The gigantic snakes are back on the waters!  But you won’t be seeing a ‘Jennifer Lopez’ or an ‘Owen Wilson’ out there battling them (Anaconda style)… rather cheering them if they are around!
Come August and it’s that time of the year again when these gigantic snake boats take over the waters and villages with hordes of tourists from all over, flocking to enchanting Alappuzha! Yes, once again it’s time for Alappuzha to host its illustrious snake boat races also known as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Held on the second Sunday in August, this prestigious event was first organized in 1952 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala. Four gigantic snake boats known as Chundanvalloms were sent to greet and receive him, followed by a boat race. On his return to Delhi, Pandit Nehru who was very impressed, had a silver trophy sent across, thus commencing one of the most prominent sporting functions held in Kerala.
Held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, these snake boats once used in battle get ready for another battle of sorts with each one  vying for the prestigious title. Measuring anywhere between 65 meters to a 100 meters with a capacity of carrying over a hundred passengers, each boat is armed with around 90+ oarsmen, controllers called ‘amarakar’ and even cheerleaders called ‘nilakkar’. From catchy tunes called ‘Vanchi pattu’ to devotional songs… It’s all sung to keep the spirits high. 
With the largest of these boats measuring nearly around hundred and thirty feet, the prows of these magnificent boats are curved to a height of nearly fifteen to twenty feet giving it a look of a mighty snake. On the day of the race, these boats are oiled to enable them to guide though the waters easily. Following the prayers… it’s literally a war on water with each group taking on the other.Divided into four groups: Chundan, Churulan, Iruttukuthi, Veppu, each race promises to entertain the cheering crowds.
 
For those tourists from far and wide heading to Allepey / Alappuzha, here are some of the other interesting attractions the place has to offer.
Located between the Arabian Sea and the Venbanad Lake, Alappuzha is an area of spectacular natural beauty, its enchanting backwaters and lagoons making it a perfect retreat for the weary traveller and earning it the nickname   ‘the Venice of the East!’
Boats are probably the best way to travel around here, and while boats can be hired for exploring this beautiful area, do try the traditional houseboats called Kettuvallams for its promise to be an experience of a lifetime.
What was earlier used as grain barges, to transport rice is today one of the state’s most prominent tourist attraction. Eco-friendly, made of bamboo poles, coir, and other natural products, an interesting aspect of these houseboats is that while assembling these boats not a single nail is used.
The backwater cruises here are the prime attraction the place has to offer, with boats taking you through villages, churches, temples, mosques, and schools. The Chinese style fishing nets, and canals where coir (coconut fiber), dried coconut meat (also known as “copra”) and cashews are being loaded into boats is another attraction.
Inviting one and all with its azure blue waters and thick palm / coconut grooves, the Allepey beach is one of the area’s most beautiful attraction and an interesting picnic area.
Built in typical south Indian architectural style, the Amabalapuzha Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is famous for its temple festival, and performances of Pallapinaherld every 12 years. Important churches here include the St. Andrew’s church, which dates back to 1866. Built during the Portugese rule in India, the Arthunkal Church is a must for pilgrims’ visiting Allepey while the Champakalam Church or St. Mary’s Church here is one of the oldest churches in Kerala.
About 3 kms from Allepey is Karumadi, a village known for its sculpture of Buddha which belongs to the 9th /10th century. Known as ‘Karumadi Kuttan’ what makes this statue unique is the black quartz from which it is carved, as quartz is normally associated with the color gray.
Another place associated with religion here is the Pandavan Rock.It is said to be the place where the Pandavas stayed in a cave during their exile. Though trekking here is difficult; once here the magnificent views one gets of the valley below makes this trip worthwhile.
Constructed in traditional Kerala architecture, the Krishnapuram Palace built by Marthanda Varma, a Travancore king, is known for its mural paintings, and is home to one of the State’s biggest mural paintings called Gajendra Moksham.
From here one must try the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, for its marvelous and wide species of birds found across the sanctuary.
A place famous for its coir industries, look out for crafts made of coconut shells and coir. Ladies, look out for some interesting pieces of jewellery made from pieces of coconut shells. Apart from these other must buys include spices, crafts from buffalo horn, teak, rosewood, and more!
From cruising down its enchanting backwaters to watching some several migratory birds that arrive from far off places like Siberia, and watching herds of elephants in their natural surroundings, Allepey/ Alapuzha is a perfect place to unwind amidst nature.