On Saturday 10th August 2013 the 61st Nehru Trophy boat race was held on Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala. This exciting annual spectacle involves huge snake boats (Chundans) over 100 ft long with up to 150 rowers flying down the course of 1.4km.
The boats and rowers come from the surrounding region and there is intense local, village and town rivalry. The preparation is intense with the village boat being lovingly prepared and the chosen oarsmen put through their paces. The teams are supported by a throng of humanity, afloat and in temporary stands, which can number over 100,000 and creates a boisterous accompaniment to the drums on the boats.
For a taste of the action have a look at this video of the 2010 race from Kerala Tourism
When you are visiting the beautiful Kerala Backwaters at any time of year have a look out for the boats. You may see them out on the water, the crews practising, in which case it is you can hardly miss them but you may see the boats pulled up on shore. Here they might be wrapped up under their covers or perhaps they will be out and being worked on by their crews in preparation for the big races.
The classic time to travel to Kerala is in the winter months of November to March. It is the driest period with the lowest humidity. For those who are tied in their holiday dates, particularly the school holidays, we would suggest you consider August. The rainfall averages less than the May to July months and you could expect 6 hours of sunshine a day. When it rains it will be very heavy but it will also be hot and the rain will pass fairly quickly – the exception to this might be the hills which can be cloudy in the afternoon. I have travelled through the region twice in August, and may have been very lucky, but I have had excellent weather both times. Prices can be much reduced from their winter peaks and if you time your trip you could coincide it with the Nehru Cup or one of the other great boat races.
Talk to us at Putney Travel for advice about holidays to Kerala.
by TMS