in Kerala.

Aranmula Boat Race :
The Aranmula Boat Race is a two-day festive event rather than a sports competition. It is held in strict adherence to traditions during the festival of Onam.