Kerala, famously known as God’s Own Country, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The state is also famous for its thrilling snake boat races, especially during the Onam festival. If you’ve always wanted to experience these exciting races in Kerala, there’s good news! Kumarakom, known for its serene backwaters, is enhancing its cultural tourism offerings. You can now witness the excitement of snake boat races throughout the year in Kumarakom.
In an innovative move, the region has launched year-round snake boat race experiences for travelers. As per reports, two new fiber snake boats have been added to Kumarakom’s fleet, allowing visitors to enjoy this traditional spectacle throughout the entire year. Crafted in Chellanam, these boats were brought to Kumarakom by Jiffy Naduvileparambil, a local enthusiast and organizer of these events.
Each fiber snake boat has the capacity to accommodate a total of 55 oarsmen. In addition, it includes 5 Amaram, who act as front guides responsible for steering the boat, as well as 5 Thaalakkar, who serve as rhythm keepers by playing drums to establish the rowing pace.
The Year-Round Snake Boat Races Will First Take Place On September 10
This arrangement reflects the traditional setup of Kerala’s famous chundan vallams, offering an authentic experience for both participants and onlookers.
The first race featuring these new fiber boats is scheduled to take place at Cheepungal on September 10. Following this initial event, races may also be held on Vembanad Lake, contingent upon requests from nearby hotels and resorts. Tourists can take advantage of personalized experiences, as private groups and hospitality partners can arrange their own racing events.
The Kerala Tourism Department has enhanced the spectator experience by constructing permanent viewing pavilions at Kavanar and Kottahodu Stream. These facilities offer comfortable seating and stunning views, allowing visitors to enjoy boat races without the regular seasonal crowds. This development is significant for travelers as it removes seasonal restrictions, allowing attendance at races beyond the Onam festival. It also enables hotels and resorts to schedule races flexibly, promotes cultural engagement by immersing visitors in Kerala’s rich traditions, and improves accessibility with upgraded pavilions and fiber boats.
