Home » Boats in Kerala » Snake Boat Race

During Onam, boat races are held at Alleppy, Thrikkunnapuzha, Edathua, Payippadu, Champakulam, Karuvatta, Ernakulam, and Kottayam which are supposed to be the popular ones, eventhough, there are a lot of other small races happening in the kuttanad area of Alleppy district . Snake Boat races festivals are held in many venues in Kerala , India , but the races in Alappuzha held just before the Onam festival are the best known. Teams of rowers compete for the Nehru Trophy. The Snake Boats or Chundanvallams, can seat up to 100-110 people. The rowers pull with all their might, sitting two in row along the length of the Snake Boat. The boats float low in the water and have a long curving stern. The prow is pointed in shape or may have a decorative knob at the end. The prow rides low in the water with the length of the Snake Boat extending behind it. Apart from rowers, the Snake boat carries a cox, and leaders who maintain the rhythm of rowing through chants, songs and exclamations. You can see the amazing Snake Boats of Kerala on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The excitement of the Snake Boat Races has to be experienced to be appreciated. All around you can see people jumping into the water with excitement. The experienced commentators like Ayaparambu Sadashivan pillai's commentary could work like a catalyst to the excitement of the crowd. The commentators would even make loud noises through the microphone which could even make you feel the water getting electrified.