Kerala Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Races in 2014

A regatta in all possible pomp and pageantry. Everything here has a magical charm: the zest of oarsmen, the sheer excitement of the spectators, the rippling waters and the grandiose boats. Yes, the 62nd edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is at hand and the thrill and excitement is round the corner. The placid waters of the Punnamada Lake become a track on fire and its silence broken by the striking oars.

Held on the second Saturday of August every year, it is the most popular of all boat races in the world. The genesis of the boat race dates back to the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India to Alappuzha in 1952. While he was travelling from Kottayam to Alappuzha through the water logged Kuttanad a pageantry of boats accompanied him and an impromptu race conducted to honour him. Later he donated a silver trophy to be presented to the winners of the boat race.

Apart from the races of chundan valloms (snake-boats) and of smaller country crafts, the event also enlivens the spectators with ceremonial water processions, spectacular floats and decorated boats.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 8 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town

Event date: 09-08-2014

Venue: Punnamada Backwaters
Location: Punnamada
District: Alappuzha

source : https://www.keralatourism.org