The wide water of Alleppey
Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
Punnamada is the lake arm where Alleppey opens up — the race course of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the mooring ground of the overnight houseboat fleet, and the place everyone drifts to at sunset.
What Punnamada is
A wide stretch of the Vembanad Lake system reaching the heart of Alappuzha. Village canals all eventually open here, which is why the houseboat fleet bases itself along its banks and why the snake boats run their race on this water every August.
Things to do
- Board an overnight houseboat from the Punnamada fleet base — charters and large boats prefer this side.
- Watch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race from the banks or a viewing boat in August.
- Sunset on the lake front — the classic big-sky view; shikara rides leave from nearby jetties.
- Combine with the Kuttanad village canals for contrast.
Houseboats for this stretch
Stays nearby
FAQ
Is Punnamada the same as Vembanad Lake?
Punnamada is the Alappuzha arm of the Vembanad lake system — same water, the local name for this stretch.
Can we watch the boat race from Punnamada?
Yes — the race course and spectator stands are on Punnamada Lake. Book months ahead for race week.
Do houseboats start from Punnamada?
Many overnight boats and charters board here; your booking names the exact jetty.
Nearby destinations
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