Kerala is famous for its serene stretch of tranquil backwaters and lakes. Being one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, the backwaters of Kerala are popularly known as the ‘Venice of the East’. However, the backwaters are not the only factor which adds to the beauty of Kerala. The annually conducted snake boat races of Kerala, are one of the few reasons which make Kerala visit-worthy. Here are all the details about the boat festival of Kerala.

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The Snake Boat races of Kerala

Popularly known as ‘Vellam Kali’ in the local language, the snake boat races are a form of canoe racing and is conducted during Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala in the State. The name of the boat is derived from its shape, as the boat is snake-shaped. These famous boat races have 400 years of history associated with them, as the history of the boats is traced back to the kings of Kerala who used to make the use of these boats for battles.

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The boat races of Kerala are considered a spectacle of passion, strength and celebration in Kerala. A large number of groups participate in the competition which is held at several locations across the state.

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The schedule of the matches

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