Kerala
outdoors
The Alleppey Snake Boat Race, also known as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, is Kerala's most popular water sport that turns the backwaters into a carnival of colours and cheerful locals. During that, massive 100-foot-long wooden boats, shaped like snakes, cut through the waters with 100+ rowers moving in perfect sync! In 1952, when Prime Minister Nehru visited Alleppey, he was so impressed by the spectacular race that he donated a trophy - and that’s how this event got its famous name.
These traditional snake boats, called Chundan Vallams in Malayalam, have been around for over 400 years. They were actually warboats used by the kings of Alleppey and nearby kingdoms! Today, this race has become a huge attraction for tourists worldwide. No Kerala tour package should be complete without experiencing this grand event. The air fills with traditional boat songs, drums beating, and thousands of spectators cheering from the banks as teams compete for glory in what’s often called the 'Olympics of Kerala's backwaters'.
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
G922+5X4, Punnamada, Finishing Point, Alappuzha, Kerala 688013
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The main event features massive chundan vallams racing with synchronised oarsmen, creating electrifying energy on Punnamada Lake.
Cultural Performances
Traditional art forms like Kathakali, Chenda Melam, and folk dances performed near the venue add festive charm.
Food Stalls
Local vendors serve traditional Kerala snacks, seafood, and refreshing drinks, giving a taste of Alleppey’s flavours.
Kerala’s major snake boat races are held during the monsoon and Onam season, mainly from August to September. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey usually happens on the second Saturday of August every year.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey is considered the world’s largest and most famous snake boat race, drawing massive crowds, international visitors, and dozens of long chundan vallams competing in synchronized rhythm.
The most famous snake boat race in Kerala is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Others like Aranmula Uthrattathi, Champakulam Moolam, and Payippad Jalotsavam are also popular, but Nehru Trophy is the grandest.
Vallam Kali in Alappuzha refers to Kerala’s traditional boat race festival, where long, beautifully decorated snake boats race through the backwaters. It’s a cultural celebration with music, teamwork, heritage, and community spirit.
Boat race rules include strict lane discipline, no obstructing other boats, synchronized rowing, fixed oarsman positions, mandatory team captains, and maintaining boat structure. Cheering teams must stay off the track, and only registered, trained rowers can compete.
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Rahul Bisen
Reviewed: Nov 04, 2025Viacation ke saath Kerala jaana ek perfect escape tha! Houseboat ka experience mind blowing tha.
Viacation ke saath Kerala jaana ek perfect escape tha! Houseboat ka experience mind blowing tha.
Heena Makhija
Reviewed: Sep 01, 2025This Kerala getaway with Viacation was refreshing. Everything was well managed.
This Kerala getaway with Viacation was refreshing. Everything was well managed.
