Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Usually the second Saturday of August (date can move)
The race began in 1952, when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Alappuzha and watched a special snake-boat race in his honour. Delighted, he donated a silver trophy, and the race has been held on Punnamada Lake ever since. It now forms part of a season of boat races across central Kerala and is linked to the Champions Boat League.
Many types of traditional boat take part in heats through the day, but the main attraction is the chundan vallam, the snake boat, up to about 30 m long with a high, curved stern. Crews of around 100 oarsmen, helmsmen and singers row in perfect rhythm to the vanchipattu, the boat songs, cheered on by supporters from their villages. The finals are held in the afternoon.
The course runs along Punnamada Lake to a finishing point with pavilions for spectators. Tickets for pavilion seats are sold by category in advance, and the best seats near the finish sell out. We book seats and plan a houseboat stay or a Kumarakom resort around the date, with a guide to explain the boats and crews.
How to do it well
- Buy pavilion tickets as soon as the official date is announced; the best seats sell out.
- Bring an umbrella or rain jacket; August showers are common.
- Plan to arrive by late morning and stay through the afternoon finals.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held?
Traditionally on the second Saturday of August on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. In recent years the date has sometimes been moved, including postponements due to floods and other events, so check current status before you travel. The official date is announced by the race committee.
How do I buy Nehru Trophy tickets?
Tickets are sold in advance in several categories, from general stands to premium pavilions near the finishing point, through official channels and the race committee. Methods and prices change each year. We buy tickets on your behalf as soon as sales open.
What is a snake boat?
A snake boat, or chundan vallam, is a traditional Kerala racing boat up to about 30 m long, with a high stern rising like a snake's hood. It carries around 100 rowers, plus helmsmen and singers. Each boat belongs to a village or parish and is treated with great pride.
Can we watch the race from a houseboat?
Houseboats are generally not allowed on the race course during the event for safety reasons. The best views are from the pavilions along the course and at the finishing point. We combine a pavilion seat with a houseboat night before or after the race.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
