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Alleppey, Kerala | The big splash
During the annual snake boat races, oars and boats chop up the usually placid backwaters here
Every monsoon, the backwaters of Kerala come alive with the splashing of the oars—as the chundan vallam (snake boat) races get underway in Alleppey. The annual event, also called Nehru Trophy Boat Race, is held on the second Saturday of August.
In this event, 100-120ft-long canoes are pitted against each other in a race across the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, or Alleppey, to compete for the Nehru Trophy. The boats, made of wood which is locally called aanjilithadi, carry 90-110 rowers—and get their name because they move like snakes through the channels.
Getting there
Go
The nearest airport, Cochin International Airport in Kochi, is well-connected with major Indian cities; and Alappuzha railway station is connected with Delhi and Mumbai. From there, take a taxi or bus. Kochi to Alleppey takes about an hour by road.
STAY
In Alleppey, check in at Lake Palace (rooms start at 9,000, double occupancy for a night; +91-477-2239701) or at Arcadia Regency (4,000, double occupancy for a night; +91-477-2230414).
DO
Take a houseboat ride. Sip the local fermented drink toddy. Eat the local ‘karimeen’ (pearl spot fish) delicacy. Visit the beaches on the west coast of Kerala. Take boat rides, or stay in the houseboats, on the backwaters.
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First Published:27 Sep 2014, 12:21 AM IST
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