Nehru Trophy Boat Race was held in 1952 to honor Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha. It occurs on the second Saturday of August. It takes place at Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala in India.

Various snake boats or Chundan Vallams compete with each other. From the navy boats of the Chempakasserry kings the boats have been adapted. The boat is about 100 feet in length and 100 rowers can board in it. Vadakkanody Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Kochu Vallam, Odi Vallam, Churulan Vallam and Veppu Vallam or Vaipu Vallam, and the other types of boats are there which participate in the various events of the race.

The race commence with a grand parade exhibiting Kerala’s culture. The traditional Kathakali and theyyam performances are organized and the visitors are encouraged to be part of this. In spite of this popular Malayali traditional cuisine such as fresh appams, meat curries, sea food, and much more are sampled by the visitors.