The sight of massive 'chundan valloms', the traditional snake boats of Kerala, slicing through the serene backwaters at breakneck speed is one that is sure to strike awe in every heart. Add to that the rhythmic beats and movements of the rowers on board and the deafening cheers of the crowds who are in the throes of excitement and thrill, and you have the perfect mix for one of the most memorable experiences in a lifetime. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is an event that embodies the spirit of Kerala and its people in every sense.
Held each year on the Punnamada Lake at Alappuzha, the race is more than just a competition. It is a cultural extravaganza. Back in 1952, when India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, witnessed the race for the first time, he was so impressed that he presented a silver trophy to commemorate it. Ever since the race at Alappuzha came to be known as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a symbol of Kerala's pride.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race