NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE

 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most premium among boat races held in Kerala. The boat race is named after Pandt. Jawaharlal Nehru who was the first prime minister of India.

This event is very famous around the globe, the crowed that Nehru Trophy Boat Race pull is so massive that the shore of ‘Punnamada’ lake will cover up by the spectators, which includes Indians as well as foreigners.

In last year of the event it is estimated as around 2 lakhs peoples came from various place of the world to see the amazing sight snake boats are racing towards the finishing line with water splashing on both sides.

          This event will be held on second Saturday of August, the main competitors are 'Champakkulam', 'Nadubhagam', 'Karichal', 'Kandangari', 'Kallooparamban', 'Pulinkunnu', 'Pacha', 'Kavalam', 'Cheruthana', 'Jawahar Thayangari' and 'Paippad' Snake boats

         

 

WHEN IS NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE

 

    Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held on every year second Saturday of August month. This year due to Covid-19 situations it has decided to conduct the race on August 31^st, 2020.

 

 

IS NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?

  Nehru Trophy Boat Race is not a public holiday. But it is held on second Saturday a public holiday.

HISTORY OF NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE

 

            The story behind Nehru Trophy Boat Race is related to the visit of Jawaharlal Nehru First Indian Prime minister. During his visit he traveled from Kottayam to alapuzha via boat, during that time a group of boats accompanied him, during this journey via kuttanad.

An informal boat race was conducted on the time pf his visit to show tribute to the prime minister.

Nehru was thrilled by this ‘Chundan vallom’ (Snake boat) race and When the winner boat came neat to his standing pavilion he tried to jump in the boat without his security guards except one managed to get into the boat.

Later time, he provided a silver trophy to the winners this trophy is kept for winner ever rolling trophy since then. From next year onwards, the second Saturday of August month they have decided to conduct the race.

 

 

Tracks Specification

 

4 tracks of 10 M. wide from East.

Track length – 1400 M.

 

Chundan (Snake Boat) Specification

 

Total no. of team members - 111

Nilakkar - 5 Persons

Amaram - 5 Persons

HOW TO REACH NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE

 

·      From Railway station, Alappuzha to venue about 5 Kilo meters.

·     From K.S.R.T.C Bus station Alappuzha to venue-Short Walkable distance. You can prefer KSRTC bus if possible.

·     60 Kilo meters South of Cochi . An hour's drive from Cochi by N.H.47.

·   80 Kilo meters south of Cochin International airport, Almost 1.30 hrs journey by N.H 47 In regular traffic.

·    170 Kilo meters North of Kovalam . 3.5 hour's journey by N.H 47.

·    125 Kilo meters West of Thekkady . 3 hour's journey by N.H 47.

Also See FESTIVALS OF KERALA