The fabulous range of these boats differ in size, length,and load carrying capacity. These boats are well known for their beautiful shape and ornamental design. A few with yellowish in colour after a few days with water it becomes black. This is the property of the Artocarpus wood. When it becomes black it is very pretty to see it floats on Kerala backwaters royally and successfully. The very aerodynamic body of these boats enjoys lesser resistance , more over its bottom surface which is in contact with water is plained and smoothend. The unbelievable factor about these sort of boats that its displaces almost equal volume of water when it is empty and loaded. As you look at it you cannot believe that a typical military boat can carry a substantial amount of load.
When Alappuzha military boat cruise, the Alappuzha backwaters it seems, as if it were almost dipped in water and that wonderful engineering is the genius works behind its success. These are classified, technically, according to its size, use and load carrying capacity. Even if it is almost dipped in water, it can move successfully.
Once upon a time these boats ruled the Alappuzha backwaters. When the local kingdoms lost its relevance, these sort of boats had no role in military operations. When roads get developed or newly made, the importance of voyage had lost its importance in Alappuzha. Thus, various species of boats, not only military boats, huge Alappuzha rice barges had lost their role.
Even though in these days, these military boats were used, on festival days, as racing boats. It is well known that by the days of Onam, the festival of kerala, many such water races are conducted in and around Alappuzha.
We have seen that these boats are of many types are classified as:
Chundan (Snake boat), Veppu, Oodi, Iruttukutti (paranthu vallam), Churulan
Since time immemorial Alappuzha backwater villages are very much fond of boats and boat races. The pandemic backwaters, coconut lagoons, rivers, all would feast a spell over human eyes. It always stimulates the human fancy. On the backdrops of Alappuzha backwaters and lagoons, an Alappuzha snake boat, Alappuzha 'Chundan vallam' gives limitless joy. Kerala 'Chundan vallom'was never prepared to get off when they had lost their such status and reputation.
The Kerala boat race is mainly meant for Alappuzha snake boats but all kinds of Alappuzha backwater boats are included in the race. The Alappuzha boat race is for The Nehru trophy. It is often called as the Nehru trophy boat race.
Near Finishing Point, Thathampally P.O.
Alappuzha, Kerala, S.India.
Mob: +91 93497 73759, +91 98479 48049
Tel: +91 477 3201249
e-mail: alappuzhaboathouse@gmail.com
www.alleppeyboatrace.com