Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala - All You Need To Know About Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2019
Q) On which date Nehru Trophy Boat Race would happens?
A: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2019 will be held on 31 August 2019.
Kerala has always been that one place that offers serenity and calmness to its visitors. The palm-lined beaches, backwaters and a vast network of canals keep the state pleasant and cool throughout the year.
The boat-races have always been a significant part of the Kerala’s history, culture and tradition. And especially, the Nehru Trophy boat race in Kerala is the most alluring of all.
The 100 ft. long boats, locally known as Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats), compete against each other to the melody of ancient boat songs that leaves both, its participants and the visitors memorised.
The participants in this boat battle compete ferociously to come out as winners. All the oarspersons are willing to put in the best of their energies to achieve glory for their individual villages. It is held annually and the overall festivity brings in a lot of fun and really inspires you with great awe.
Do you wish to know what 2019 Kerala boat race has in store for you? Here is all you need to know about Kerala’s Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2019!
History Behind the Concept of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The history of Nehru Trophy boat race dates back to the year 1952, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of Independent India visited Kerala. He was so captivated by the sight of the traditional race boats that he hopped on a boat and travelled from Kottayam to Alleppey. In a view to commemorate this visit of the honourable Prime Minister, a boat race was organized by the local administration.
Being impressed and fascinated by this, the Prime Minister donated trophy. The line ‘To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin’ was inscribed on the trophy above his signature and was gifted to the winning team. Since then, the boat race in Alleppey went on to becoming an annual tradition and was named the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
When and Where is the 2019 Nehru Trophy Boat Race Taking Place?
The Nehru Trophy boat race in India is a very well esteemed event. The race attracts audiences from far off corners of the world. This premier snake boat race in Kerala usually takes place annually in August month on the second Saturday.
The boat race is organised in the Punnamada Lake that forms the backwaters in Alleppey. This small quaint town of Alleppey is nicknamed as the Venice of the East. Each year the boat race attracts thousands of tourists from across the country and abroad.
You can expect the area to come to life with ritualistic water processions and striking water floats. On this particular day, the control of the expert oarsmen over the waters of Kerala can be witnessed and the show will be one such that you can never forget.
How to Get There?
Being one of the most significant tourist destinations in India, Alleppey in Kerala is well-connected to other key Indian cities by air, road and rail.
• How to Reach Alleppey by Air
The airports that are located nearest to Alleppey are the Trivandrum International Airport and the Cochin International Airport. It is set at a distance of only 150 km and 75 km respectively. Regular flights operate from both these airports and you will not face any challenges to commute to Alleppey. From the airports, you can hire a taxi or opt for any other mode of transport at a reasonable price.
• How to Reach Alleppey by Rail
The railway station in Alleppey is situated around 4 km away from the central city and it connects Alleppey to all other major metropolises such as Cochin, Trivandrum, Vellore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. From the railway station, you can catch a bus, hire a taxi or hop in an auto-rickshaw to reach the central town.
• How to Reach Alleppey by Road
Alleppey is accessible by National Highway-47. The KSRTC bus service also facilitates travel for local people and tourists throughout the state comfortably and at a reasonable ticket price. Private bus service options are also widely available that connect Alleppey with other adjoining states. The distance from Trivandrum to Alleppey via a road journey is 151 Km, while Ooty is about 306 Km away from this stunning place. Other notable destinations include Calicut and Mysore located at a distance of 287 km and 394 km respectively.
Significant Facts and Tips About the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, 2019
There are a couple of know-how and fun facts that you must be aware of while visiting Kerala for the boat race.
• The celebration of this event also includes music and folk dance performances. Do not miss out on catching a glimpse of the same.
• The rowers produce 90 to 120 strokes on an average every minute and can cover a distance of 1.4 km in barely 5 minutes.
• In the middle of the second half of the boat, 8 people stand on a raised platform from where the cantor leads the song. The song sung by the 25 singers on the boat is the vanchipattu (boatman’s song) and there is an important reason behind it. It helps the oarsmen row in a rhythm.
• These snake boats hold a record for being the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose.
• Different categories of tickets are available for visitors that starts at a price of INR 1500 per person. If you wish to get a better view of the race, opt for the higher charged tickets.
• Purchase the tickets from authorized ticket counters only. Moreover, kindly check the serial number and seal stamp on your tickets before you leave the counter.
• Smoking/Drinking is strictly prohibited in the pavilion.
• Keep the emergency contact numbers handy. Contact the control room or police in case of theft or any mishap. The numbers are 04772245541/ 100 for any help.
Does this stir the excitement in you already? There is a frenzied enthusiasm in the air during this time and the whole atmosphere around reverberates with cheers and ovations. It is indeed the best time to visit Kerala to experience its beauty, magnificence and its traditions altogether.
If you are planning to visit Kerala, our view is that you book from among the best Kerala tour packages that lets you indulge into boat race festivities along with letting you enjoy sightseeing expeditions in Alleppey.
One such package is designed by our travel experts at Kerala Holidays. Choose from various Kerala holiday tour packages that are intricately designed to let you enjoy the blissful nature at its maximum. Apart from the boat race, our itinerary also includes staying options in a houseboat that cruises through the emerald backwaters with meals on board. We are also open to customisation and work out the cheapest available deals for you. Get in touch with our travel experts now!
