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Kerala At a Glance

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest State.

For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.

Events :

Snake Boat Races Of Kerala

Welcome to yet another splendid,unparalleled attraction of God's Own Country. An event that is as much part of the land's ethos as the elephant pageant. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. Occasions of great excitement that is a reflection of a vibrant people

Welcome to the snake boat races of Kerala.Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world,the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.
Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish.

The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.

A calendar of the snake boat races of Kerala from June 2004 to September 2004,with a detailed description of four of the oldest and most


Champakulam Boat Race
Event Date : 2 Jul,2004
Venue: Champakulam, about 26 km from Alappuzha.

Kerala, with its winding stretches of backwaters, is famous for its native boat races held in different parts of the State in the harvest season. The Champakulam boat race, held on July 2 this year, is the first one during this season and has a tradition of centuries.

The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu - the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats over 100 feet in length with raised prows. They were first called snake boats by the foreign rulers.
How to get there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town



Aranmula Boat Race Aranmula, Pathanamthitta
Event Date : 1 Sep,2004

Venue: Pampa River Aranmula, Chengannur

Held in strict adherence to tradition, the Aranmula Boat Race is a highly popular event. It is held on the Pampa River near the Sree Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula in connection with the Onam celebrations.

Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur, about 10km away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 115 km away