A must see spectacle in Alleppey is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which began in 1952. This boat race started on the occasion of the visit of Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to Alappuzha, hence the name. It is now a major event held on the second Saturday of August every year and features the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala, the Chundans-once the battleships of the Malayalee King of Yore.
boat race
Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzhas single most important tourist event with boats being sponsored by different villages. Competition is severe as the boats with over 100 rowers in each, race to finish to the accompaniment of rousing music.
