May 1, 2005

Champakulam boat race

The most spectacular water regatta called the Vallam Kali (boat race) is closely connected with the life of malayalees. Boat race crews begin to practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team. The most famous of these is the Nehru Trophy Jala mela on the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other Snake Boat Races.

The Champakkulam boat race is the first of the season and is one of the few, which are centuries old. The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu or the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats that are over 100 feet in length with raised prow. They were called snake boats by the colonial rulers and continue to be known so till date.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha about 24 kms away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms away from Alappuzha town.