India - Kerala - Snake Boat race 31.10.2013

Desi Diaries: Untravel Trip #3 – Kerala’s Indira Gandhi snake boat race

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Deep in the canals of Chera Naadu, the Vanchipattu echoes –  “O thithi thara thithi thai.” The music is like fuel to the oarsmen and they row the boats even faster as the music gets louder.

December is one of the most important months in Kerala, especially for the people enthusiastic about the Indira Gandhi boat race as well as the festive atmosphere that follows. Oarsmen from different parts of Kerala congregate along with their snake boats that are smeared with sardine oil to help make a smooth passage through water. A single snake boat contains 100 to 125 oarsmen and 25 singers.

Snake boats in a boat race
PIC: Abraham Jacob N

With thousands of people getting together in the backwaters of Ernakulam district, the graph of tourism in Kerala spikes considerably. Villagers take on the responsibility of feeding the oarsmen who compete in the boat race. The competition gets intense as it gets closer to the final round, in all a breathtaking experience.

You may also want to sail to

Ernakulam houses one of the largest lakes in India – the Vembanad Kayal. When you visit, do not forget to get into the Kettuvallam, a house boat idling in the lake.

The Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade along the coast. Another major attraction is that it is built facing the backwaters and you will also get to see a lot of local populace who throng the walkway during evenings. Walk to the Rainbow Bridge and the Chinese fishing net bridge enjoying the mild breeze from the Vembanad lake.

Chinese nets in Fort Kochi
PIC: flickr/ Mridula D

The Mattancherry peninsula or Fort Kochi has been one of the most historical parts of the city and has always been an attraction to the tourists. The Chinese fishing nets are a visual attraction to photographers and the visual is even better during sunset. On your visit to Fort Kochi you might also like to drop into Santa Cruz Basilica and the Mattancherry Palace, at a 3 km radius around Fort Kochi. If you are a lover of art, Koshi Art café in Burgher street in Fort Kochi could be an interesting for place to visit. Willingdon Island is a small man-made island which now holds the Port of Kochi and the Kochi Naval base. The mouth of the Arabian Sea is visible from this spot.

Where to stay

Kerala Homestay
PIC: flickr/ Flash Sunil

Kerala tourism has a list of registered homestays which you can find on the Kerala tourism website. Don’t forget to see if you can spot a Tharavadu, a traditional Kerala house, close by.

The Kerala food experience

Appam, Kadala Curry and Coconut milk
PIC: flick/ Devika_smile

To totally indulge yourself to Kerala food in Kochi, you need to embrace coconut oil wholeheartedly. Try the appams with kadala curry and coconut milk, and the puttu which are some of the famous native dishes. For rice lovers, you will find red rice which is rich in fiber and served in large amounts. While you at the shores, try the fish curry. And binge on the tapioca.