When the lake roars
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alleppey
Every August, the chundan vallam — the long snake boats — line up on Punnamada Lake with a hundred oarsmen in each hull and the whole district on the banks. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is Kerala's most famous race day and Alleppey's biggest week.
What the race is
A legacy of Kerala's backwater racing culture: village crews in snake boats (and smaller craft classes) sprint the Punnamada course to drum-and-vanchipattu rhythm. It runs annually (in August) with spectator stands along the course and boats-for-hire watching from the water. Exact dates follow the annual announcement — check the current year's schedule before planning.
How to watch
- **Bank tickets** — the official stands sell out; buy through official channels when sales open.
- **From a boat** — houseboats and launches moor along the course; book months ahead at race-week rates.
- **Stay strategy** — book stays and boats as early as possible; town fills completely.
- Arrive to your seat early on race day — the town's roads slow to walking pace.
Houseboats for this stretch
Stays nearby
FAQ
When is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
Annually in August on Punnamada Lake — follow the year's official date announcement and book early.
What is a snake boat?
A chundan vallam — a long traditional racing canoe carrying around a hundred oarsmen, built for village rivalries and raced for trophies like this one.
How early should I book?
As soon as dates are announced — race week is the district's busiest, priced accordingly.
Nearby destinations
Ready to book?
Planning this stretch of Kerala? Send your dates — we'll line up boats, stays and transfers.