Kumarakom: Kumarakom will now offer the thrill of snake boat races to visitors all year round. With these races emerging as a major attraction, the boats will compete exclusively for tourists. To support this initiative, two new fibre snake boats have been introduced to the backwater village here.

Boosting water tourism
These fibre snake boats, launched by Jiffy Naduvileparambil, have been specially designed for tourism. Built in Chellanam, they were brought to Kumarakom to cater to the growing number of visitors eager to witness a snake boat race. Traditionally, the racing season concludes with Onam, often leaving hotels and resorts unable to fulfil this wish. With these new boats, tourists can now enjoy the spectacle year-round.

First race on 10th
The first exhibition race of these fibre boats will be held at Cheepungal on September 10. Depending on bookings from hotels and resorts on the lakeside, the race can also be organised in the Vembanad Lake.

A special counter will be opened at the Alappuzha depot for passengers who arrive in the city to purchase the passes for the boat race. Photo: Manorama
With boat races emerging as a major attraction, the fibre boats will compete exclusively for tourists. Photo: Manorama

Major venues
The key venues for the exhibition races will include the Kavanar, where the Tourism Department has set up a permanent pavilion and the Kottahodu stream. Both locations feature pavilions to comfortably accommodate spectators. The races can be conducted in streams selected by hotels and resorts, offering flexibility for private bookings.

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55 aarsmen each
These fibre chundans (snake boats) are modelled on traditional wooden snake boats. Each boat can accommodate 55 oarsmen, along with five at the bow (Amaram) and five rhythmists (thaalakkar), maintaining the authentic spirit of the race.

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