Snake Boat Racing

  Alappuzha, Kerala, India Saturday, August 9, 2014

How big are these canoes....! We had planned this trip to Alleppey ages ago as we wanted to see the snake boat racing. One of the many festivals we plan to visit on this trip. Our accommodation, Cosy Regency, must be just 200 metres from the finish line so in the perfect location to get to see it. So what is Snake Boat Racing? They are 100–120 foot long (so long like a snake) canoes called Chundan Vallams and they carry 90 - 110 rowers which move like a snake through the water. The Chundan Vallam also has the record as "the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose"We decided to buy the cheap 200 rupees (£2) tickets so we could be with all the locals. There were more expensive tickets available at 1000 and 2000 rupees which get you a brilliant view of the water - but they were for rich people and tourists. From experience we have learnt that it is far more interesting to mix with the locals as they are far more entertaining and chatty., We had been warned to get there early if we wanted a good seat (or indeed a seat at all). The race was supposed to kick off at 2pm so by 12:00 Bryan was getting really impatient to get there so off we went. We arrived far too early so we found some shady steps to sit and wait and were soon joined by Sandi, a local lad who normally had to watch the race on tv so was very excited to be at the race itself. Sandi was really informative about the race, the boats and everything that was going on so thank you Sandi - and no you were not boring! Whilst we were waiting, a TV crew came over and asked if they could interview us so we said of course (no-one we know will see it!) We did our interview and then Sandi explained they will only show the footage - they will have cut our voices out and dub an indian commentary over the topOh that would be very funny to watch! The race didn't actually start until 3pm when the official opening by the Keralan Chief Justice (who was an hour late) and the procession of the twelve snake boats. By then the atmosphere was alive and we were so glad to be on the local side of the river, so friendly and happy.  We could view all the house boat and the tourist stand on the other side of the river. We have had monsoon rains for the past week, but today it was sunny and perfect weather for the race. We lasted a few hours in the heat and then had to leave. We had been in the thick of it, seen the racing, the ladies boats, the sinking of some of the boats, it was just getting too hot for us. It was a terrific day out and would recommend it if you are thinking of coming     [gallery columns="4" ids="7532,7539,7542,7544,7550,7557,7563,7566,7569,7574,7579,7585,7591,7595,7601,7606,7610,7617,7622,7630,7636,7647,7649,7652,7656,7658,7666,7671,7679,7682,7688,7690,7696,7705,7709,7718,7722,7729,7731,7735,7740,7745,7748,7752"]