Overview
Indira Gandhi Boat Race – Kochi’s Colourful Water Sport
The world-renowned Indira Gandhi Boat Race is held at Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala, every year in December. This mega-event is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. As the race is conducted in 2–3 rounds, only a few boats qualify for the final competition.
History
The rolling regatta conducted in the backwaters of Kochi during the Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a spectacular sight. The event is named after Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman Prime Minister. Held annually in the last week of December, the race features 16 snake boats competing with great enthusiasm and festive spirit.
Following are the main attractions of the Indira Gandhi Boat Race:
Boats: The snake boats participating in the Indira Gandhi Boat Race are uniformly and systematically designed. They are known as ‘Vallam Kali’, meaning ‘boat game’ in Malayalam. Each boat carries around 150 oarsmen, each representing a different village. The race is therefore a symbol of unity, bonding and community spirit among the villagers.
Rituals: The Vallam Kalis are coated with sardine oil to ensure smooth movement through the backwaters. Each boat is manned by 4 helmsmen, 110–125 oarsmen and 25 singers. The singers keep the rhythm and uplift the energy of the rowers with traditional, powerful boat songs.
Excursions from Kochi: Along with witnessing the Indira Gandhi Boat Race, tourists can explore many attractions in Kochi, including the Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Cherai Beach, Indo-Portuguese Museum and the Paradesi Synagogue. Adventurous travellers can extend their trip to nearby destinations such as Kumarakom (49 km), Alleppey (53 km), Munnar (128 km) and Periyar (158 km).
Shopping in Kochi: Tourists love buying exquisite handicrafts, artwork and antique items from Kochi. The city is also famous for flavourful spices such as cardamom, black pepper and various spice varieties.
When to Visit: The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is held every year in the last week of December.
How to Visit:
Air: Kochi International Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities and several West Asian destinations through domestic and international flights.
Rail: Kochi is served by two major railway stations: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. The Konkan Railway connects Kochi with Mumbai, offering a scenic and memorable journey.
Road: Kochi is easily accessible from other cities in Kerala through an extensive inter-state and intra-state bus network.
