The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a spectacular event held in the scenic backwaters of Kerala, India, celebrates tradition, athleticism, and community spirit. This annual regatta, named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, has become a symbol of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and a thrilling display of snake boats adorned with rowers, all vying for the prestigious Nehru Trophy. This event unites locals and tourists in a thrilling spectacle of teamwork and competitive hunger, making it a truly iconic experience in "God's Own Country
Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2024 Details: Date, Venue, and Timings
- Venue: Punnamada Backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala
- Date of the event: August 10, 2024
- Time of the event: 1:30 PM onwards
- Location: Punnamada
- District: Alappuzha
- Ticket Price: Starting from Rs 100 to Rs 3000
History of Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race traces its history back to the time of newly independent India, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of our country. It is said that once, he travelled on a boat from Kottayam to Alappuzha via waterlogged Kuttanad. Back then, the whole pageantry of boats accompanied him on this trip.
It is said that the very first boat race was an impromptu decision and was conducted solely in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. At the end of the race, Nadubhagam Chundan (a type of boat) stood first. Seeing the whole event, Panditji couldn't hide his excitement and jumped into the winning boat without any security precautions, sharing the winning spirit with the participant Oarsmen.
On his way back to Delhi, he also donated a silver trophy to be awarded to the winning team. There was also an inscription on the trophy which said:
"To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin."
It was this trophy that was later, in July 1969, renamed the Nehru Trophy. In his cherishing memory, the people of Alappuzha started celebrating this race, which they named the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2024 teams list will feature the best rowers from across the region.
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Major Attractions of Nehru Boat Race
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race Preparations. As the race day approaches, the people decorate their boats in the most artistic ways. Temporary platforms for the pavilion, as well as the audience, are set up. A total of eight tracks, each with a 30-metre width, are marked in the lake. Long bamboo poles are used to do this. After everything is done, minute by minute, everyone waits for the moment of the race to commence. The excitement builds as the Kerala Boat Race 2024 dates are announced, drawing spectators from near and far.
2. Adrenaline Fuelled Boat Race. Each boat carries about 90-100 oarsmen who are perpetually hauling the oars and cutting the waters with great strength. It is truly a phenomenal experience to watch them execute everything in such amazing synchronisation. During the race, a few oarsmen can also be seen singing energetic songs to cheer up their fellow participants. This race truly defines the athleticism and sportsmanship of the participants. At the end of the race, people are also distributed with trophies. The Nehru Trophy Vallamkali 2024 will showcase the peak of this athletic prowess.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the iconic Boat Race in Kerala 2024 and participate in this vibrant celebration.
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How to Reach
To reach Alappuzha, you need to cover a total distance of 2,753, 1,380, 2,388, and 576 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Here are the details on how to reach Alleppey by the following means of public transport
By Air. You must deboard at the Cochin International Airport, located 80-90 km away. The airport is fairly well-connected with several other Indian destinations via direct and connecting flights. After deboarding at the airport, you must cover the remaining distance by a cab or other public transport means.
- From Pune - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, AirAsia flights from Pune Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000-5,000
- From Gwalior - Board Spicejet, IndiGo, AirAsia flights from Gwalior Airport. The airfares start from INR 7,000-8,000
- From Patna - Board IndiGo, Go Air, Spicejet flights from Patna Airport. The airfares start from INR 8,000-9,000
By Train. Deboard at the Alleppey Railway Station situated within the city limits. You can take connecting trains via Trivandrum and Cochin to reach here. From the station, take a locally available means of transportation to reach your respective destination.
By Road. Deboard at the Alleppey Railway Station situated within the city limits. You can take connecting trains via Trivandrum and Cochin to reach here. Take a locally available means of transportation from the station to reach your destination. Check the Nehru Trophy Boat Race timings to plan your visit accordingly.
- From Kochi - 80-90 km via NH66
- From Idukki - 138 km via SH40
- From Madurai - 276 km via NH85
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Kerala's rich culture and enduring customs are captivatingly represented by the Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2024. This yearly event, which features elegant snake boats gliding over tranquil backwaters, represents the people's unwavering spirit, unity, and competitive spirit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Q. What is the ticket price for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
A. Ticket prices for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race vary, typically ranging from INR 100 to INR 3,000 depending on the seating and view options.
Q. When did the Nehru Trophy Boat Race start?
A. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race started in 1952 to honour the visit of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Kerala.
Q. Where can I watch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
A. You can watch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race at the Punnamada Backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala, where the event is held annually.
Q. How many kilometres is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race?
A. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race course is approximately 1.4 kilometres long, set in the scenic Punnamada Lake.
