NEHRU TROPHY SNAKE BOAT RACING KERALA TOUR

NEHRU TROPHY SNAKE BOAT RACING KERALA TOUR

  • $ 9460

    per person
  • 8 Days/7 Nights
  • kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kuttanad, Alleppey, kumarakom

  • Pick-up & Drop Location:
    • KOCHI
    • Suggested Pick-Up Time: 11 PM
    • Tour Code: A&A-FT-055
+91-92589 16796
or speak to your travel advisor

Every year, on the second Saturday of August, the calm Punnamda Lake near Alappuzha in Kerala erupts into a center of excitement when it hosts the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This event, noted for its tough competition and exciting atmosphere, attracts an estimated 200,000 spectators, including many international tourists. For the villages of Kuttanad, a victory in this historic race is a source of pride and celebration for months. The centerpiece of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the exhilarating competition between the snake boats, known locally as chundanvallams. These enormous warships, nearly 100 feet long with high prows, are a sight to behold. The moniker "snake boat" was given by colonial rulers, who likened them to a native boat in Norway, despite the scant connection. The chundanvallams' sleek, elongated bodies and rhythmic motions make them appear like serpents flowing through the water. The origins of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race extend back to the visit of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, to Alappuzha in 1952. Nehru sailed from Kottayam to Alappuzha through the waterlogged district of Kuttanad, escorted by a fantastic pageant of boats. The first impromptu race was staged in his honor, with Nadubhagam Chundan coming winner. Enthralled by the event, Nehru climbed into the victorious boat, ignoring security regulations.

Itinerary at a Glance

  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KOCHI
  • DAY 2 : KOCHI TO MUNNAR
  • DAY 3: MUNNAR
  • DAY 4: MUNNAR - THEKKADY
  • DAY 5: KERALA'S NEHRU TROPPY SNAKE BOAT RACE FROM THEKKADY TO KUTTANAD
  • DAY 6: KUTTANAD - ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT
  • DAY 7 : KUMARAKOM ON THE ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT
  • DAY 8 : KUMARAKOM TO KOCHI DEPARTURE

  • DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KOCHI

    Our Guide will greet you upon arrival at the Kochi airport and take you to the hotel. You can unwind for a while before spending the afternoon seeing some secret locations and the main sights in the Kochi area after lunch. For more than 600 years, traders, explorers, and tourists have been drawn to Kochi's shores. There are many different things in Kochi. Giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450-year-old synagogue, historic mosques, homes from the Portuguese and Dutch eras, and the dilapidated remnants of the British Raj can all be found in Koch. It's a great spot to explore and unwind. Additionally, it is a crucial hub for Keralan art. You may visit and discover Kochi's charming beaches and structures designed in the European style. Additionally, you can go to the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, the Spice Market, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry, and St. Francis Church. Following your exploration of the area, you can spend the evening taking a stroll through the neighbourhood market or taking a culinary lesson at your hotel. Spend the night at the Kochi hotel.

  • DAY 2 : KOCHI TO MUNNAR

    You prepare to explore one of the world's greatest treasures, the serene and stunning Munnar hill station, after a full breakfast and a new start following your previous day's travel. Kerala's most visited hill station is Munnar. It offers views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys, and it has a distinctive perspective of verdant mountain slopes covered with miles of green tea estates that resemble organic bedding over mountains. The region has a colonial vibe to it, with tea factories, ancient play grounds, and little cottages. As you travel from Cochin to Munnar, you will pause along the road to take in the breathtaking views, towering mountains, valleys, and clean, pure air that smells of tea and spices. You will be taken to your hotel as soon as you arrive in Munnar. Take some time to unwind and rest so that you can explore the area's lovely gardens and tourist attractions the following day. Spend the night at the Munnar hotel.

  • DAY 3: MUNNAR

    You have the opportunity to discover Munnar's splendour for yourself today. After eating a nutritious breakfast, you can stroll about the plantation regions, coffee and tea gardens, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from the hills, and go shopping like never before. Tea, green tea, coffee, cashew nuts, handmade chocolates, and spices are all reasonably priced at Munnar's marketplaces. Once you've finished your shopping, you can go sightseeing. Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and the Tata Tea Museum are all open for visits. Spend the night at the hotel.

