Alleppey Boat Races

Alleppey Boat Races

Alappuzha is famous for boat races and especially Nehru Trophy Boat race which is its annual water carnival festival in the memory of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. It takes place at the Punnamada Lake and is supposed to be the biggest boat race in the world. . The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). Hence the race is also known as Snake Boat Race in English. Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam. The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.