India

These boats are referred as snake boats not on the basis that they are anywhere related to snakes but the boats are designed like snakes known as chundan vallam in local language by the people of Kuttanadu region, in south India's state of Kerala. It is titled as the only traditional war boat of Kerala which is 100 to 120 feet long and hold of 100 rowers. Every village has its own snake boat which they use in the local boat race battle in the spiritual rivers and lakes.

LOCATION:

• Alleppey's Punnamda Lake
• Champakkulam (Changanassery) River
• Payippad Lake
• Pampa River

SEASON OF RACES:

• July to September
• Highlights “Onam Festival” August to September

TYPES OF BOATS:

Champakkulam Moolam Snake Boat Race

The Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race is an auspicious race where the idol of the Hindu God Krishna need to seated in the Sree Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha. According to the ancient mythologies, those carrying the idol will stop over Champakkulam on the way. The next morning, thousands of colorful boats were assembled there to prestige the event and escort the idol to the temple.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy snake boat race is one of the most thrilling races among all as it is celebrated in the remembrance of India's first late Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. In 1952, during his visit to Alleppey he was honored by the snake boat race as he awarded the first person with a trophy by that period the race has continued till date.

Aranmula Snake Boat Race

The Aranmula Boat Race is an occasion for two days where the beneficence was carried to the Aranmula Parthasarthy Temple in the snake boat to safeguard from the rivalry villages. This occasion is celebrated on the day when Lord Krishna crossed the holy river.