Alleppey, "Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms., with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey, which forms the main part of this network, has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.
	It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious ever flowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team. A splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'Kali-Vallangal' or RACING BOATS, led by the largest and the most majestic of them, the 'Chundan'. Its rowers sing songs known as ' vanchi pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a feast for the eyes and the ears. The largest of the 'Chundan' boats the length of which varies between a hundred and a hundred and thirty feet can seat a hundred and twenty rowers, sixty on each side. Like the neck of an angry snake it curves to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. The prow is pointed and stands four feet above the water with its glistening brass embellishments. The main steerman of the boat stands on the amaram with specially made long oars. The efficiency with which they handles the oar is what establishes the speed of the boat and its balance. They claim that a single strong plunge of the oar into the water can take the boat three leaps forward to a distance of thirsty feet.
				The most famous of these is the NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE on the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other Snake Boat Races. The latest addition is the one in connection with the GREAT ELEPHANT MARCH held on 19th of January every year. 'Champakkulam', 'Kavalam', 'Karichal', 'Jawahar Thayangari', 'Kallooparamban', 'Pacha', 'Pulinkunnu', 'Nadubhagam', 'Cheruthana', 'Kandangari' and 'Paippad' are the chief competitors for the trophies. Large and spectacular 'chundans' glide towards the finishing line like meteors in the sky with water splashing violently on both sides like streaks of lightning. An unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport one of the most dynamic.
		Other Boat Races are Tourism Boat Race, 11th January connected with Great Elephant March. Pulimkunnu, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, August Last Saturday Champakulam Boat Race, June-July Connected with the Asterism "Moolam" of Midhunam, a malayalam month. Neerattupuram Boat Race, August-Sept. conducted during Onam days. Chettikulangara, Kettukazhcha, February-March 'Kettukazhcha' is very famous and it is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullocks are displayed. Thiruvalla, Pamba Boat Race Haripad, Karuvatta Boat Race Mannar Boat Race
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