The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamada lake in Alappuzha is one of the most popular boat races in Kerala. It is held on the second Saturday of the month of August every year. The history of the race is connected with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha in 1952. It was in honour of Nehru that the first race was conducted. Back in Delhi, Nehru donated a silver trophy for the winners of this highly competitive race.

The shores of the Punnamada lake teem with throngs of humanity during the race. It is estimated that almost 2 lakh people from India and abroad reach the place to witness this unique event. The major attraction of the regatta is the pageantry of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). It is quite awesome to see these 100 feet long boats slicing through the water. Other types of boats that participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttu Kuthi Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam and Kochu Vallam.