Kerala boat race is a yearly event that takes place in the month of August or September in Alapuzza. Representing the unique cultural heritage and traditional legacy of Kerala, the boat race of the state is one of the exciting socio-cultural events of the state.

The most impressive of all the boat races of Kerala is the Snake Boat Race, which is commonly referred to as Chundanvallams. The brilliant performance of the rowers portrays the inherent sporting zeal and sportsman spirit of the local inhabitants of the southern state of India.

The Vallamkalis or the yearly boat race takes place in the backwaters of Punnamada in Alapuzza of Kerala. A group competition, the rowers display tremendous courage and enthusiasm to win the Nehru Trophy in the sporting event of the Snake boat race. Former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru in the year of 1952, introduced the annual sporting event of Snake boat race.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed with the Snake boat race of Kerala that he awarded the Nehru Trophy to the winners. Since then, the snake boat race became a yearly affair where boatmen compete with one another to become the Champion. The Nehru Trophy bears a silver model of a snake boat.

The brilliant sporting event of Snake boat attracts several local citizens and tourists from far and wide. An integral part of the rich cultural ancestry of Kerala, the annual event of Snake boat race is celebrated on a grand scale with much enthusiasm and vigor that fills the air with joy and excitement.

Last Updated on 3 June 2011

Kerala at a Glance