Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is the most celebrated stretch of the Alappuzha backwaters and the permanent venue of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of the largest and most spectacular water sports events in the world. The race was established in 1952 after Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was so moved by the traditional snake boat racing he witnessed during a visit that he donated a silver trophy to commemorate it. Every second Saturday of August, enormous chundan vallams (snake boats) stretching over 100 feet and powered by more than 100 oarsmen race across the lake to the rhythm of vanchipattu boat songs and drumbeats, watched by over two lakh spectators. Outside the race season the lake is a tranquil and beautiful expanse of water ideal for houseboat stays and shikara rides.