The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of August each year, is Kerala's most spectacular public event. Enormous chundan vallam — snake boats — up to 42 metres long and crewed by over a hundred oarsmen race across the lake to the sound of cheering crowds and traditional chenda drums. The boats move at remarkable speed; watching a race from close up is a visceral experience.
The event draws tens of thousands of spectators from across India and abroad. Grandstands line the lake and tickets sell out weeks in advance; book early if you plan to attend. If you miss the main race, smaller boat races take place throughout the season at various points on the backwaters.