Depicting one of the richest cultures in the world, a visit to Kerala reveals many of the best-kept secrets of India. God’s own country, Kerala is a tourist’s paradise and is famed for its backwaters. The rich heritage of the state is also formed through its folk tales, legends and influences of various rituals.
One of such legends associated with Kerala is the Payippad Boat Race. This festival unites the rich mythology and the natural abundance of the land, perfectly.
The Celebrations:
Being one of the most popular boat races in Kerala, the Payippad Boat Race is an intricate 3-day affair. This festival is usually celebrated in the Payippad Lake situated in the picturesque region of Harpad which is around 35 km from Alleppey. The Payippad Boat Race is considered as the most colourful festivals of the state.
Details of the Festival:
Event Date: 13th September 2019
Venue: Payippad backwaters
Location: Alappuzha
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How to Get There?
The nearest railway station to Alleppey is in Harippad, around 5 km. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alleppey.
The History of the Snake Boat Races
The snake boats of Kerala have over 400 years of history associated with them. The story can be traced back to the time when the kings of Alleppey and the surrounding areas used to fight with each other along the canals in boats. One of these kings suffered a heavy loss due to which he appointed architects to build him a better vessel and this is how a snake boat was born.