Kerala Snake Boat Race Tour

Indian Travel Packages >> Festival Tour Package >> Kerala Snake Boat Race Tour

Cochin - Alleppey - Periyar

Day 01 : Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival in Cochin meeting and assistance followed by transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at

Cochin , a major port of call on the ancient trade route from China to Rome , the mixture of influences here is a heady brew. Chinese fishing nets dot the coast, Roman coins are dug up as treasure trove, the Mattancheri Palace was built by the Portuguese, the Bolghatty Palace by the Dutch, and Willingdon Island was created by the British. Here you will find Hindu Temples , Christian Churches , mosques, and a synagogue (the Jewish settlement dates from at least as far back as AD 400). Cochin is a melting pot of races and cultures, charmingly emphasizing that variety is indeed the spice of life. Afternoon sightseing tour of Cochin . Cochin is a city with an eventful history. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the English all had established themselves here at one time or the other. Prominent attractions are the Jewish synagogue, santa cruz church( built in 16 th century by the Dutch ), cochin fort (built-1503 by Dutch ), Bolgatty Palace built by Dutch in 1744 and the St. Francis church ( built-1510 AD by the Dutch ) where Vasco de Gamma was buried ( later his remains were taken to Portugal, but his tombstone is still there at the St. Francis church which is the oldest church in India built by Europeans ).

Day 02 : Cochin - Alleppey - Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Alleppey to be a part of the most important boat race in Kerala - Nehru Trophy Boat race. The main event consists of a stiff competition between the magnificent snake boats known as 'Chundanvallams' for the coveted trophy. These boats stretch about 100 feet in length, with a raised prow, resembling the raised hood of a snake. They are manned by some 100 rowers who row vigorously to the accompaniment of the 'Vanchipattu' which lend vocal support to their physical efforts. The event commences with a ceremonial water procession comprising of floats and a variety of craft. 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 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. Evening return Cochin after a thrilling experience of the boat race. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03 : Cochin - Periyar

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Periyar. On arrival check-in at hotel. Late afternoon boat ride on lake Periyar to watch the wild life. Evening visit to Kumily Spice Market and spice plantations. Overnight stay at hotel.