The Nehru Trophy boat race famous as "Vallamkali" is an exhilarating event held every year as part of the Onam Celebration. It has also taken Alappuzha tourism to the next level. The boat race is famous on an international level and people float to Alappuzha during this period. During the festival, a boat similar to a canoe which is 100-120 feet long exhibits movements like serpentine in the water. Based on this name, the boat race has gained the name of the snake boat race. It is said that once Nehru came for the boat race and the boat he got into won first prize, and since then the race is named Nehru Trophy boat race!
There are other types of boats too that participate in the boat race and they are the Churulan Vallam, Vadakkanody Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Iruttu Kuthi Vallam, and Kochu Vallam. The boat race is an exciting event to witness where various teams compete excitingly. The water splashes will send a chill in the spine, it is a great event to be a part of!