  • DAY 4: MUNNAR - THEKKADY

    Prepare to drive to Thekkady, your next destination, after breakfast. It is referred to as Kerala's Wildlife Destination. The area is affluent in both plants and animals. You can visit and have a boat ride on Thekkady Lake while you're there. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is another option. Numerous animal species, including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs, and the highly uncommon lion-tailed macaque, are being preserved at the well-known Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. The woodland is located on Periyar Lake's shores. The trail from Moozhiyar to Thekkadi via Gavi offers a first-hand experience of exploring and travelling through the most densely forested portions of Kerala, allowing wildlife enthusiasts to explore and see the species up close. You can attend the Kathakali dance performance later in the evening. Spend the night at the hotel.

  • DAY 5: KERALA'S NEHRU TROPPY SNAKE BOAT RACE FROM THEKKADY TO KUTTANAD

    After breakfast this morning, you can head to Kuttanad village to witness a race unlike any other: the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It was initially held on Punnamda Lake, close to Alappuzha, and was named in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Every year on the second Saturday in August, this race is held. Boats compete hard on the serene lakefront throughout the race. It is estimated that more than two lakh people attend this renowned marathon each year. The men who row the Snake Boats or Chundans have a commendable experience. The race is seen as a victory by the Kuttanad people. Keralan culture and custom heavily revolve around boat races. The atmosphere is created for the ideal occasion by the drum beats and the chanting of the Vanchipattu, or boat songs. Following the race in the evening, you can see the performance of Keralan folk dances to commemorate this occasion. Spend the night on a Punnamda Lake houseboat.

  • DAY 6: KUTTANAD - ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT

    Prepare to enjoy the unique Kerala Houseboat experience after taking part in the most incredible race. Start your journey towards Alleppey's backwaters after eating breakfast. Alleppey consistently ranks at the top of the list of things to do in Kerala and is well-known for houseboat tours in the backwaters. For the simple reason that it provides you with an exclusive experience that you cannot find anywhere, it is the most pleasurable experience. As you cruise the natural backwaters in your own houseboat, take in the breathtaking scenery and stunning landmarks. Admire the opulent paddy fields beneath the water, tiny churches, netted fishing, and numerous more minor sights that will live in your memory for a lifetime. The Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple, Arthunkal Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Marari Beach, Sri Krishna Temple, and a few beaches are also worth seeing when in Alleppey. Spend the night on your houseboat.

  • DAY 7 : KUMARAKOM ON THE ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT

    It's time to put a deluxe touch to your tour of God's own country after enjoying a fantastic houseboat adventure on Alleppey's backwaters. After enjoying breakfast in your private houseboat, you can depart to discover Kumarakom, a tropical city in the pristine state of Kerala. You may enjoy the taste of soft coconut water, authentic Kerala cuisine, and the warmth of the fresh air in the small Keralan village of Kumarakom. The Vembanad Lake is close to this tiny town. Rare plants and animals can be found in Kumarakom, along with some unique landscapes. It is possible to take a boat trip while in Kumarakom. Additionally, you can go fishing and touring. In addition, you can go to the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom. You can take a sunset sail later in the evening or just take in the stunning backwater scenery. Spend the night at the hotel.

  • DAY 8 : KUMARAKOM TO KOCHI DEPARTURE

    Your trip to Kerala for the Nehru Trophy has come to an end. We hope your journey with us was enjoyable, and we hope to see you again soon.

  • Night Stay in hotel as per Itinerary
  • Meal as per itinerary Breakfast and Dinner
  • Monument Entrance
  • Elephant And Jeep Ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
  • Rikshaw Ride in old Delhi
  • Golf Car for Taj Mahal
  • Air-conditioned Coach throughout the tour as per the itinerary
  • English/Spanish/French/German Speaking Guide
  • Arrival & Departure Assistance at airport
  • All fuel charges, toll taxes, Driver allowance, state tax entry, etc.
  • Presently applicable government taxes.
  • Any air fare, airport departure, GST tax, etc.
  • Camera Entrance Fees
  • Any Lunch
  • Bank charges for payment transfer
  • Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone bill, etc.
  • Any kind of tips
  • Other service not mentioned above

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NEHRU TROPHY SNAKE BOAT RACING KERALA TOUR

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