The Nehru Trophy Special

Origin of the famed Snake boat Chundaanvallam (snake boat) is so called because of its pointed prow. The term snake boat comes from its stern, which represents the raised, the hood of a snake and its length. The front end of this type of boat will be tapering in shape and the rear end will be very high from the water level. They have a length of about 60-65 meters and a capacity carrying hundred to hundred and ten people during the race time. The stern is majestically caparisoned and decorated with a flag and brass ornaments. Silken parasols are arrayed along the entire length of the boat. There will be almost 95 oarsmen, 5 Amarakkar (Controllers) and 10 "Nilakkar" (persons supposed to enhance the vigor and enthusiasm of the articipating oarsman). It has got a resemblance to the shape of a snake, when it advances in a competition and hence became popular as snake boats. Snake boats are the traditional battle vessels of Kerala known as Chundan vallams. They were originally designed as a naval vessel used for battle. Origin of Snake Boat race of Kerala In the year 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha district from Kottayam he was given a roaring reception by the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake boat popularly known as Chundan he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the Snake Boat Races to be held every year. The trophy is a replica of a snake boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of India are inscribed above his signature. "To the winner of the boat-race, which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin”? This was later christened, "Nehru Trophy". From then onwards, year after year, the boat race has grown into Alappuzha`s most important event.

INCLUDES 1. 2 Nights accomodation at Maria Heritage Homes and Spa-on Twin sharing basis Daily breakfast 2. Sunset cruise in a traditional country boat through the famed backwater canals 2. Pick and drop from Cochin International Airport to Maria Heritage Homes and SPA

Hotels Used Maria Heritage Homes and SPA

Package cost AED 600 PER PERSON USD 165/- Rs. 7200/-