Overview:

The unique part of this trip will be the globally known Snake Boat Race that takes place each year at Punnamada Lake in Alleppy, Kerala. This race is the foremost attraction of the tourists visiting Alleppy in August during the Onam Festival. It is a one-day event where a lot of the locals participate and ride the long Snake Boats in serpentine motions.

The Vallam Kali, which means boat game, was initiated by our late Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru when he visited Alappuzha. He took a boat ride through the water-logged Kuttanad from Kottayam to Alappuzha, accompanied by a pageantry of boats. It is because of that incident that the event is named Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and at the end of the competition, the winner is awarded the prestigious “Nehru Cup.”

Day to Day Travel Slate:

Day1:

Alleppy is a 1.5hrs (55Kms) drive from the Kochi Airport or Ernakulam Railway station. After arriving at Alleppy, you will check-in to a premium AC houseboat. After settling down and some rest, you will indulge in local delicacies for lunch. In the evening after sunset, you will go for some sightseeing in the houseboat and enjoy the small picturesque nearby towns andmarketplaces from the boat. If you want, you can also take the tour on kayak boats run by the locals. The kayak boat ride will bring you closer to the towns and markets through the multifaceted waterways.

After a lovely boat ride, you will come back to the houseboat and enjoy a customized dinner arranged for you and stay there overnight.

Day2:

After taking your breakfast onboard, you will take a trip down River Pampa through Alleppy. You will make a stop at the freshwater river Karumady and take a swim in the cool water. Today you will eat your lunch a bit early as you have to reach Pallathuruthy by noon, and then from there, you will be on your way to Punnamada Lake by car. There you will witness the world-famous Nehru Cup Snake Boat race firsthand.

The Snake Boat race is a prestigious competition which is held every year during the Onam Festival on the second Saturday in the month of August. The competition is all about riding a 100Ft. tall boat in serpentine movements, hence, giving the event its name.

In the afternoon, around 1:30PM, you will reach the venue. Then later, around 2:30PM, the race will begin. After a brief intermission, the competition will come to an end in the evening with the announcement of the Nehru Cup winner.

Later in the evening, after a thrilling experience, you will return to your houseboat and spend the night in Alleppy.

Day3:

Today, you will take a boat ride to Kovalam. There you will check-in to a hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town. Kovalam is famous around the world because of its shallow water beaches and ample leisure options like sunbathing, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, and catamaran cruising. Here you can also pamper your tastebuds with delicious seafood. After a day of activity at the beach and relieving stress, you will return to your hotel at night for an overnight stay.

Day4:

On your last day, you will be packing to return to your abode after a unique trip to this part of Kerala. Your departure will be from Trivandrum will heart full of memories of the trip.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis with all meals in Houseboat (AC)
• Transportation
• All sightseeing and excursions as per day activities mentioned above
• Guided tour

Exclusions:

• Airfare and train fare
• Any portage, tips, Insurance, Mineral water, beverages,and all items of personal nature
• Ticket charges of the boat race and entry fees
• Emergency medical expenses